Real Colorado Soccer - Its How You Play the Game

Player Placement and ID- Elite Boys

Real Colorado is committed to empowering each student – athlete with the skills to reach their greatest soccer potential. Our staff recognizes that each player has a unique set of attributes and goals. Our objective as a coaching staff is to accurately evaluate the ability of each player and to place them on a team that will promote their greatest development.

At Real Colorado, we believe strongly our players are best evaluated over the course of a season versus a single training or game. To that end, it’s important players and their families recognize that each opportunity to play is a chance to improve and impress, that training and games that fall on either side of the spectrum will get minimized through a deeper look and all help us find the best place for a player to thrive.

  • Real Colorado Club Update: Youth Soccer Age Group Change (Fall 2026)

    We understand the upcoming shift from birth year to school year alignment has raised questions for many families, especially as players think ahead to next year. As previously shared, Real Colorado will align with a nationwide change to youth soccer age groups beginning in Fall 2026, transitioning from a birth year model to one that more closely reflects the school calendar with the goal of increasing participation for all players. (see the age group chart here)

    Key points to know:

    • This change begins Fall 2026 (it is not immediate).

    • For our competitive and elite programs, the Spring 2026 season remains important for competition, development, and growth. The players who improve the most between now and tryouts will be best positioned for fall placement.

    • For Recreational families, the focus for Spring 2026 is a positive spring season with teammates and friends and learning to love the sport!

    • This is a governing body decision, designed to better align players with school peers and reduce “trapped player” situations where player loss rates are the highest.

    • Real Colorado will approach this transition the same way we approach everything: development, accountability, and competitive standards.

    Player placement is never simple, but we will ensure the process is clear, transparent, and communicated well in advance.  Families can expect consistent answers and no surprises.

    Each program has created a transition timeline and calendar of opportunities, including Spring evaluation opportunities as necessary and the Fall 2026 age group ID days/tryouts, so families understand the process and what to expect.

    Thank you for being a part of Real Colorado and supporting your player or players experiences.

  • This information will be added by Monday, February 9.

  • This information will be added by Monday, February 9.

  • This section will be updated as we identify informational gaps in the information we have provided.

    • We are aware that Athletico has fixtures scheduled during the first four ID dates, which may limit availability for some players. To ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to be seen, we are planning to add additional ID dates later in the cycle. Those dates and details will be communicated in the coming weeks once finalized.


Fall 2026/Spring 2027 Player Key Dates and Plan: Academy, ECNL and ECNL-RL

Academy, ECNL and ECNL-RL Fall 2026/Spring 2027 Player Placement Information U13 through U19.
(See the new age group chart here)

At Real Colorado, we don’t just talk about excellence, we live it. No other club in Colorado can match our record of success across every elite and national platform available:

✅ National Championship Finals: We've been there in the US Development Academy, MLS Next, ECNL, ECNL-RL, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer.
✅ Elite Leagues: We don't just talk about playing in the best leagues. We've been invited, competed, and thrived in them. No other club in Colorado can say the same.
✅ Proven Pathways: Our players don't just dream of success, they achieve it. Five of our alumni signed professional contracts in the MLS this past two years!

Questions?: Mike Garnhart - Academy Director - Boys

Key Dates:

  • March 1, 2026 - Fall 2026 team coaches announced.

  • May 1, 2026 - Players from current ECNL programs can trial without club permission.

  • Prior to May 1, 2026 - Current players with another clubs ECNL program must get written approval to attend a trial.

Trial Request

  • Cancelled - Will be Rescheduled

  • Real Colorado Soccer Complex - 12500 Real Parkway Englewood, CO 80112.

    8:30–10:00 AM

    • U17s Academy & National - Field 2(DOB: 8/1/2008-12/31/2008

    10:15–11:45 AM

    • U16s Academy & National – Field 1 (DOB: 8/1/2009–12/31/2009)

    • U13s/U12s Academy & National – Field 2

    12:00–1:30 PM

    • U15s Academy & National – Field 1 (DOB: 8/1/2010–12/31/2010)

    • U14 National - Field 2.   (DOB: 8/1/2011-12/31/2011)

  • Saturday, February 21: Heritage Complex

    Session format:

    • 15 minute on field warm up

    • Two 35 minute halves

    Uniform & equipment:

    • National teams will wear black uniforms GKs: Orange

    • Athletico teams will wear white uniforms GKs: Green

    • All players must wear shin guards and long socks

    8:30–10:00 AM

    National 2009s vs Athletico 2008s

    Field: Heritage Stadium

    National 2010s vs Athletico 2009s

    Field: Heritage West

    10:15–11:45 AM

    National 2011s vs Athletico 2010s

    Field: Heritage West

    National 2012s vs Athletico 2011s

    Field: Heritage Stadium

    12:00–1:30 PM

    National 2013s vs Athletico 2012

    Field: Heritage Stadium

    National 2014s vs Athletico 2013s

    Field: Heritage West

  • Real Colorado Soccer Complex - 12500 Real Parkway Englewood, CO 80112.

    Times will be added here by Tuesday prior to the date.

North ECNL-RL: Proudly serving Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer & Weld Counties and everyone interested

ECNL-RL North Fall 2025/Spring 2026 Player Placement Information U13 (2013’s) through U19 (2007/2008’s)

Real Colorado North tryouts are scheduled for players in birth years 2011-2007. This will serve as a supplemental tryout for both CSA (Colorado Soccer Association) teams and ECNL-RL, giving players the opportunity to be evaluated.

If you would like to be considered for an ECNL-RL spot, please reach out to: Alastair Woods - ECNL-RL Director

Key Dates:

  • May 1st, 2026 - Players from current ECNL programs can trial without club permission.

  • Prior to May 1st, 2026 - Current players with another clubs ECNL program must get written approval to attend a trial.

Tryout Dates @ Sandstone

  • Friday, May 1st

  • Monday, May 4th

  • Monday, May 11th

Interest Form