Pre-Academy Program
The highest-level development pathway for younger travel players — built to prepare talented athletes for Regional League and ECNL programs.
Developing players. Building futures.
The Pre-Academy is Arlington Soccer's highest-level development pathway for younger travel players — preparing talented U10–U12 athletes to compete at the Regional League and ECNL levels.
Elite Technical Development
Professional coaching rooted in long-term player development — from first touch to tactical awareness.
Competitive Team Environment
Challenging match environments that develop resilience, accountability, and a winning mentality at the right age.
Direct Pathway to ECNL
Pre-Academy players are eligible to attend RL tryouts and ECNL identification sessions — a clear path to elite youth soccer.
Character Before All Else
We develop confident, skilled athletes while promoting responsibility and a lifelong love of the game.
A complete program structure.
Built around three integrated pillars — training, competition, and player support.
Training & Coaching
3–4 training sessions per week depending on age group and season phase
Licensed coaches with professional credentials at every level
Age-appropriate curriculum focused on technical and tactical fundamentals
Small-group work for individual skill development and player attention
Physical literacy integrated into every session
Competition Calendar
Fall & Spring seasons — August through November, March through June
Weekend league matches in local and regional formats
2–4 tournaments per season including top regional events
7v7 format at U10 and 9v9 at U11–U12
Winter leagues & futsal available for off-season development
Player Support
Parent communication — regular updates and seasonal reviews from coaching staff
RL & ECNL pathway — eligible players identified and guided toward tryouts
Collaborative team placement by coaches, managers, and technical directors
Financial assistance available for qualifying families
Multi-sport encouraged — we support balanced athletic development at this age
Training Structure by Level
| Level | Sessions / Week | Season | Competition Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Academy | 3–4 sessions | Aug – Nov / Mar – Jun | Local & regional leagues, 2–4 tournaments |
| ECNL Regional League | 3 sessions | Aug – Jun | Regional competition |
| ECNL | 4 sessions | Aug – Jun | National travel league |
| NCSL | 2–3 sessions | Aug – Jun | Local / regional travel |
Age groups & team format.
Arlington Soccer fields both boys' and girls' Pre-Academy teams at each age group for the 2026–27 season.
The people behind the program.
Our staff brings professional coaching experience and licensed credentials to every session — committed to the full development of every player.
Tryouts & what to expect.
Tryouts are held each spring for placement on teams for the upcoming soccer year beginning in the fall season.
Who Should Attend
Any new or returning player wishing to be considered for a travel team placement. No prior Arlington Soccer experience required.
When Tryouts Are Held
U9 Travel tryouts in April. All other age groups in April and May. Specific dates posted on the club website.
Multiple Sessions
Attending more sessions allows coaches to better evaluate skills, development, and team fit. Strongly encouraged.
Weather Policy
If conditions become unsafe, sessions may be canceled or shortened. Families will be notified in advance.
What to Bring
Club fees & what's included.
Arlington Soccer Travel Program fees are structured to be transparent — no surprise costs.
- Coach compensation & employee benefits
- League membership fees
- Referee fees for primary league
- Field usage fees
- VYSA or US Club Soccer fees & insurance
- Club management & administrative support
- Risk management background checks
- Financial Assistance Program
- Supplemental league fees
- Tournament entrance fees
- Coach travel expenses
- Winter indoor league fees (if applicable)
- Video equipment rental (Pre-Academy)
Frequently asked questions.
Everything families need to know before joining the Pre-Academy program.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to learn more about the Pre-Academy program, upcoming tryout dates, or financial aid options.
Contact Us