Junior Academy FAQs
Real Colorado’s Junior Academy Program
What is the Junior Academy Program?
Real Colorado Junior Academy is a program for U9 and U10 players that encourages players to compete in a competitive environment. Players are selected and placed on teams by ability, performance and mentality. Junior Academy players get the benefit of paid professional Real Colorado coaches and a more competitive environment. To match your child’s age to our programs, please click here for our birthdate chart. If your child’s birth date falls under the U11 or older player category, you can find out more about Real’s competitive soccer program.
Registration
Can I join the Junior Academy during a season?
Yes, if a spot is open on a team. Typically Junior Academy rosters are set a few weeks prior to the first game. If you are new to the area and interested in trying out for Junior Academy outside of the tryout window please contact Mark Haston for boys and Skye Peterson for girls.
How much does the Junior Academy cost?
*Registration fees are $785 per season, $1570 for the year, payments can be made in 3 installments each season for National and Olympico teams. Registration fees are $685 per season, $1370 for the year, payments can be made in 3 installments each season for Red, White, Gold, Silver, etc… teams. This includes Real Colorado fees, Colorado Youth Soccer team/player registration, referee fees, regular field rental expenses and maintenance, and coach’s fees. The fees do not include indoor space rental, tournament fees, or expenses, camps, uniform or other team expenses. As mentioned above, many teams choose to continue their training and participate in tournaments and indoor leagues during the off season. These extra activities do incur additional costs and while not required as part of the program, are encouraged to foster individual and team development.
*These are subject to change and are only accurate for the current season – Fall 2020/Spring 2021
Do I need to register to tryout?
Yes, you must register online prior to the tryout session. Tryouts will be held in late May or early June and are for placement for the entire Fall and Spring season. Players hoping to join the Junior Academy between Fall and Spring should contact Mark Haston for boys and Skye Peterson for girls.
Why are Junior Academy registration fees so much higher than recreational fees?
The Junior Academy is a stepping stone into our competitive program that begins at U11. Players in this program get a paid coach, train 3x per week, have paid officials and are directly overseen by the Real Colorado professional staff.
Age Groups, Games & Practices
How many players per team?
How many practices are there each week?
What is the season schedule?
Can my player play other sports while committed to Real?
What to expect on the field - players in the game, ball size.
Team Formation
Who will coach the Junior Academy teams?
How many Junior Academy teams are formed and what teams are there?
How are players assigned to each team?
What if my player wants only to play goalkeeper?
Goalkeepers participate in tryouts in a similar fashion to field players.
Can a player move up or down teams?
Equipment
What are the uniforms for Junior Academy?
Uniforms will be consistent with the normal recreational uniforms and can be purchased from our apparel partner, Soccer Stop. Numbers are not required for league play, but are required for most tournaments. Check out our uniforms page to learn more.
Contacts & More Information
Who can I contact for more information?
U9 & U10 Jr. Academy Team and Player Registration – Skye Peterson
U9 & U10 Jr. Academy Program Administration –
- Boys: Mark Hastonor 303-694-6882 x113
- Girls: Skye Peterson or 303-694-6882 x119
If you have a general question or are not sure who to direct your question to, please email RealCares@RealColorado.net anytime for assistance.
How can I get involved with my team at Real Colorado?
We’re excited to have you join the Real Colorado family. There are many opportunities to get involved with the club, from volunteering as a Team Manager, Team Treasurer to volunteering for events like Casino Real and organizing and supporting team fundraising activities. Please contact Skye Peterson
Where can I learn more about Real and its Recreational soccer programs?
Visit us at www.realcolorado.net, then hover over the Recreational Menu at the top to see more information on our recreational soccer programs. You can also find updates on upcoming camps under the camps menu. We encourage you to explore our site and if you have any questions, please contact one of our staff members.