Academy Program U13-U19
(This used to be our Select Program)
The North Star FC Academy is the highest level of play within our club, designed for committed players and families pursuing elite competition and long-term development. Spanning ages U13 through U19, our Academy teams compete in Minnesota’s top leagues, including ECNL Regional League, and attend premier tournaments and college showcases primarily in the midwest.
Our Academy program emphasizes advanced technical training, tactical understanding, and physical preparation, led by our most experienced coaching staff. Each team follows a carefully structured training calendar designed to support player growth and maximize performance.
Program Schedule:
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U13–U14: Season begins in the fall, with a mid-October to December break. Training resumes in December and runs through early July.
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U15–U19: Training begins in November and continues through early July, allowing players to participate in high school soccer prior to the club season.
The Academy is ideal for players with a high level of commitment, strong work ethic, and the ambition to compete at the regional or national level—including those with college soccer aspirations.
By joining you will receive the following benefits:
Benefits of Joining the Academy Level at North Star FC
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Top-Tier Coaching Staff
Train under experienced, licensed coaches dedicated to player development at the highest levels. -
Year-Round Training
Structured fall, winter, and spring/summer programming designed to maximize growth and maintain peak performance. -
Elite Competition
Compete in top-tier leagues including ECNL Regional League, and face the strongest teams in the state and region. -
Premier Tournament & Showcase Access
Participate in nationally recognized tournaments and college showcases, providing invaluable exposure. -
College Recruiting Support
Access to SportsRecruits, a powerful platform that helps players connect with college coaches and manage their recruiting journey. -
Player Development Pathway
A clearly defined progression from U13 through U19, with a focus on technical, tactical, and personal growth. -
Team Environment
Train with like-minded, driven athletes who share your passion and competitive mindset. -
Professional Club Partnerships
Opportunities to be scouted and supported through our connections with regional and national programs.
Practice Information
Academy ECNL RL and NPL Level teams will begin indoor practices starting in November / December.
Academy TCSL Regional and National Level Teams will begin practice in January.
Practice times and dates will rotate depending on the schedule of the RCTC DOME. Teams will conclude indoor practices in April. Teams can expect 2 practices weekly.
Location- RCTC Dome
Once the weather turns nice teams will move outside. Teams will practice times a week.
** ECNL RL and NPL League teams will begin to have Home games in Fall 2026
** TCSL Regional and National teams will continue to be forced to play all games away.
Our U13 and U14 Academy teams, competing in the ECNL RL or NPL League, will be formed following summer tryouts. Players should register for the 2026 Fall Competitive League. Once tryouts are complete we will move the players to the correct registration- Academy or Developmental Academy. Players that do not make the Academy teams will need to register for the 2027 Spring / Summer Program before the deadline of October 31st.
Academy begins in the fall, with league play running through mid-October. After a short break, teams in ECNL RL or NPL resume training in November and participate in 4–6 winter league games during the indoor season. Academy Teams in the 3rd or 4th tier of TCSL will play the fall season, and then have a break until January. Tier 3 and 4 do not have winter games.
In April, teams transition back outdoors, continuing competition and training through early July.
This year-round schedule is designed to provide consistent development, competitive matches, and preparation for the next level of play.
** ECNL RL and NPL League teams will begin to have Home games in Fall 2026
** TCSL Regional and National teams will continue to be forced to play all games away.
Commitment for these teams are high. Players are expected to be at all practices and games. If a player is going to miss a practice or a game then timely communication with the coach is expected.
Starting in the Fall 2026, US Club and USYS will begin the new birth year guidelines that all clubs will follow. Please see below:
U9- August 1st 2017- July 31st 2018
U10- August 1st 2016- July 31st 2017
U11-August 1st 2015- July 31st 2016
U12- August 1st 2014- July 31st 2015
U13- August 1st 2013- July 31st 2014
U14- August 1st 2012- July 31st 2013
U15- August 1st 2011- July 31st 2012
U16- August 1st 2010- July 31st 2011
U17- August 1st 2009- July 31st 2010
U18- August 1st 2008- July 31st 2009
ECNL RL and NPL Level Teams- November Thru July
TCSL National and Regional Level Teams- January-July
** Please click on the U13/14 page for more accurate information for these age groups.
Starting in Fall 2025, we will be in a new uniform cycle so all players will need to order new kits.
- If you are in need of a uniform please stop by the Soccer Post Store inside the facility- 380 Woodlake Dr SE.
Registration Information
$1830 for U13/14 players
$1550 for U15-U19 players
Cost include the following expenses:
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Tournament costs up to $2400 per team- this is the team allotment. If the team goes over this amount, parents will need to pay additional
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Indoor and outdoor field rentals
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Referees for League games
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Player Secondary Insurance
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Office Expenses
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League fees
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Coaching Pay
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Equipment
Need Financial Assistance? We're Here to Help.
At North Star FC, we believe every child should have the opportunity to play, regardless of financial circumstances. If you need assistance, we offer a Financial Aid option during registration through PlayMetrics.
To apply:
- Log in to PlayMetrics and begin the registration process.
- Click on the "Financial Aid" tab before completing your registration.
- Submit your application with the required information.
Once submitted, your request will be reviewed by our team. You will receive an email notification once your application has been approved or denied. After receiving a decision, you may proceed with registering for the program.
If you have any questions or need help with the process, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please select the "payment plan option" when registering.
There will be an initial $85 payment when you register, and then the remaining amount will be spread out over 7 months- November thru June. The $75 is nonrefundable.
Payments will come out on the 1st of each month.
North Star FC’s Academy Program represents the highest level of youth soccer in Southern Minnesota and serves as the top tier of our Player Development Pyramid.
Tryouts are open to all players in the region, regardless of their current club affiliation. Players from other clubs are welcome to attend. If a player does not make a North Star FC Academy team and wishes to return to their original club, a release can be requested to support that transition.
- U13 and U14 teams begin their season in the fall
- U15 and older teams begin training in November
Team rosters will be announced shortly after tryouts conclude.
**Please note- if you a player that is currently playing for another club within TCSL you must email Kevin Lowery at klowery@northstarfc.com prior to registration
Click to Register Opens June 6th!
Practice Field locations as of Fall 2026-27
