CHALLENGE
About the Program
Challenge soccer is a competitive program that requires players to try out and provides a higher level of competition and commitment than our Recreation program, but lower time and financial commitment than Classic. Challenge is offered to players born between 2016-2006 (U9-U19) and is led by Challenge Director Jamie Corti.
Teams in the Challenge program are formed by birth year (not grades) and require a full-year commitment that includes both a Fall season (August - November) and a Spring season (February - May).
Quick Facts:
- Intermediate program for players ages U9-U19
- Teams train 2x/week and play a game on the weekend
- Teams are led by volunteer coaches supported by a full-time Challenge Director & 2 full-time Administrators
- Option to compete in select local/travel tournaments throughout the year
- U15-U19 Girls teams only play in the Fall season, U15-U19 Boys teams only play Spring season to accommodate the high school season.
- U15-19 Challenge teams practice 1x week to maximize attendance and minimize conflicts with other activities
- U15-U19 Challenge Coaches may request a 2nd session through our scheduler.
- 2nd sessions are assigned once all other NCFC trainings have been scheduled, based on availability, and are not guaranteed.
About our Coaches
The Challenge program is led by passionate volunteer coaches.
The overall goal of our program and coaches is to provide a fun, positive and safe environment for our players to grow their love and development for the game.
Interested in becoming a coach?
Tryouts
Tryouts for Spring 2025 have concluded. If you missed tryouts and are interested in the Challenge program, please complete the Player Interest Form so we can keep you informed on future tryout opportunities. If an immediate opportunity arises in your birthyear/region we will contact you.
Tryout information for the 2025-2026 season will be posted in mid-February. Tryouts will take place in Mid-May through early June for the following birthyears: 2017-2012 Boys and Girls, 2011-2008 Girls.
Questions: Challenge@ncfcyouth.com
Important Dates
Fall 2024 Play Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| August 19th-23rd | Practices Begin |
| August 24th-25th | First Game Weekend |
| August 31st-September 1st | No Games (Labor Day Weekend) |
| October 12th-13th | No Games (Capital City Classic Weekend) |
| October 26th-27th | Last Play-Date |
| November 2nd-3rd | Weather Make-Up Weekend |
Spring 2025 Play Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| February 15th – 21st | First Week of Practice |
| March 1st & 2nd | First Game Weekend |
| April 5th & 6th | No Games (WCPSS Spring Break) |
| April 19th & 20th | No Games (Easter Weekend) |
| April 26th & 27th | Last Game Weekend |
| May 3rd & 4th | Weather Make-Up Weekend |
Schedules
Challenge teams participate in NCFC Youth's Challenge Scheduling League which is sanctioned by NCYSA.
Game schedules are available to view both through NCYSA's SINC Website as well as your team's PlayMetrics page.
To view Schedules in PlayMetrics, login to your account, click on your Team's page and then on the Games tab at the top.
Field Locations
Players select a designated region during registration, which helps determine team assignment. We make every effort to place players on age-appropriate teams in their selected region of choice.
- Raleigh
- Durham/Chapel Hill (DCH)
- Holly Springs/Fuquay Varina (HSFV)
- Knightdale
- Cary
- Chatham County
- Garner
- Wake Forest
Club Fees
2024-2025 Full Year
NCFC Youth Challenge players who accept a spot on a Challenge team are committing to the full year (barring extenuating circumstances), will pay the Challenge Club Fee upfront or in installments, and purchase a uniform kit every two years.
| Age Group | Full Year Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 (U9) - 2015 (U10) | $650 |
| 2014 (U11) - 2013 (U12) | $680 |
| 2012 (U13) - 2011 (U14) | $690 |
| 2010 (U15) - 2006 (U19) | $425 |
Installments - Full Year
| Date | U9-U10 | U11-U12 | U13-U14 | U15-U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee | $175 | $170 | $175 | $225 |
| July 15 | $150 | $170 | $170 | $200 |
| September 15 | $175 | $170 | $175 | -- |
| October 15 | $150 | $170 | $170 | -- |
Installments - Mid Year (Supplemental & HS Boys)
| Date | U9-U10 | U11-U12 | U13-U14 | U15-U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee (by December 20) | $175 | $170 | $175 | $225 |
| January 15 | $150 | $170 | $170 | $200 |
Uniforms
Fall 2023 begins the first year of our 2-year Adidas uniform cycle. NCFC Youth Challenge players will be using the Challenge uniform kit through the end of the Spring 2025 season.
2023-2025 Challenge Uniform Kits:
| Uniform Size | Approx. Cost* |
|---|---|
| Youth Kit | ≈$155 |
| Adult Kit | ≈$165 |
*Estimated uniform costs are based on minimum required uniform kit items and do not include taxes or shipping, if applicable, and may change based on sizes, mix of sizes, etc.. Economy shipping is free on orders over $100.
Coach Resources
We provide a number of coaching education opportunities to coaches at all skill levels. Click the links below to learn more.
Coaching Application
Qualified candidates must have passion, energy, enthusiasm, and desire to work with young players.
Practice Plans
Print, study and execute these pre-designed practice sessions to help you plan for the season.
Rules of Play
Code of Coduct
All Challenge Coaches must abide by the five points of the Coaches Code of Conduct.
Read the Code →
Team Manager Resources
Everything Team Managers need to know before, during and after the season!
Team Dues & Budget Guidelines
Survival Guide
Team Manager Handbook
Our Team Manager Handbook provides you with information on
responsibilities and tips.
Notification to Travel
Policies
Read more about Challenge Policies including refunds, coaches expense, insurance, and try-outs.
Guest Player
Contact Us
Please direct any questions to your area administrator:
Patty Scharville
Assistant Challenge Director,
U9-U12 Age Group Administrator
Comuníquese con el administrador de Español, Ramon Gallardo o Giovanni Solis
ADDRESS
3150 Spring Forest Road, Suite 116
Raleigh, NC 27616
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 11 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–4PM
Wednesday 11 AM–4 PM
Thursday 11 AM-4 PM
Friday 9 AM-2 PM
