Soccer Development That Moves Your Player Forward

F.C. Horizon

Ages 7+

Competitive club teams for players ready to train hard, compete, and push their game forward.

Premier Teams compete against top clubs across the region in a high-performance environment for committed players.

Select Teams provide a structured, local pathway for players working toward competitive soccer.

Step Up Soccer Academy

Ages 5-7

Acts as a bridge between recreational soccer and competitive play. Players build stronger skills, confidence, and game awareness in a structured training environment.

Feet First

Ages 2½-5

Feet First is the perfect introduction to soccer for young players. The program focuses on fun, movement, and basic ball skills while helping kids build confidence, coordination, and a love for the game.

Player development doesn’t stop with team training.


Players can take advantage of additional technical training opportunities throughout the year.

Whether it’s refining skills, rebuilding confidence after a tough season, or finding the spark to reach the next level, Skills Training, Goalkeeper Training, Camps, and Tournaments provide new opportunities to grow and improve.

SKILLS

Weekly Training

CAMPS

1-Day and 4-Day Camps

GOALKEEPER TRAINING

Training for Goalkeepers

Learn More

For goalkeeper training, please send an email to info@nwaupstartathletics.com for more information

TOURNAMENTS

Seasonal Tournaments

What our PARENTS say:

Dautis Smith

Parent

WE ARE EXCITED FOR OUR SON TO EMBRACE A MORE DISCIPLINED APPROACH. COACH ADE, HIS WIFE, AND DYLAN HAVE ALREADY MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE PROGRAM, WHICH IS NOW THE ONLY ONE IN THE AREA THAT I BELIEVE OFFERS A TRULY PROGRESSIVE PATH TO DEVELOP OUR KIDS' SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME OF SOCCER ENJOYMENT AND FULFILLMENT.

FAQs

What age groups do you offer programs for?

We offer a complete player pathway, with programs designed for each stage of development:

  • Feet First (Ages 2.5–5): A fun, introductory program for preschool players focused on movement, coordination, and early soccer skills.
  • Step Up Soccer Academy (Ages 5–7): A great starting point for young players learning the game in a fun environment while preparing for league play.
  • F.C. Horizon Select (Ages 7+): A local, development-focused team option for players ready for more structured training and competition.
  • F.C. Horizon Premier (Ages 7+): Our highest level for committed players ready to train, compete, and travel against top teams in the region.
What is the difference between recreational soccer and your programs?

Our programs are designed and led by professional Directors of Coaching and built on three pillars: Coaches, Culture, and Curriculum.

  • Coaches: Trained educators who know how to develop players
  • Culture: Positive environments that encourage growth and confidence
  • Curriculum: A structured, age-appropriate system for long-term development

We also offer year-round programming, giving families flexibility to play soccer consistently or balance it with other activities throughout the year.

What is the difference between F.C. Horizon Select and Premier?

F.C. Horizon Select:

A local, development-focused team option with a seasonal commitment and no travel. Offered across five seasons per year, making it flexible for families and ideal for players progressing toward competitive soccer.

F.C. Horizon Premier:

Our highest level of play. Players are selected through tryouts and compete in league play, tournaments, and regional travel with a higher level of commitment.

What is the time commitment for each program?
  • Feet First: 1 session per week
  • Step Up Soccer Academy: 1 practice and 1 game per week
  • F.C. Horizon Select: 1 practice and 1 game per week
  • F.C. Horizon Premier: 2–3 practices per week, league games, and seasonal tournaments
Do players need prior experience?
  • Feet First: No experience needed — perfect for beginners
  • Step Up Soccer Academy: Designed for both new and returning players
  • F.C. Horizon Select: Some experience is helpful; great for players ready for more structured training
  • F.C. Horizon Premier: Players are evaluated to ensure the right fit for competitive play
Are tryouts required?
  • F.C. Horizon Premier: Yes — annual tryouts are held in late May for the upcoming seasonal year. Mid-season placements may be available through evaluation.
  • F.C. Horizon Select: No tryouts required — players can join throughout the year across multiple seasons
  • Feet First & Step Up: No tryouts — players can join anytime
How does your player development pathway work?

All of our programs are designed with one goal in mind: to move your player forward.

Players typically begin in Feet First, where they build confidence and basic coordination. From there, Step Up Soccer Academy introduces foundational skills and game play in a fun, structured environment.

As players grow, they can progress into F.C. Horizon Select for more structured team play, and ultimately into F.C. Horizon Premier, where they train and compete at the highest level.

At every stage, our coaches are focused on helping players develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to reach their potential.

How can my player improve faster outside of regular team training?

We offer additional training programs to help players accelerate their development outside of team training.

Skills Training provides weekly sessions focused on technical skills and athletic development. It’s ideal for players who want extra touches, are working toward a higher level, or are considering private training. Options include monthly memberships or drop-in sessions.

Camps are offered during school breaks and summer, providing high-energy training with options for both beginner and advanced players.

Together, these programs give players more opportunities to train, compete, and keep moving forward.


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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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Send an email to angela@upstartathletics.com

Contact Us

Whether you are a current family or one looking for more information, please reach out. You can connect with us via one of the methods below.

Email

info@nwaupstartathletics.com

Call or Text

(479) 372-4860

Need more info?

We're happy to answer questions to help find

the right soccer program for you.

Reimagining youth soccer for a new generation

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