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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE EVOLUTION?

Evolution is the name of our  Academy (U6-U10) and Competitive (U11+) soccer program here at CSA and GSSA. Competitive is also known as Select or Travel soccer.

Evolution grew out of CSA's desire to offer to players & parents a top quality, professional, competitive youth club program that supports our fantastic Recreational program and volunteer coaches. In 2019, CSA and GSSA partnered to extend Evolution to Grapevine-Southlake players as well as a collaboration between our two NTSSA member associations.

From 24 players on 2 teams in 2012, Evolution has grown to 75 teams and 725+ players (Spring 2023), with hundreds more participating in CSA Monday Night Futbol and GSSA Monday Night Skills as well as in our off-season youth soccer camps

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECREATIONAL SOCCER and EVOLUTION?

Recreational soccer is for all players U4-U19 of any ability, utilizing volunteer parent coaches, where the focus is on fun and participation. Games are typically played on Saturdays.

Academy soccer is for that U6-U10 player looking to take their game to the next level and play in a more competitive league.  We employ professional coaches who focus on developing players for rigors of competing at a higher level, to prepare them for Select (U11+) soccer in a few years.  Our Academy teams generally play in the Texas Clubs Soccer League (TCSL) league or the Regional Premier League (RPL)  on Sundays. Players can play both Academy and Recreational soccer simultaneously (and we strongly encourage it!) 

Competitive (a.k.a. Select or Travel) soccer is for U11+ players seeking the highest level of competition and coaching, and who are willing to make the required time and financial commitment.  North Texas offers some of the highest quality Competitive soccer in the country. It is not unusual for teams from as far away as Waco, Midland, Wichita Falls, Amarillo, and Longview to participate in our local Competitive leagues.  Our teams play in the Boys Classic League, Girls Classic League, Plano Premier Invitational League , the Red River National Premier League (NPL) and/or the Regional Premier League (RPL).  Most games are on the weekend, primarily on Saturdays, but a few are on weeknights (especially make-up games) - it varies by league.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TRY OUT?

Not for Academy soccer.  We want any child interested in our program to have the opportunity to participate, learn, grow and have a fun and challenging experience.  Please note however that space in our Academy programs is limited.  We form teams each season based on player interest, coach availability and other factors.  Sometimes a player may not be quite ready to make the leap from Recreational to Academy soccer, or we don't have enough players to form a team, which is why we also offer our Skills Development Program (training only) an alternative.

Competitive (U11+) teams do hold annual try outs and can Select their players starting July 1st.  Selected players sign contracts and in North Texas must commit to play for the full soccer year, from July 1st to June 30th.   Competitive teams train year round, compete in pre- and post-season tournaments including Qualifying tournaments for leagues and upper level tournament invitations, and may travel out of state.  

WHAT’S THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Our Skills Development Program is only a 1 day per week commitment.  Our Academy teams have 2 team practices per week and plus a game on most Fall and Spring weekends.  Competitive teams are 3 days a week in season and 2 days a week between seasons.

CAN A PLAYER PLAY RECREATIONAL AND ACADEMY AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, and we strongly encourage it!  More touches make for better players, and so both CSA and GSSA offer a special deal (only $30) on Recreational fees for Academy players.  Around half of our players choose to play both Recreational and Academy, however a child may also elect to participate in Academy only.  We believe in giving the player flexibility to participate in as much or as little soccer as they feel comfortable with.

WHO’S THE COACH?

Check out our Coach Bio Page for more information about our coaching staff.  Most of our coaches are Internationals with certifications from UEFA or national associations like the English FA, the FAI or the Scottish FA.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?

Outdoor practices are held on the CSA Practice Fields on Pleasant Run Road in Colleyville, just north of the Crown of Life Lutheran Church, and at GSSA fields including Meadowmere Park and Oak Grove Park in Grapevine. Team practices are determined by the coach. Our practice schedule is posted online.  Winter practices are typically outdoors at CSA.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE GAMES PLAYED?

Academy games typically occur on Sundays, and locations vary by league. Most games are in Colleyville & Grapevine, but there are also games at MoneyGram in Dallas (west of I-35E) or The Colony. Some leagues also play in Carrollton, Frisco and McKinney. As players progress in age, more travel will be a part of the game, but we strive to keep a good balance for players (and their parents).

Competitive (U11+) leagues play in Dallas, Plano and Arlington. RPL and NPL also play in Colleyville, Frisco and McKinney.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE AREN’T ENOUGH KIDS TO FORM A TEAM IN MY AGE GROUP?

You should definitely reach out to our Academy Director for any options and/or alternatives, such as our Skills Development Program, that may be available. That way you can continue to build your skills while we continue to build the team.  This is a very common solution utilized by many academy programs in similar situations.

IS MY CHILD READY FOR EVO?

Our programs are designed for just about anyone.  Our programs for incoming U6 players focuses on building a strong soccer foundation and progresses as they get older.  Our Skills Development program is for any player looking to further their individual skills, but might not be quite ready for competitive play on an Academy team.  Our Academy teams work on strengthening advanced individual skills as well as team play and development, in preparation for Competitive (U11+) soccer in the future.  Our Competitive teams regularly play against some of the best teams in North Texas.