Junior Academy North
Real Colorado Junior Academy is a program for U9 and U10 players that encourages them to train and develop in a competitive environment. Players are selected and placed on teams by ability, performance, and mentality. We believe this program is a fun atmosphere for development to occur.
Player Placement
RC North, Junior Academy
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.
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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.
Key points to know:
This change begins Fall 2026 (it is not immediate).
For our JA, 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. You will be hearing from your director this week with that information. If you have any further questions please reach out to your program director.
Thank you for being a part of Real Colorado and supporting your player or players experiences.
Kelly Thomson
General Manager
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Junior Academy- Amber Bend Amberb@realcolorado.net
U11-U14 Competitive- Yuriy Hrybovych Yuriyh@realcolorado.net
HS Girls- Kyle Cotter Kylec@realcolorado.net
HS Boys and ECNL RL- Ali Woods Alastairw@realcolorado.net
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This section will be updated as we identify informational gaps in the information we have provided.
Fall 2026/Spring 2027 Player Placement ID Days and Tryout Information
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U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18/19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2009
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ID days are completed at this time. If you are looking for a trial this summer please reach out to the following staff:
Junior Academy U9/U10- Amber Bender
Competitive U11/U12- Omar Pimentel
Competitive U13+ Girls- Soby Giudice
ECNL-RL and HS Boys- Ali Woods
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Tryouts are completed at this time. If you are looking for a trial this summer please reach out to the following staff:
Junior Academy U9/U10- Amber Bender
Competitive U11/U12- Omar Pimentel
Competitive U13+ Girls- Soby Giudice
ECNL-RL and HS Boys- Ali Woods
Proudly serving Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld Counties
Junior Academy Information:
Each team is provided a Real Colorado paid coach.
2-3 trainings per week to include 1 day of technical training.
8 game league season in the Colorado Soccer Association Intermediate League.
Home games at Sandstone Sports Complex for Longmont. Arapahoe Ridge in the Fall and Crescent Park in the Spring for Erie based teams.
1-2 tournaments per year
Players have the opportunities to move up or down most often during tryouts but at times between the Fall and Spring seasons due to a players ability and team need matching up.
Rosters can vary from team to team, but are usually 10-12 players to allow more playing time and promote upward player movement.
Real has teamed up with Children’s Hospital Colorado to promote the health and wellness of Real Colorado families. Discover all that Common Spirit offers, from a certified athletic trainer, to injury resources and weather guidelines.
Costs:
Real Colorado club fee information
Annually fees to Real Colorado for Fall 2025/Spring 2026 at tentatively set at $550 per season ($1100 annually).
Payment plans are an option during registration
Other costs associated with competitive soccer.
Tournament fees
Indoor training and leagues
Travel if applicable
Uniforms - All Real Colorado players are required to purchase a uniform package through Soccer.com.
Misc costs such as coaches gifts, team parties and experiences, team manager gifts, a team bench, tent or flag, and/or similar are often purchased by the team