Start an AA Team FAQ

2026–2027 Season • Information for coaches who want to move a Challenger team to AA or start a new AA team.

AA teams are coach-led teams. Before players register, the coach must communicate the plan, confirm player interest, and complete the team setup process.

I Coach a Challenger Team and Want to Move to AA

What should I do first?

  1. Talk with your parents and players. Make sure everyone understands the plan to move from Challenger/Recreation to AA.
  2. Confirm player commitment. You need enough players who are ready to play AA for the 2026–2027 season.
  3. Complete the coach/team setup form. Do this even if your team is not attending open tryouts so the league has your correct contact information.
  4. Tell your players not to attend the AA draft tryout if they are already committed to your team.
  5. Identify whether you need more players. If your roster is short, use the ideas below to find additional players.
Coach / Team Setup Form

I Want to Start a New AA Team

Step 1: Build Interest

Talk to players from your current team, school, neighborhood, or other soccer contacts to see who is interested in playing AA.

Step 2: Check Roster Size

Make sure you have enough players for your age group format. Younger teams play smaller-sided games, while older teams need larger rosters.

Step 3: Register Your Team

Complete the coach/team setup form so NUCS can collect your contact information and help with next steps.

Roster Size and Game Format

Age Group Format Recommended Roster Ball Size
U9 / U10 7v7 9–13 players 4
U11 / U12 9v9 11–15 players 4
U13 / U14 11v11 13–18 players 5
U15–U18 11v11 13–18 players 5

U9 girls and U10 girls are usually separate when numbers allow, but they may be combined if there are not enough players.

How Do I Find More Players?

  • Ask your current players if they know friends from school, neighborhood, or other teams who may be interested.
  • Talk with parents from your Challenger team and explain the AA commitment clearly.
  • Attend Challenger games and introduce yourself to families of players who may be a good fit.
  • Register your team for AA tryouts so interested players can find you.
  • Use the player interest list when available.

Important Timeline

Early May

Talk to parents, confirm player interest, and decide whether you have enough players to form an AA team.

Mid May

AA tryouts are held. Coaches needing players should register and participate in the tryout process.

End of May

Teams should be mostly formed so registration and roster setup can begin.

Summer

Players register, upload required documents, and teams prepare for the fall season.

Player Registration Requirements

Each player will need to complete registration after receiving team instructions from the coach.

  • Players register using the assignment code provided by the coach.
  • Each player must upload a current headshot.
  • Each player must provide a birth certificate or passport if one is not already verified in the system.
  • Parents should make sure contact information is accurate in Affinity / Sports Connect.
AA Registration Info

Do My Players Need to Attend Open Tryouts?

If they are already committed to your team: No.

Players who are already committed to your AA team should not attend the open AA draft tryout. Open tryouts are primarily for players looking for a team and coaches who need additional players.

If your team needs more players: Yes, your team should participate.

Coaches who need players should complete the coach/team setup form and be available during the tryout process.

AA Player Tryout Info

Questions?

If you are unsure whether your team should move to AA, start by completing the team setup form or contacting the league.

Email: [email protected]