CSA Junior Academy Programming

North/Concord Junior Academy for U7/U8/U9 Boys

South Charlotte Junior Academy for U6/U7 Boys and Girls

The CSA Junior Academy, part of the CSA Rec Soccer Program, is intended for players that show an advanced level of play for their age group and are interested in developing skills and techniques to prepare them for participating in the CSA competitive program when they are age-eligible. Players are selected for the Junior Academy Recreational Programs following pre-season evaluations.
Evaluations are held prior to each season and are mandatory.
There are no make up sessions available.
Due to the program structure, players cannot be added after evaluations. Players cannot participate in both the Junior Academy and the regular rec program.
Additional fees apply if the player is accepted to Junior Academy.

The CSA Junior Academy program ensures a coaching staff that engages the US Soccer Federation player development curriculum. The US Soccer Federation’s age-appropriate curriculum is designed in an effort to prepare each Junior Academy player with confidence and success on any team they join in the future, specifically CSA’s Youth Academy and other competitive soccer teams.

Players are selected for the Junior Academy Recreational Programs following pre-season evaluations. Evaluations are held prior to each season and are mandatory. Due to the program structure, players cannot be added during the season.  

What the program offers:

• Professional Coaching
• US Soccer Federation curriculum session plans and development format
• Guidance, support and recommendations from our Director
• Training Jersey
• Optional 4 v 4 events on select Sundays

Interested in Junior Academy for Fall 2026?

Evaluations will be held as listed below. Please note that 8U Charlotte Boys will now be part of the Youth Academy under our competitive programming. If you plan to attend Junior Academy evaluations, please complete the Interest Form to allow us to communicate any updates. The Interest Form carries no obligation and does not guarantee your player a spot in any program.  We strongly recommend registering for our recreational soccer program prior to June 30 to reduce the risk of being on a waitlist!

Click here to return to REC PROGRM REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

Junior Academy Staff

Rich Schwartz

Youth Academy & Junior Academy Boys Charlotte Director

Youth Academy Boys Charlotte Director

Junior Academy Boys Director, Charlotte

• Youth License I and II
• NCYSA E License
• Grassroots 4v4, 7v7, 11v11
• Junior Academy Coach 2013-present
• Junior Academy Director 2018-present 

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Danielle Russell

Youth Academy & Junior Academy Girls Charlotte Director

Youth Academy & Junior Academy Girls Charlotte Director *

• USSF D License
• Played collegiate soccer at Clemson University, 2006-2009, Elite 8 Freshman Year
• Inducted into the York County Soccer Hall of Fame, August 2022
• Former Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Fort Mill High School

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Meanu Kayea

North Section Recreation Program Assistant Director & Junior Academy Director

North Section Recreational Program Assistant Director

North Section Junior Academy Director

• USSF C License, National Youth Certificate License
• Former Varsity Men’s Coach at West Mecklenburg High School & Former JV Men’s Coach at Country Day
• Former Charlotte Eagles player
• Four-year Collegiate player, Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

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