recreational & introductory soccer (R&I)

The NC Rush Central R&I program is the perfect introduction to soccer for young beginners and their parents. Our parent-child classes focus on fundamental movement, coordination, balance, and proprioception—all in a fun, soccer-centered environment.

For players ages 5-7, we offer recreational teams and league play led by experienced coaches and guided by professionals, ensuring a well-structured program where every child learns and thrives. Additionally, our exciting camps and clinics will make your summers unforgettable.

Don't miss the chance to be part of the NC Rush Central R&I community!

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program details

The NC Rush Youth Development Academy is a 10-month program running from August to May, providing year-round training and competition in both outdoor and indoor environments for boys and girls ages 6-10 years old.

Our methodology is built on the fundamentals of the game at the highest level, creating engaging and educational settings designed to maximize touches and accelerate player development.

Players may ask, or be invited to join NC Rush Central at any point during the year; however all player transfers must be in accordance with NCYSA rules.

Program Structure:

  • Training: Two sessions per week—one group session and one individual skill training session.
  • Games: 8 matches per season (Fall, Winter, and Spring), totaling 24 games, plus the opportunity to compete in seasonal tournaments.
  • Additional Events: Teams may be formed for extra competitions with neighboring clubs and associations.
  • Winter Season: Dedicated futsal training and competition indoors.

Player placement for games is determined by our professional technical directors and training staff, ensuring the best developmental experience for each athlete.

PLAYER COMMITMENT

Fall

Games:

  • 8 Games (Sept-Nov)

Training Sessions:

  • 2 Sessions per week (Starts Aug)

Sample Schedule:

Training Schedule:  Wednesday/Thursday (6:00 pm start time)

Games:  8U Monday evenings, 10U (Sat/Sun)

Tournaments:  October/November

Winter

Games:

  • 8 Games (Dec-Feb)

Training Sessions:

  • 2 Session per week

Sample Schedule:

Training Schedule: 

U8: Wed/Friday (5:30 pm start time)

U10: Wed/Friday (6:30pm start time)

Games:  8U/10U Sunday

Tournaments:  January

Spring

Games:

  • 8 Games (March-May)

Training Sessions:

  • 2 Sessions per week

Sample Schedule:

Training Schedule:  Wednesday/Thursday (6:00 pm start time)

Games:  8U Monday evenings, 10U (Sat/Sun)

Tournaments:  April/May

R&I FAQ's

  • Where and when do we train?

    Training is twice per week, in Chapel Hill at Culbreth Middle School and/or Scroggs Field. 


    We also offer additional programming available for all NC Rush members in addition to their YDA sessions, such as Futsal Friday or open NC Rush community pick up games.


    Trainings for 8U & 10U are on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the fall and spring. Wednesday and Friday indoors in the winter.


    8U games are Monday evenings and 10U games are on weekends in the fall and spring. Games are indoors for both ages groups and played on Sundays in the winter.


    All training and game schedules will be shared one month in advance of every season and we will have preseason info meeting for all age groups with coaches and directors presenting the plans and organzation for the upcoming season "block".

  • Will we need to travel to play our games?

    8U will generally play 8 games in Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Orange County. 


    10U will play a set of home and away games. This generally ends up being 4 home games in Chapel Hill/Carrboro and 4 away games versus clubs in and around Orange, Chatham, Alamance, Durham and Wake County. 


    Tournaments for these ages will be hosted in Chapel Hill and also held by neighboring clubs and associations. 


    We will also offer tournaments and additional playing opportunities outside of our base 8 game season and local counties. Some of those may require day commuting to the event or overnight accomodations - however, these will all be discussed and organized with our families and are considered optional within the YDA program.

  • What other clubs might we play?

    NC Rush Central is part of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association and we have opportunties to play teams from a variety of clubs.


    Our 8U Academy will play their games within our in house program structure, though at times we form teams to compete against clubs in surrounding counties or for specific tournaments and events.


    Some of our 8U Academy players will also have the opportunity to play in our 10U Academy teams.


    10U will play a set of home and away games. This generally ends up being 4 home games in Chapel Hill/Carrboro and 4 away games versus clubs in and around Orange, Chatham, Alamance, Durham and Wake County. 

  • What does the "U" mean when referring to an age group?

    The “U” in an age group means that age and younger.  "10U" is 10 years old and younger. In the United States, teams are grouped by birth year.  Players can play up in age but cannot play down.


    To see what age group you fall under please see our age group chart.

  • Who coaches in this program?

    Our academy features a collaboration of head coaches and specialty training staff.


    The primary coaches for teams at this age are: 

    YDA Director and Head Coach, Jason Sisneros

    Head Coach, Damian Carter

    Head Coach, Robbie Wooten

    Head Coach, Kevin Kelly

    Head Coach, Milton Valerio


    We may also add additional staff members between now and the fall season. Our staff works together, under a professional program curriculum designed to help all of our individual players and teams improve and prepare for the next level in our player pathway.

  • How are teams organized at this age?

    At each level of our program we seek to provide the most meaningful development pathways for each one of our players. 


    At the YDA level players are organized into teams based on their PDP from our evaluation process. That process informs appropriate player pathways, which are: teams, leagues, tournaments, events and specific training plans for those groups and individuals.


    Click here to learn more about our Player Development Model


    Classification of "First Team" begins at 10U. The highest level team at each age group 10U-19U is considered our "First Team".


    8U players are qualified to play up to 10U and 10U first teams in our program often compete at 11U and 12U age groups at times, when developmentally appropriate.

  • What type of commitment is expected for YDA?

    It is expected that all YDA members attend their training sessions and games if they are healthy and available. This program is best suited for players who are interested in playing beyond rec soccer and possibly the highest levels of competitive soccer someday.

  • Is financial aid available?

    Yes, financial aid is available. We would never turn any player away due to financial need. Contact us right away if you would like to play but need some financial assistance.

#NCRushCentral

Why We Are Here

We’re here to help our players grow—not just in soccer, but in life. Through the game, we teach skills that go beyond the field—confidence, resilience, and teamwork—so that every young athlete who comes through our club is better prepared for whatever path they choose. Soccer is our passion, but our true goal is to shape strong, well-rounded individuals who carry the lessons they learn here into every part of their lives.

Quality Soccer Environments

Our leaders create an environment that fosters growth, learning, and support for every player’s development. Beyond teaching skills and tactics, we focus on instilling a sense of ownership in players—helping them set goals, apply self-discipline, build self-belief, and become positive, contributing teammates. With decades of experience, we know that shaping behavior starts with shaping the environment—when the right environment is in place, a positive culture can grow and success follows.

Quality Experiences Through Soccer

While the game happens on the field, the memories and connections formed off the field are just as important. From team trips and pro game watch parties, to pizza nights and lifelong friendships, the soccer experience extends far beyond the game itself. At NC Rush Central, we recognize the value of these moments and actively cultivate a club culture that fosters meaningful experiences for players, families, and our entire soccer community.