About Challenger Middle School League

The Challenger Middle School League provides an opportunity for players to develop in a supportive, developmental environment. Players in this league should be motivated by the desire to continue having fun and learning. CMSL serves as a platform for players to earn a spot on state teams, with promotion largely driven by the player’s ambition and performance. The NUU coaching staff celebrates player development and invites those who are ready to take the next step.

• Eligibility: All players who do not make one of the state teams or choose not to participate in state-level soccer are invited to join the Challenger Middle School League. In this league, we will combine 11-14 year old players from the U12, U13, & U14 age groups.

• Team Creation: After tryouts, balanced teams will be formed. We encourage parents to volunteer as coaches. NUU Directors will provide some training, mentorship, and game scheduling. However, in order for us to have a successful league it will require parents to manage games and run occasional training sessions.

• Training Locations: Players will train with others from their geographical area as much as possible. Sessions will typically take place at one or two locations in the valley, including the Hansen Indoor Sports Complex.

• Game Format: The games will be played in 7v7 format, allowing more ball interactions and a better development environment. Teams will have a maximum of 12 players, with an ideal roster of 10.

Before teams are finalized, parents will have the opportunity to express any concerns, such as carpools or team balance. Players may be moved between teams during the season to improve balance or enhance the overall gaming and training experience.

Competition Seasons:

• • Fall: August – October

  • Spring: April – May

• Summer Training: There will be training during the summer, but player commitment level dows not have to be high. NUU Directors will lead training sessions and provide mentorship for volunteer coaches.

• Optional Winter Training: Optional indoor training will be available for $50 (training fee) + $100 (indoor field rental). Coaches will run these sessions but will not be responsible for scheduling. Mentoring will continue during this time.

Cost per Player: $300

• • This fee covers training, leagues, referees, and club dues. It excludes optional winter training, winter leagues, and tournaments. Players will be required to wear a yellow training jersey, which is included in the cost.

• Uniform: Returning players can use their current uniforms. New players must purchase a home and away kit for $75. Players with existing NUU uniforms may continue using them until a replacement is needed.erred tournaments.

Teams are named based on their geographical areas:

• Preston: Preston, Idaho

• Upper North: Richmond/Lewiston

• North: Smithfield/Hyde Park

• North Central: North Logan

• Central: Logan

• South Central: Providence/Nibley/Millville

• Southeast: Hyrum/Paradise

• Southwest: Wellsville/Mendon

• Benson: Benson

• Brigham City: Brigham City/Perry

• Tremonton: Tremonton/Garland/Riverside

• Cache Valley Cup: Depending on the number of particpants, we anticipate creating teams to to participate in the Cache Valley Cup, scheduled for July 9th-12th. The estimated cost is around $50 per player.

Challenger Pool Tournaments

• Survey-Driven Selection: Before tournaments, players will be asked to fill out a survey to indicate which tournaments they’d like to attend.

• Team Selection: Coaches will select teams based on the survey results, and teams will not be registered until enough players have committed to the tournament by paying the participation fee.

• Optional Participation: Participation in tournaments is optional, but we strongly encourage all players to attend the Cache Valley Cup.

• Tournament Registration Process:

  • Details provided in the survey, including coaching staff.

  • Parents indicate their preferred tournaments.

  • Coaches select teams for each tournament.

  • Parents confirm attendance by paying tournament fees 3 months in advance (for Winter & Spring tournaments).