Rochester Competitive Fall Academy

Fall Academy Program U13-U14

(This used to be our Select Program)

The North Star FC Academy is the highest level in of play in Southern Minnesota and within our club, designed for committed players and families pursuing elite competition and long-term development. Spanning ages U13 through U14, our Academy teams compete in Minnesota’s top leagues, including ECNL Regional League, and attend premier tournaments and college showcases 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:

U13–U14: Season begins in the fall, with a mid-October to mid November break. Training resumes and runs through early July.
U13-U14 teams will be decided after tryouts. Tryouts are open to all players in the region, (If you are currently playing for a TCSL Club, you must contact Kevin Lowery at klowery@northstarfc.com) 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.
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.
Players at U13/U14 CAN NOT play High School Soccer per HS League rules.

By joining you will receive the following benefits:

Benefits of Joining the Academy Level at North Star FC

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 & NPL, 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 and Hudl (U16 and older for Hudl), 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.

U13/14 Academy Information

Fall Practices / Games

Winter Practices / Games

Spring / Summer

Birth-year Guidelines

Cost

Uniforms

Fin Aid

Tryouts

Practice Location- Withers

Practices- 2 times a week Monday / Wednesday - 1.5hrs per practice

Dates- Late August through middle of October

Academy teams will participate in TCSL Leagues- depending on level of play this could be National, NPL, or ECNL RL

Fall Games will consist of 6-8 games

Games will be played on the weekends

Winter practice sessions will start up at the RCTC Dome in the middle of November (when the dome goes up)

Teams can expect 2 practices per week November-March.

Practice nights and times will be determined by RCTC - once the schedule is set we will notify teams. This generally is not decided until late August/ September.

Winter League Games- Teams can expect 4-6 winter games. These games are part of the league.

Practices will move outside once the weather turns nice.

Teams can expect 2 practices a week- days / times will be determined during the winter months.

Games - teams will play 10-12 league games.

Teams can also expect to travel to 3 tournaments- tournaments will be decided once they are posted.

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

$1785/player- U13/14

Cost include the following expenses:

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
Indoor and outdoor field rentals
Referees for League games
Player Secondary Insurance
Office Expenses
League fees
Coaching Pay
Equipment

Uniform

Fall 2026 we will be moving into a new uniform cycle. This uniform cycle will be good for 2 years.

All players will need to purchase a new uniform kit.

Sample kits are available at the facility for sizing.

Uniforms Page

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.

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. **Please note- if your player currently plays for another TCSL registered team, please contact Kevin Lowery at klowery@northstarfc.com