Challenge Soccer
The Challenge program is the intermediary division of soccer at NCFC Youth. Challenge soccer is a competitive program that requires players to try-out and provides a higher level of competition compared to the Recreation program, but with a lower time and financial commitment compared to Classic. Challenge teams range from U9-U19, and the program is led by Challenge Director Brett Malone.
FAQs
Have a question about Challenge Soccer? Check out our FAQ page!
FAQs
Ages
Kids born in 2008-1998 (ages 8-18) are able to play in the Challenge Division.
2017-2018 Age Group Chart
| Child's Birth Year | Age Group |
| 2009 | '09 (U9) |
| 2008 | '08 (U10) |
| 2007 | '07 (U11) |
| 2006 | '06 (U12) |
| 2005 | '05 (U13) |
| 2004 | '04 (U14) |
| 2003 | '03 (U15) |
| 2002 | '02 (U16) |
| 2001 | '01 (U17) |
| 2000 | '00 (U18) |
| 1999/1998 | '99/'98 (U19 |
Player Pathway/Program Comparison
Not sure what program is right for your player? Check out the different programs we offer and at which age groups.
Player Pathway/Program Comparison
Coaches
All of our coaches are volunteers and pass a risk management/background check conducted by North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA). All coaches are expected to be in the process of attaining a coaching education license through either NCFC Youth, NCYSA, or NSCAA. We provide multiple coaching education opportunities throughout the year and give our coaches various resources to help them be successful.
Coaches Info
Team Formation
All new players interested in playing Challenge soccer must attend try-outs. Try-outs are held in June for the following year, and supplemental try-outs are held in December for just the Spring season.
Challenge teams are based on players' birth year (mandated by USYS) and region in which they live: Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, and Holly Springs. After each player is fairly evaluated at try-outs, Challenge Coaches will use a draft system to pick their team in effort to form competitively balanced teams in each region. Only children of NCFC Challenge head coaches are guaranteed placement onto a NCFC Challenge team.
Once players accept a roster spot on a Challenge team, they do not need to participate in our annual try-outs if they want to stay on the same team.
Try-outs
Seasons
Challenge soccer is a year long program played in the Fall (end of August - end of October) and Spring (mid February - end of April). When players register in the Fall, they are automatically enrolled for the Spring season (on the same team).
Players can attend Supplemental Try-outs in December in attempts to make a Spring 2018 Challenge team, in which case they would only play Challenge Spring soccer.
Important Dates
| August | | September | | October |
| 14 | | | Practices Begin | | 2-3 | | | No games - Labor Day | | 7-8 | | Bye Week |
| 26-27 | | | Play Date #1 | | 9-10 | | | Play Date #2 |
| 14-15 | | Play Date #6 |
| | | | | | 16-17 | | | Play Date #3 | | 21-22 | | Play Date #7 |
| | | | | | 23-24 | | | Play Date #4 | | 28-29 | | Rain Make-up |
| | | | | | 30-Oct. 1 | | | Play Date #5 | | | | |
*There will be no bye request for the Fall 2017 season, as it is built in on October 7-8. Teams will have at least one weekend when two games are played.
Club Fees
The annual club fee (for both Fall and Spring seasons) includes Field Rentals and Usage, Coaches & Coaching Education, and Administration.
Learn more
Location & Fields
Players choose which area they want to be considered for during try-outs: Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary, or Garner.
Teams will practice in their region, however, games can be in any region.
Text Alerts: Text NCFCCH to 84483 to receive Challenge alerts from us. Text alerts include game/practice cancellations, weather updates and other emergency or last minute information.
Field Locations & Maps
Trainings & Games
All Challenge teams will play home games in the region in which they are assigned: Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Garner or Holly Springs.
'08 (U9) - '03 (U14) teams
Teams train twice a week for 90 minutes, and typically have one game on the weekend. Each team will play 8 games against teams in the NCFC Scheduling League. Games may be Friday evenings or anytime Saturday or Sunday. '02 (U15) - '98 (U19) Effective Fall 2017
Teams train 1 time a week for 90 minutes, and may request a 2nd weekly practice if they desire. Typically teams have 8 NCFC Scheduling League games and play Sunday afternoons to minimize conflicts with school activities. There may be an occasional game scheduled for Friday or Saturday though. Teams are only allowed to play one season of NCFC soccer due to high school seasons. The girls play Challenge in the Fall and boys play in the Spring.Important Dates
Tournaments
Teams are encouraged to attend 2-3 tournaments each season at the discretion of the Head Coach and team families. Typically, teams play in one local tournament and one "travel" tournament. If teams wish to participate in a 3rd tournament, there must be a 75% approval from the team's families.
Tournaments
2017-2018 Uniforms
Fall 2017 marks NCFC Youth's inaugural year and Year 1 of the adidas uniform cycle. All NCFC Youth players must purchase the uniform kit online using a link the Team Manager will provide over the summer. The Challenge "home" game jersey is Navy.
Uniform Kit
2009 (9U) Program
The 2009 (9U) age group is a developmental portion of the Challenge program. One of the goals for the Challenge program is to achieve parity across all teams in an age group.
9U Program
NCFC Scheduling League
The NCFC Challenge Scheduling League is comprised of NCFC Challenge teams and other Challenge soccer teams in the Wake County area. More than 160 teams participate in the league each season. The NCFC Scheduler schedules all games, referees and fields. All NCFC Challenge teams participate in this league, and any other teams wishing to join the league must fill out the form below, pay the NCFC Scheduling League fee & half the referee fees.
Game Schedule
Fall 2017 game schedules will be release end of July. Once schedules are posted, you can view them here:
Game Schedules
Policies
Read more about NCFC Challenge policies including refunds, uniforms, insurance, and equipment.
Policies