9U-12U
Pre-ECNL Program
The Pre-ECNL program at CSA is designed for the elite boys and girls within the Charlotte area who have the talent, a strong desire and commitment to reach the highest levels of play. The Pre-ECNL pathway helps prepare our players to go on to compete in the CSA National programs by providing a higher level and greater frequency of practices.
The games program consists of league games, tournaments, festivals and friendlies to provide a variety of different scenarios for players to experience and facilitate their learning. We have a big focus on the individual player within this age group with individualized training and learning plans as well as futsal training and games being an important component of the program. The futsal aspect of the program is delivered during the winter months with training sessions and tournaments as we look to continue to develop the players ability to play in tight spaces, deal with pressure, improve their ball mastery and creative skills.
From Director Ben Cook, “We have a big focus on ball mastery and individual technique at this age group so the players can become really comfortable with the ball. We then develop that into skills that can be applied into game situations and help players problem solve and become good decision makers. The players get to play in multiple positions, allowing them to experience the whole game at a young age and improve their tactical understanding off different roles and responsibilities. Our curriculum has a strong emphasis on developing the attacking side of the game and being dominant in possession.”
For the 2024-2025 season, Pre-ECNL programming includes 9U-12U Boys and Girls in Charlotte and 10U-12U Boys and Girls in North/Huntersville.
Prior to every season, the Pre-ECNL teams are each slotted into league play that will offer the players and teams the best opportunity for consistent, challenging competition and appropriate development with the goal of preparing players to move into the National Programs at 13U. This may include playing in an older age group, a more select league, or girls teams playing in the boys league. Teams also participate in friendlies and/or nationally recognized tournaments throughout the season.
Pre-ECNL Staff
Ben Cook and Stephano Williams head up the Pre-ECNL Boys and Girls programs, respectively. Matt Denton and Andrew Steedman take the lead with Pre-ECNL teams in the North and Huntersville sections. Pleaser reach out to them with any program questions or interest.
Ben Cook
Pre-ECNL Boys Program Director
Pre-ECNL Boys Program Director
• USSF B License
• USC Advanced National Diploma & USC Premier Diploma
• USC Futsal Diploma
• BSC Sports & Exercise Health Science
• Former Semi-Professional player, Newport F.C.
Stephano Williams
Pre-ECNL Girls Program Director
Pre-ECNL Girls Program Director
• USSF D License
• USC Advanced Regional Diploma
• Former Director of Coaching, Charlotte United Futbol Club
• All Regional at Wilbraham & Monson Academy
Matt Denton
North Section Director; ECNL Regional Director – North/H'Ville Girls; North/ H'ville 15U-19U USYS Director
North Section Director
ECNL Regional Director – North/Huntersville Girls
North/Huntersville 15U-19U USYS Director
• USC National Youth Diploma & USC Advanced National Diploma
• Instrumental in organizing and implementing the CSA North Program.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management Business Administration & Marketing with a concentration in Finance & Economics, Pfeiffer University
• Four-year starter & captain, Pfeiffer University
Andrew Steedman
Huntersville & Indian Trail Section Director
Huntersville Section Director; Indian Trail Section Director
Huntersville & Indian Trail Youth Academy Director
Huntersville & Indian Trail 11U-12U USYS Director
North Pre-ECNL Assistant Director
• USSF D License
• National Youth License
• Created Strikers Soccer Center, Huntersville, NC
• Former youth coach & club secretary, Clydebank FC in Scotland
| Girls Pre-ECNL Teams | |
| Team Name | Head Coach for 2024-2025 |
| 16 (9U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 G | Mary Rea |
| 16 (9U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 G | Lee Minton |
| 15 (10U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 G | Joe Distaffen |
| 15 (10U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 G | Lee Minton |
| 14 (11U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 G | Alfredo Hernandez |
| 14 (11U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 G | Mark Thornton |
| 14 (11U) CSA North/Huntersville Elite G | Matt Denton |
| 13 (12U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 G | Stephano Williams |
| 13 (12U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 G | Mary Rea |
| 13 (12U) CSA North/Huntersville Elite G | Mick Wakeman |
| Boys Pre-ECNL Teams | |
| Team Name | Head Coach for 2024-2025 |
| 16 (9U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 | Jim Finnerty |
| 16 (9U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 | Cristian Garcia |
| 15 (10U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 | Otavio Norberto |
| 15 (10U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 2 | Cristian Garcia |
| 15 (10U) CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 3 | Otavio Norberto |
| 15 (10U) CSA North Roma Elite | Chris Ryan |
| 15 (10U) CSA Huntersville Roma Elite | Russ Steedman |
| 14 (11U) CSA Charlotte Elite 1 | Ben Cook |
| 14 (11U) CSA Charlotte Elite 2 | Bryn Lloyd |
| 14 (11U) CSA North Elite | Michael Zeck |
| 14 (11U) CSA Huntersville Roma Elite | Ken Dugan |
| 13 (12U) CSA Charlotte Elite 1 | Ben Cook |
| 13 (12U) CSA Charlotte Elite 2 | Bryn Lloyd |
| 13 (12U) CSA North/Huntersville Roma Elite | Joe Mitchell |
EXPLORE
CSA Sections
We have eight geographic regions within Charlotte Soccer Academy.
Click on a location to be directed to the location information page.
Charlotte
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Charlotte section includes the southern part of Charlotte metropolitan area.
OrthoCarolina Sportsplex
13333 Dorman Road, Pineville 28134
Programs Offered:
- Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- Pre-ECNL 9U-12U
- ECNL Regional League U13-U19
- ECNL National U13-U19
- ECNL National Academy Boys U13-U19
Huntersville
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Huntersville section also includes the Lake Norman and University areas of Charlotte.
Programs Offered:
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- Pre-ECNL 10U-12U
- ECNL Regional League U13-U19
Indian Trail
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Indian Trail section is our newest section serving the area southeast of Charlotte.
Programs Offered:
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-12U
Matthews
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Matthews section includes the southeastern part of the Charlotte area
Programs Offered:
- Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- Elite 64 U13-U19
North
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s North section includes Cabarrus and Rowan County.
CSA North Soccer Complex
3400 Davidson Highway Concord, 28027
Programs Offered:
- Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- Pre-ECNL 10U-12U
- ECNL Regional League U13-U19
Palisades
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Palisades section includes the Clover, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie and Steele Creek areas.
Harris Teeter Fields at the Palisades
14600 Grand Palisades Pkwy, Charlotte 28278
Programs Offered:
- Recreational Soccer 6U-10U
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- National Premier Leagues Boys U13-U19
- Development Player League Girls U13-U19
Uptown
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Uptown section includes the central Charlotte region.
Programs Offered:
- Recreational Soccer 6U-10U
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
- Elite 64 U13-U19
York
Charlotte Soccer Academy’s York section includes York County and the surrounding area including Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, Clover, Lake Wylie.
Programs Offered:
- Youth Academy 8U-10U
- USYS/South Carolina 11U-19U
- National Premier Leagues Boys U13-U19
- Development Player League Girls U13-U19
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