ABYSA U11-U16 Challenge
Tryouts

Prospective ABYSA Challenge Player/Parent,

Thank you for your interest in the ABYSA Challenge Player Training Program and the tryouts that will be held soon.  We want to make sure that all of your questions are answered regarding the ABYSA Challenge Player Training Program.  For a list of Frequently Asked Questions click here.

CHALLENGE SOCCER

The goal of the Challenge Player Training Program is to provide players experiencing success at the recreation level an opportunity to learn the individual skills that soccer players must have to reach a higher level.  For those players not involved in our classic program, the Challenge Player Training Program offers the best opportunity for players to gain the skills to be able make a high school JV or Varsity soccer team.  To accomplish this, we utilize coaches that have significant playing experience at the collegiate and even professional levels.  Many of the challenge trainers that work in this program also work within the Highland Football Club, the classic division of ABYSA.  All teams train twice each week with the qualified trainers. 

Each team has a designated game day coach.  All game day coaches are volunteers and the experience level of these coaches can vary widely.  All matches are played in the Western North Carolina area.  Half of these matches are in Asheville while the other half are played at away sites.  These games are mostly within a one-hour driving distance.

COST

The total cost of the program is $335 for first season players which include a complete home and away uniform. The cost for returning players who do not need a uniform and for the spring season is $280.  The season fees include two training t-shirts (per year) and referee fees and festival entry fees.  Financial Aid is available for families with a documented need who otherwise could not participate in the Challenge Player Training Program.

SCHEDULE

The fall training season is from mid-August through early November.  The spring training season lasts from mid-February through mid-May.

PLAYER SELECTION

Players participating in tryouts will be notified via the email address that is provided in the registration form.  Please make sure that the email address is valid.  We hope to inform players of their selection status within 7 days of their final tryout date.

WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED A POSITION IN THE ABYSA CHALLENGE PLAYER TRAINING PROGRAM?

Soccer is a sport for everyone to enjoy at every level.  If you are not selected, we hope that you will continue your soccer in our Recreation program.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All tryout participants are required to bring a $50 deposit.  The deposit is refunded for players that are not selected or decline their position in the Challenge Player Training Program within 7 days of their selection.  This deposit is credited towards your fees. NOTE: Please bring one check per player – do not combine siblings or friends.

Players will need to bring a notarized medical release form that can be found via the following link: NCYSA Medical Waiver

Players will also need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

The fall training season is from mid-August through early November.

The spring training season lasts from mid-February through mid-May.

Click here for the Challenge tryout schedule and to begin registration.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Jimmy Fryar at (828) 299-7277 x308.  You can also email at challengedoc@abysa.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Challenge Training Program?
2. How does my child participate?
3. What team is my child on?
4. I want my child to be on the same team as his friend, what do I need to do?
5. Who is my coach?
6. How much travel is involved?
7. What is the cost for the Challenge Training Program?

What is the Challenge Training Program?

This program is designed for players that are experiencing some level of success at the recreation level and desires to improve their soccer playing ability in a more structured environment.  Teams train twice per week with a qualified trainer that has significant experience in the sport.  The purpose is to improve player’s technical ability  in the basic fundamentals of soccer (dribbling, passing, receiving).  In addition, some basic decision making skills are taught.  The program is designed to help the individual player improve and not to teach teams how to win. The primary difference between Challenge Soccer and Recreation soccer is the quality of training that player’s receive in practice sessions.  The primary similarity between the two programs is volunteer game day coaches on the weekends. 

How does my child participate?

Tryouts are held each May and supplemental tryouts are held in December.  At tryouts, players are evaluated and either accepted or not accepted into the program.  If a player is selected, they will have 5 days to accept their position online. 

If a player is not selected, they can continue in our recreation program by registering online.

What team is my child on?

Players are placed on teams based on two main criteria: geographic location and ability level.  While everyone on your team will not be from the same area, there should be a few carpooling options training in the same time slot or on your team.

I want my child to be on the same team as his friend, what do I need to do?

Players are not placed on teams based on who their friends are.  Again, we take geographic proximity and player ability levels into account.  Because we look at players geographical locations, you will certainly have someone in the same time slot at the same facility for training so carpooling is not just an option, it is encouraged.

Who is my coach?

A trainer for each team works with the players during the week and conducts the training sessions.  A volunteer game day coach typically attends as many training sessions as possible to know the players.  On the weekend, the volunteer game day coach manages the game as far as substitutions and position choices.  The coach may have experience with soccer or may not.  If you are interested in being a volunteer game day coach, contact the director.

How much travel is involved?

It depends.  Each age group is comprised of teams within the boundaries of Boone, Hickory, Rutherfordton and Macon County.  At most, you will have four away matches each season. 

What is the cost for the Challenge Training Program?

The program total is $335 which includes a uniform, two training t-shirts, referee fees, festival fees and coaching. 

For returning players who already have a uniform, the total cost is $280 which includes two new training t-shirts, referee fees, festival fees and coaching.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Jimmy Fryar at (828) 299-7277 x308.  You can also email at challengedoc@abysa.org.