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Before Tryouts

For Parents
  • Read all information regarding Tryouts and register online. 
  • Continue to check ChattanoogaSoccer.com and related social media platforms for new information and any changes. 
  • Try to not add any extra pressure to your child before or during tryouts.
  • Wear shin guards, cleats, and bring properly inflated ball.
  • Hydrate before the session and bring water.
Attendance
If you have registered and can no longer attend due to injury or another unavoidable circumstance, notify the Director of Coaching via this form as soon as possible.
 
Weather
In the event of inclement weather, updates will be communicated via email to registered players if any changes to the schedule are made. Updates will also be shared via CFCA's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

During Tryouts

Evaluators: CFCA Directors of Coaching and coaching staff
Your child will be evaluated by the coaching staff in various group activities. The staff will assess current skill level, effort and potential ability. The tryout process is conducted in a relaxed environment where players are encouraged to  have fun. 
Player Selection: The number of players selected will be determined by the number of players in attendance and the quality of the player pool. Although no guarantee, our desire is to offer a spot to every player in the Junior Academy (U9-U12). If the staff determines that another program is more appropriate for your player, we will have an individual conversation with parents.

After Tryouts

How will players be notified of their placement?
 
Players selected for a team will receive a phone call and/or email invitation within 48 hours of the final session. An email will contain instructions to complete the acceptance process. In some cases, you may receive the email before the coach call. 
 
How to accept your spot
 
Acceptance by a player and his/her family is considered binding, and each player/family is expected to make a commitment to their respective program for its duration (season/year).
This commitment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Filling a roster spot on a team for the entire year
  • Fulfilling all training, game and financial commitments
Because there are multiple teams within a particular age group, players are asked to be prepared to make a decision within 24 hours. We trust that your family has time this spring and the week of tryouts to consider potential scenarios. Therefore, the 24-hour period is designed to give you time for final discussions as a family. 
 
New Players: 
 
After tryouts are complete and teams selected, any new player who did not attend tryouts or register for tryouts wishing to join CFCA must contact the Director of Coaching to discuss eligibility and to arrange a time to be evaluated.  All required registration materials must be completed prior to a player’s evaluation. 
 
In-season Transfers between CFCA teams: 
 
Team coaches, in consultation with the Age Group Director and/or the Director of Coaching, may transfer a player up a level during the seasonal year.

Other Common Questions

Who will coach my child's team?
All coaches in CFC Academy are professionally licensed by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) or NSCAA governing body. All coaches undergo an extensive criminal background check as well as training for concussion and cardiac awareness. CFCA staff will include a diverse mix of returning coaches as well as new coaches who are moving from out of state. We are always excited about the fresh ideas coming to our club! 

Will CFC Academy give my child the opportunity to compete in TSSA State League with the chance for a state championship? 
Absolutely. Being part of the state association is an important part of our development program. Teams will have a pathway to compete at the state level with an opportunity to earn a spot in USYS Regionals which opens the door to the USYS National Championship Series. To supplement the play for higher level teams, the club will register these teams in targeted competitive tournaments and/or College Showcase events.

How old do you have to be for tryouts?
Tryouts begin at the U9 age. If your child is a U7 or U8, they 
should consider our Pre-Academy Identification Program (IDP). The IDP is an early entry into a higher level of training and curriculum than rec soccer.  Nearly 90% of players on a travel select team at U9 came from our Pre-Academy IDP.

Do you have Non-Travel teams?
In general, the amount of travel is tied to competition level and age. The older a team is and the more advanced a team, the greater a requirement to travel. Overnight travel is rare for younger teams who are playing 7v7. An occasional day trip to nearby cities like Knoxville, Nashville, Huntsville or Atlanta is possible.

Where does CFCA train and play?
We know our families live all over the Chattanooga area so we offer training at multiple complexes. Our primary training facilities will continue to be Grimes and Camp Jordan for the 2022-23 season. We have turf agreements with Finley Stadium, Highland Park Commons, UTC, and Baylor School.  

How many times per week do teams practice?
We offer three training sessions per week. Two of these are team training and the third is Club Training, which focuses on additional areas of soccer development such as strength/conditioning. 

Are practices mandatory?
Team training sessions are mandatory. Club Training is highly encouraged. 

How many tournaments are teams required to play?
We require teams to play in our RiverFest Classic tournament in the fall and the club's spring tournament. Both of these tournaments are run by CFC Academy and hosted in Chattanooga attracting dozens of clubs from multiple states. In addition, teams will generally attend one overnight tournament in the fall and one in the spring. 

How much does it cost to play for the Chattanooga FC Academy?
A payment plan with several options will make it fit almost any budget. See the descriptions of fees here

Can I watch tryouts?
While we do not have restrictions on this, we ask that you give your child and the coaching staff plenty of space to avoid distractions, especially during times like water breaks. 

Is my child guaranteed a spot in the club?
We anticipate being able to accommodate all players within a CFCA-sponsored team. If our coaching staff feels like select soccer is not yet an appropriate environment for your child, they will notify that parent individually.