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 2015-2005 (ages 9-19) 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 9 - 19
- 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.
Important Dates
Dates below are for the 2022-23 season.
Spring 2023 Play Dates
Date | Description |
---|---|
February 20th | Practices Begin |
Mar 11th-12th | #1 Play Date |
Mar 18th-19th | #2 Play Date |
Mar 25th-26th | #3 Play Date |
April 1st-2nd | #4 Play Date (1st weekend WCPSS Spring Break) |
April 8th-9th | No Games |
April 15th-16th | #5 Play Date |
April 22nd-23rd | #6 Play Date |
April 29th-30th | #7 Play Date |
May 6th-7th | #8 Rain 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
2023-24 Club Fees
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 |
---|---|
2015 (U9) - 2014 (U10) | $600 |
2013 (U11) - 2012 (U12) | $630 |
2011 (U13) - 2010 (U14) | $640 |
2009 (U15) - 2005 (U19) | $400 |
Installments - Full Year
Date | U9-U10 | U11-U12 | U13-U14 | U15-U19 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acceptance Fee | $150 | $155 | $160 | $200 |
July 15 | $150 | $160 | $160 | $200 |
September 15 | $150 | $155 | $160 | -- |
October 15 | $150 | $160 | $160 | -- |
Uniforms
Fall 2021 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 2023 season.
All Challenge players are required to wear the NCFC Grey Training Top at all training/practices. Navy shorts and Navy socks should be worn to training. We recommend Adidas shorts and socks.
AWAY HOME PRACTICE
Uniform Size | Approx. Cost* |
---|---|
Youth Kit | $175 |
Adult Kit | $189 |
*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
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-U12Age Group Administrator
Comuníquese con el administrador de Español, Ramon Gallardo o Giovanni Solis