Sporting Columbia Academy is a year-round program for committed soccer players looking to take their skills and abilities to a higher level.  The aim is to develop technical, confident, and passionate players who have a desire to excel in the sport.  Player goals at this level range from reaching their full potential and level of achievement within the sport to playing soccer in college and beyond.  To achieve these goals, Sporting Columbia Academy teams compete in competitive leagues and tournaments outside of the Columbia area (often Kansas City & St. Louis).  Academy teams are coached by highly qualified & committed licensed coaches and the program is directed by the professional coaching and administrative staff of the organization.  The Sporting Columbia Academy is open to U8-U19 Boys & Girls and teams are formed annually through a tryout process each June.

Academy Program Benefits:

• Access to professional, licensed coaches who receive ongoing education throughout the year both within the club and externally.
• A comprehensive age-appropriate program structure and development curriculum that guides year-round individual and team training opportunities.
• Access to unique resources available through our partnership with the MLS Club Sporting Kansas City. 
• College Advisory Program for High School Academy Players

For questions about the Academy program, please email Sporting Columbia Executive Director, Dave Golan, at dgolan@sportingcolumbia.net.

Please review the Academy Fees sheet and Academy Program Information Packet for helpful program details. 

What are the age groups?
Our Academy program is available for age groups ranging from 7 years of age to 18. CLICK HERE to view our age matrix.

Do players have to try out?
Yes. Annual tryouts are held in early to mid June each year for all age groups.  

What are the fees?
Academy player fees include club fees and game fees.  These fees are reviewed by Sporting Columbia Board of Directors annually and are outlined on the Academy Fees document linked on this page.  

Club fees are paid at registration and include a ball,  practice jerseys, coach & staff salaries, Training Facility mortgage & maintenance, and general club operating costs.  Club fees include both the fall and spring seasons and are non-refundable.

Game fees are billed at the end of the fall and spring seasons and are based on the leagues/tournaments each Academy team registers for divided amongst it's players.  

Players are responsible for uniform purchase and travel expenses.

Is financial assistance available for competitive soccer? 
Yes, please click on the form liked below for financial aid submission requirements and deadline to apply.

2023/24 Academy Player Financial Aid Application

When & Where are practices?
Practice schedules will be determines by coaches and directors following team formation.  Teams typically train two times per week for 60-90 minutes depending on the age group. 

The majority of teams train at Sporting Columbia's Training Facility or Cosmo Park.  During times of wet field conditions coaches may plan for an alternate location (school gym, etc.).

When & Where are games?
Teams typically play in a league (Heartland, SLYSA, etc.), and participate in 1-3 tournaments per season. Tournaments generally increase as players move to older divisions. 

Our mission is to build the best soccer club possible and leave it stronger for the next generation of players and parents.  Volunteers play an important part in that mission. If you are interested in serving on the Board or Directors, as a team manager, fundraising committee member, or helping the club in another way, please email Dave Golan at dgolan@sportingcolumbia.net.