Assessments for our Classic and Youth Academy programs are scheduled for May 22-25, 6 to 7:30 pm at Rotary Soccer Complex

Players are encouraged to attend both of their scheduled days.

Girls born 2005 - 2013 (U11-U19 Classic)

May 22 and 24 from 6 to 7:30

Boys and girls born 2014 - 2016 (Youth Academy, U8-U10)

May 23 and 25 from 6 to 7:30 (Note new dates)

Boys born 2005 - 2013 (U11-U19 Classic)

May 23 and 25 from 6 to 7:30

Please complete online registration before arriving for tryouts.

Click here for instructions.

Additionally, we ask that each player brings a copy of the birth certificate, if not previously submitted, and completes the NCYSA registration and medical waiver form.

If, for any reason, you are unable to attend either scheduled date, please contact us at [email protected] so we can make alternate arrangements to assess your player.

After assessments, LYSA coaches will gather and decide which age groups can support a team, and will reach out with offers for players to join.

Classic League

The NCYSA Classic Program is a state-wide competitive league administered by the NCYSA State Office, the VP of Classic and the Classic Council. It is the highest level of play offered within NCYSA

The Program is for the serious player, seeking a higher level of competition and training. Teams are selected through an annual tryout process. Tryouts are generally held in late May. Games are played against other Challenge teams through the administration of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association. Travel time is generally limited to two hours drive from home.

Classic is organized into several divisions, Premier, First Division, Second Division, and Third Division. Placement in these divisions is done through a promotion and relegation process. Generally, a team begins in the Second division, then if they finish first in their division they move to the First Division and the last place team in the First Division drops to the Second Division. Premier consists of the top eight to ten teams in the State. Third division, formerly known as the Challenge League, is an open division with a less competitive atmosphere.

Academy Program

Lenoir Youth Soccer Association offers an Academy Program for players in the U10, U9, and U8 age levels (US Youth Soccer Age Matrix). Academy programs seek to improve individual player development, satisfaction, retention, and to build less pressured youth soccer environment for coaches, adult spectators, and match officials.

Academy programs have emerged as the 21st century alternative to the frustrating shortfalls in soccer development displayed by most preteens.  The void is heavily influenced by coaching quality and the pressures to win at critical periods in the development process.  Emphasis is placed on technical progress in the areas of dribbling, passing, receiving, striking balls, and basic decision-making.  The program is designed for players who are finding success in their recreational soccer experience and want to improve and learn about the game in a fun, exciting, and emotionally safe environment.

The Academy Program philosophy is to emphasize player development over team development and focus on the technical development of each child without the pressures of short term wins/losses/results. This philosophy encourages players to be more creative and the playing environment becomes more enjoyable.

Academy follows a pool training format where all players train together two evenings each week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) during the Fall (August - November) and Spring (February - May) seasons.  Competitive matches (7v7 format) against other Academy programs are typically scheduled on 4 to 6 Saturday mornings each season at Academy Festivals within a 90-minute drive of Lenoir.  When participating in Academy Festivals, the Academy pool is divided into one or more teams of 12 players each.  Each team usually has 2 games scheduled against teams of similar playing levels at each Academy Festival.  LYSA hosts at least one Academy Festival at the Rotary Soccer Complex each season.

LYSA Youth Academy Program Information

NCYSA Youth Academy Program