Kraft Family YMCA’s Triangle Y Soccer Club Challenge Program
What is Challenge soccer?
Challenge is a competitive level of soccer where player expectations and development are raised beyond
recreational soccer. Challenge is not “win at all cost.” Challenge is a player development level.
What’s the difference between Challenge and recreational soccer?
Unlike recreation, where all registered players are assigned to a team, Challenge teams are created through a
tryout process with a strict maximum roster. Players are selected based on their soccer skills, work ethic, and
focus. Challenge players should have a willingness and desire to improve their soccer skills.
What kind of commitment is required?
Challenge teams practice twice per week, play regular season games on Saturdays or Sundays and attend
tournaments. A player selected for a Challenge team remains registered to that team for 1 seasonal year (Aug. 1
through following May 31), which includes the fall and spring seasons.
How old does my child have to be to play Challenge soccer?
Per NCYSA regulations, players must be a true 8U(nder) to participate in Challenge soccer (see next page for age
group explanations). However, our TYSC rules state that players may “play up” only one age division. Therefore,
players must be a true 9U to participate in TYSC Challenge soccer. Exceptions to our TYSC rule will be considered
on a player-by-player basis. The NCYSA rule is non-negotiable.
Is there guaranteed playing time?
Players are expected to attend both practices each week and be focused on the training session. Playing time
depends primarily on attendance, attitude, and work ethic. However, since the game is the best teacher, players
generally play about ½ the game and earn more playing time based on the above criteria.
Who do Challenge teams play against?
TYSC Challenge teams play in the NCFC scheduling league made up teams from NCFC and other clubs primarily
in Wake, Johnston, and Orange Counties. Teams play each other based on a schedule created by the league
commissioner. Each season, Challenge teams play approximately 8 games and attend local or out-of-town
tournaments where they may play against teams from anywhere in the state.
Is there a lot of travel involved?
Most regular season opponents are within the Triangle region. Typical travel time for away games is 30-60 mins
with an occasional 75-min drive. Tournaments may be local or remote enough to require staying overnight.
What about tournaments?
The NCYSA sanctions numerous tournaments during the year throughout the state. Our teams are eligible to play
in any, or all, of them. Full-year teams have entry fees for 2 tournaments covered by their registration. Singleseason teams (U15 & older) have entry fees for 1 tournament covered by their registration. The team must pay
for any additional tournaments. Teams typically attend a tournament each season. It’s customary for most teams
to attend the same tournaments, but teams may substitute based on their schedules and desires of the team.
What additional training is offered?
We are working on Athletic Performance Sessions (possibly during the summer and/or winter off seasons.
Optional Winter Clinics may be offered as well. Participation would be additional cost to the program fee.
Does Challenge cost more than recreation?
Yes. Challenge teams incur more costs than recreation teams. Items like player/league registration, field usage,
referees, Challenge Coordinator and tournament entry fees are included in the costs. The fee does not include a
uniform kit (approximately $135).
Where can I get more information?
TYSC Challenge Guidelines are posted on the TYSC website (www.triangleysoccer.org). Specific questions about
the TYSC Challenge program can be directed to Mark Simmons, YMCA Youth Sports Director (919-657-9622 /
[email protected]), or John Alexander, TYSC Challenge Commissioner ([email protected]).
Specific Information for the 2017-2018 Season
What are the age groups?
For competitive soccer teams, players are grouped by their birth year. For example, a 12U (12 Under team) for
the upcoming 2017-2018 year would be players born in 2006.









10U
11U
12U
13U
14U
15U
16U
17U
18U
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2008s
2007s
2006s
2005s
2004s
2003s
2002s
2001s
2000s
What teams are going to form for the 2017-18 year and when are the tryouts?
All tryouts will be held at the Kraft Family YMCA (8921 Holly Springs Rd, Apex).
***Tryout pre-registration form can be found at: www.ymcatriangle.org/programs-services/sports/youthsports/youth-soccer-challenge
***Field Status info (weather) can be found at: www.twitter.com/kraftfamilyymca
Age
Group
10U Boys
Birth
Year
2008s
Format
(Max Roster)
7v7 (12)
10U Girls
2008s
7v7 (12)
11U Girls
2007s
9v9 (14)
U12 Girls
2006s
9v9 (14)
12U Boys
2006s
9v9 (14)
13U Boys
2005s
11v11 (22)
o
o
Teams
New Team (TBD) … 10-12 openings
Coach: Adam Steele
New Team (TBD) … 10-12 openings
Coach: Louis Pratt
Flames … 6-8 openings
Coach: Bonnie Hathaway
Flames 2 … 6-8 openings
Coach: Louis Pratt / Steve Herschman
Fire … 2-4 openings
Coach: John Alexander / Beanie Clapper
Thunder … 3-5 openings
Coach: Geoff Bost / Yo Sobha/ Mark Simmons
Supplemental for all age groups noted above:
Girls 10U, 11U, & 12U at 6pm
Boys 10U, 12U & 13U at 7pm
Location (YMCA fields):
Tue, 5/23, 6:00
(front field)
Thurs, 5/25, 6:00 (back field)
Mon, 5/22, 6:00 (front field)
Thurs, 5/25, 6:00 (front field)
Mon, 5/22, 6:00 (front field)
Thurs, 5/25, 6:00 (front field)
Mon, 5/22, 6:00 (front field)
Thurs, 5/25, 6:00 (front field)
Tue, 5/23, 7:00
(front field)
Thurs, 5/25, 7:00 (front field)
Mon, 5/22, 7:00 (front field)
Tues, 5/23, 7:00 (front field)
Tues, 5/30, Girls 6:00 (front field)
Tues, 5/30, Boys 7:00 (front field)
Girls will be considered for boys’ teams only if there isn’t enough interest in a girls’ team for an age group.
Age groups may be combined depending on interest. In this scenario, players in the lower age group will
“play up” to the next age group.