Competitive & Academy

 North Texas Youth Soccer currently defines Academy Soccer as “pre-select” soccer for the Under-9 and Under-10 age groups. U11+ Age groups compete in Competitive or “Select” soccer. North Texas area clubs are now able to offer “pre-academy” for lower age groups (U8, U7).

Academy soccer is for players seeking more advanced levels of play than recreational soccer. In recreational soccer, the focus is on fun and friendship, while academy soccer is focused on player development in preparation for elite levels of play at the U11+ levels.

The profile of an academy soccer player are:

1. Loves the game of soccer as a favorite sport
2. Demonstrates a level of skill & ball touch more adept than their recreational soccer peers.
3. Demonstrates a love of competition and exploring ways to compete
4. Has a good-natured attitude and is willing to learn and be instructed
5. Will play with a soccer ball away from practice and games

Academy and pre-Academy are good times to evaluate youth soccer players to see if they really enjoy the higher level of play or if the recreational aspect of soccer is more enjoyable for them.

Yes, NTSSA allows players in the U7 through U10 age groups to play both recreational and academy soccer. A separate academy registration is required and must be completed each season (fall/spring). According to NTSSA by-laws, if a player is playing recreational soccer, that player must also register for academy through their home association.