Programs and age groups

Competitive programming follows LTAD: training environments focus on developing better players through support for athletes, coaches, and parents at every level. Travel teams serve players pursuing higher-level league and tournament play across the region.

CGA Kid Star is a high-quality youth development program for ages 5U–11U that prepares players for full 11v11 soccer. Teams are co-ed and play other Kid Star squads within the local community. The curriculum builds physical, technical, tactical, and mental foundations through age-appropriate formats—3v3 for 5U–6U, 4v4 for 7U–8U, and 7v7 with positions and referees for 9U–11U. Trained parent coaches follow a standardized plan; parents who complete coach training and lead a team can have tuition covered for that season.

Summer camps deliver high-energy, professional training—including specialized options such as Attacking & Scoring Camp and an international camp with guest coaches from Germany—with optional individual or small-group sessions with CGA coaches after camp ends. College placement programming helps connect committed players with collegiate opportunities; the club highlights recent commitments to programs including Boise State, Idaho State, College of Southern Idaho, College of Idaho, and schools across the Mountain West.

Tryouts and seasonal placement

2026/2027 tryouts are open to all new and returning players interested in joining CGA for the upcoming school-year season. There is no fee to register or attend tryouts, and signing up does not obligate families to join the club.

Pocatello tryouts are June 8 at Indian Hills Soccer Complex. Idaho Falls tryouts are June 9 at Old Butte Soccer Complex on Fields 11 and 12. All interested players—including those who were on a CGA roster in 2025/2026—must complete tryout registration before attending. Staggered boys and girls sessions cover U9 through U19 bands at each venue.

For the 2026/2027 season, US Youth Soccer is shifting to school-year age groups (August 1–July 31) alongside US Club Soccer and AYSO. CGA’s director of coaching staff will place players based on the best developmental environment, weighing birth year and school-year alignment while keeping long-term growth and enjoyment as the priority. Athletes who cannot attend June 8–9 tryouts can email the club to arrange supplemental opportunities.

Kid Star registration example (Pocatello)

Spring 2026 Kid Star registration in Pocatello runs January 12 through March 28, 2026 (or earlier if age groups fill). Training is Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 7–May 28, 2026 at Indian Hills Soccer Complex (666 Cheyenne Rd.). Published spring fees are $130 for 7U–11U (birth years 2015–2019) and $75 for 5U–6U (birth years 2020–2021), with 5U–6U on Tuesdays only. Players born in 2021 must turn four before the program starts. Families purchase required Nike jerseys separately through soccer.com (about $32.63 per jersey; two jerseys are mandatory for the current uniform cycle).

Training centers and philosophy

CGA operates three training centers—in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Teton Valley—so families across East Idaho can train close to home. The mission is to give youth ages 5–19 quality coaching in a safe, positive, family-friendly setting with both recreational and travel options, camps, and clinics for members and the wider community. Players of all skill levels are welcome.

The club’s philosophy ties sport to leadership, teamwork, dedication, perseverance, loyalty, and fair play—values tested in competition and carried into life. CGA aims to be the best at player development in Eastern Idaho, maintaining quality over quantity, full-time staff, and annual pursuit of state championships across age groups.

Contact and next steps

For tryout results, team placement, season schedules, training details, or registration help, families can reach Director of Coaching Rocky Rhoads at 208-220-3950 (girls) or Director of Coaching Alin Suru at 307-413-7627 (boys). Registration assistance is available through Lindsey Ryerson at 208-705-6958. General inquiries go to info@cgaacademy.com or 1-208-709-5044. Mail may be sent to P.O. Box 4387, Pocatello, ID 83205.