Academy Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between Recreation and Academy?

Recreation soccer is offered in the Fall only. It is held for one hour on Saturdays. The Academy provides additional practices during the week. 

Here is a snapshot of our programs:

**Fall Recreation Soccer is only required for 6U if the player is in Kindergarten.**

 

My child loved Fall Rec! Can we join Academy in the Spring?

If your child meets the age eligibility for 6U Academy, yes! 6U is offered as a one-season program, requiring registration per season. 

Chatham United's 7U and 8U Academy programs are considered “full-year” programs, which means they both run for 10 weeks in the Fall, and 10 weeks in the Spring. Registration includes both seasons. As a few spaces often become available every Spring, please email ChathamUnitedAcademy@Gmail.com to be added to the 7U / 8U waitlist.

Registration opens around June every year, and fills up quickly. Please check our website and follow us on socials for registration announcements!

 

Can you explain the Junior Academy program?

Junior Academy is for our youngest, preschool age players. It is an hour-long clinic held once a week, for eight weeks, offered in the Fall and also in the Spring. Your child can participate in either or both seasons. Fall registration opens around June, and Spring registration opens around February.

 

What are the options for Kindergarteners?

Our Kindergarten age group has several options: 

Unlike 7U and 8U Academy (which registration covers fall and spring), 6U Academy has separate seasonal registrations; parents don't have to commit to the full year. 

 

What is the age group cut-off for Academy registration?

Taking effect with the 2026/2027 season age group cut-offs will shift to August 1 - July 31. This is a shift from the previous age group cut-off based on birth year. Shown below is a chart illustrating the new age group cut-offs across Academy and Travel.

 

Can my child try out for 9U Travel, if they didn’t play 8U Academy?

Absolutely! Travel tryouts are open to all players, regardless of whether or not they participated in the 8U Academy program. Tryouts are held in the Spring for the following year’s Travel program.

 

What is the refund policy for Academy?

Our Academy Refund Policy is as follows:

No refunds will be issued after the start of the program (other than in the case of medical reason or relocation prior to the start of the fall season, as documented in writing to the Membership Committee). Fees are non-refundable in any portion, once the fall season commences, as defined by the first practice. Refund requests may be sent to chathamunitedreg@gmail.com.

 

Please consider volunteering!

Chatham United Soccer Club is entirely a volunteer-run, non-profit organization. From coordinating with teams and coaches, to updating the schedule in TeamSnap and helping to manage the programs, every single aspect of our club relies on the dedication of parent volunteers. Simply put—our club cannot run without your active participation.

To ensure our children have a fun, safe, and successful season, we are looking for enthusiastic parents to step up in a variety of roles. Whether you have a lot of time to give, or just a few hours a week, there is a place for you!