The YMCA offers youth soccer in a fun, skill-based environment. Our teams are coached by volunteers and staff and teams are formed based on age.
Cleats are highly recommended. The YMCA recommends players U7 and younger have and wear shinguards and cleats during play. Older players, U8 and above, must have and wear shinguards during play.
For competitive play, see our Challenge Soccer program.
Please be sure to review our age chart to determine your child's league.
2025 Fall Soccer Skills Academy
In YMCA Skills Academy, players are split up by skill level. This format can be good for new soccer players or experienced players. During the first part of each session, players work on a specific skill such as dribbling and ball control or footwork. During the second part of the session, players divide into small-sided teams and play games specifically designed to focus on that skill.
Alexander Family YMCA
Coed: U6 - U8, U9 - U13
East Triangle YMCA
July 8 - Aug. 12
Coed: U6 - U8, U9 - U13
Kraft Family YMCA
Aug. 15 - Oc. 3
Coed: U6 - U8, U9 - U13
Southeast Raleigh YMCA
U6 - U8, U9 - U13
2025 Fall Leagues
Registration opens April 1 for Members and April 15 for Program Participants.
A.E. Finley YMCA
August 9 – October 4
Coed: U5, U6
Boys: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16
Girls: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA
Sept. 6 - Oct. 25
Coed: U5, U6, U8, U11, U14
Girls U8, U11
East Triangle YMCA
Sept. 13 - Nov. 1
Coed: U3 - U4, U5 - U6, U7 - U8, U9 - U10, U11 - U13
Kerr Family YMCA
Sept. 6 - Oct. 25
(90-minute sessions include ~30-minute practices + game play)
Coed U5 - U6: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Coed U7 - U8: 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Kraft Family YMCA
Aug. 8 - Oct. 4
Coed: U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 - U10, U11 - U12
Girls: U9 - U10, U11 - U12, U13 - U15
Lakewood YMCA
Aug. 8 - Oct. 4
Coed: U5, U6, U7 - U8, U9 - U10, U11 - U12
Girls: U9 - U10, U11 - U12
Northwest Cary YMCA
Aug. 8 - Oct. 4
Coed: U5, U6, U7 - U8, U9 - U10, U11 - U12, U12 - U15
Girls: U9 - U10, U11-12
Poole Family YMCA
Sept. 20 - Nov. 22
Coed: U3 - U4, U5 - U6, U7 - U8, U9 - U10, U11 - U13
Parents
Parents are expected to remain onsite (fields and gyms) as the primary supervisor of their child. This includes taking their children to the restroom and addressing any challenges that may arise. This allows our coaches to focus on leading practices and games. In addition, YMCA sports staff will be present at all practices and games.
Coaches
Youth sports soccer teams are led by volunteer coaches. All volunteer coaches undergo a background check and training. Opportunities are available for coaches and assistant coaches at all locations.
Sports Directors
A.E. Finley YMCA: Jared Hardin
Alexander Family YMCA: Eric Rhinehalt
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA: Jonathan Washburn
Chatham YMCA: Alex Mayfield
Durham YMCAs: Lexx Daniels
East Triangle and Poole Family YMCAs: Ryan Killen
Kerr Family YMCA: Leah Thompson
Kraft Family YMCA: Kelly Guerriero
Northwest Cary and Taylor Family YMCAs: Chris Avery
Southeast Raleigh YMCA: Anthony Simmons