Northern Utah United Soccer Teams

Local | 6-14 Year Olds

Challenger League

The Challenger League provides local competition with well-balanced teams, designed to foster skill development and a love of soccer. The success of these teams relies heavily on the dedication of parent and volunteer coaches, who work closely with age group directors. These coaches receive valuable mentorship and guidance to continually improve their coaching abilities.

Our goal is to ensure that children aged 6 to 14 have the opportunity to participate in soccer by joining a local team at one of our 11 convenient locations. This allows them to enjoy the sport in a supportive and encouraging environment that prepares them for state and regional competition.

Travel Teams | 9-12 Year Olds

State Teams

State Teams are created at U10 and older for players that want to train and compete with coaches and teammates that share the same ambitions and abilities. As players get older, multiple teams and levels helps assure that each player is placed on a team that supports their development and ambition. The club is one large team with pride in moving from one team to another when needed or earned. Collaborative observation and evaluation efforts among the NUU coaches contributes to player movement as it does not limit the opinion to one or two individual coaches.

Regional | 12-19 Year Olds

Regional League

The ECNL created the ECNL Regional Leagues (ECNL-RL) as an important platform addition for players and clubs to fuel the development of their players and to provide a proving ground in competition.

Local Teams | U8-U14 Challenger League

“Pool Players”

“Pool players” are placed on teams and training groups based on five key factors:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Size & Speed
  • Level of soccer ability
  • Proximity to other players

This approach ensures that each player is placed in an environment where they can thrive and grow alongside teammates who are at similar levels of development and live nearby.

Challenger League Flight Levels

The Challenger League will contain four flight levels for players to participate and develop in:

  • Flight Four: Lower-level 6-9 year old’s not playing state-level soccer
  • Flight Three: The top 6-9 year old’s not playing state-level soccer
  • Flight Two: Lower-level 10-11 year old’s and top 9 year old’s not playing state-level soccer
  • Flight One: The top 9-11 year old’s not playing state-level soccer

    Challenger League Middle Shoool

    11-14 year old  – The Middle School League offers an opportunity for year-round training with both spring and fall seasons. This league is perfect for players who want more than what recreational soccer provides but are not ready for the commitments of travel soccer.
    More Details

“Local Teams”

Ideally, we would create local teams for each flight to compete against one another in the Challenger League from the following 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

Challenger Middle School League Info

Travel Teams | U10-U12 Competitive State Teams

“Royalty” Teams

“Royalty” teams represent our community at the State level, competing in the Utah Youth Soccer Association’s gaming league (state competition). The goal of these teams is to prepare players for participation in the ECNL-RL starting at U13, through quality training and purposeful competition in both the state league and tournaments.

“Futures” teams serve as a development pathway for players aiming to earn a spot on the “Royalty” teams. These players are trained in the same principles and style of play as the “Royalty” teams, with a focus on continuous improvement. The ultimate goal is for players on the “Futures” teams to be prepared for a seamless transition to “Royalty” teams in the future.

It is very common for some “Futures” players to be invited to  participate with the “Royalty” teams in both state competitions and tournaments.

“Futures” players are often late developers, so they should be expected to train at the same level as “Royalty” players and compete in games and tournaments that foster a high level of competition, helping them develop the skills and mindset needed for advancement.

“Color” Teams

In the event that there are more than two state teams within a particular age group, the remaining teams are named by color (e.g., Navy, Gray, White, Black, Silver, etc.). These teams play at lower levels of competition and are less focused on the intense, competitive nature of the “Royalty” and “Futures” teams. They provide a more relaxed yet challenging environment, allowing players to gain valuable soccer experience in a supportive setting. These teams often participate in the Cache Valley Cup in July and may also choose to take part in additional tournaments.

Travel Teams | U13-U19 Competitive State & Regional Teams

“Royalty” Teams (ECNL-RL)

“Royalty” teams represent our community at both the State and Regional levels, competing in the Utah Youth Soccer Association’s gaming league (state competition) and Elite Club National League – RL (regional competition) until U15, at which point they solely participate in the ECNL-RL. The goal of these teams is to qualify for National Championship tournaments and college showcases, offering players valuable exposure to college coaches and professional academies.

The ECNL Regional League includes both regular season conference games and cross-conference events such as tournaments and showcases. Qualifying teams will advance to the ECNL Regional League Post-Season event, held in conjunction with the ECNL Post-Season.

Participation in the ECNL Regional League requires that each club aligns with the core values of ECNL: grassroots collaboration and innovation. These values support the independence and freedom of coaches and clubs to fully manage the development path for their players. This includes control over the system and style of play, the competitive calendar, and all aspects of the development process.

The ECNL Regional League aims to raise standards in training, competition, club organization, and coaching, providing a holistic development program for all players involved.

“Futures” Teams

“Futures” teams serve as a development pathway for players aiming to earn a spot on the “Royalty” teams. These players are trained in the same principles and style of play as the “Royalty” teams, with a focus on continuous improvement. The ultimate goal is for players on the “Futures” teams to be prepared for a seamless transition to “Royalty” teams in the future.

It is very common for some “Futures” players to be invited to participate with the “Royalty” teams in state and regional competition, as well as in tournaments and showcases.

“Futures” players are often late developers, so they should be expected to train at the same level as “Royalty” players and compete in games and tournaments that foster a high level of competition, helping them develop the skills and mindset needed for advancement.

“Color” Teams

In the event that there are more than two state teams within a particular age group, the remaining teams are named by color (e.g., Navy, Gray, White, Black, Silver, etc.). These teams play at lower levels of competition and are less focused on the intense, competitive nature of the “Royalty” and “Futures” teams. They provide a more relaxed yet challenging environment, allowing players to gain valuable soccer experience in a supportive setting. These teams often participate in the Cache Valley Cup in July and may also choose to take part in additional tournaments.

RISE TO ROYALTY PLAYER PATHWAY

A pathway for every player to reach their potential!

Looking for a team or soccer program?

Contact your age group leader, who is dedicated to helping you navigate your NUU soccer experience.

4-6 Years Old

Joel Lopez

Email

6-7 Years Old

Nicole Hale

Email

8-12 Years Old

Aaron Montoya

Email

13-18 Years Old

Jeff Ginn

Email

UPSL Men

Trevor Walker

Email

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