Columbia Soccer Club

What the club offers

Recreational soccer spans roughly U4 through U18, with divisions built from birth year using the standard US Youth Soccer birth-year matrix. The Tiny Toes track introduces the youngest players (about 04U) to basic ball skills and movement through Saturday sessions at Ridley Park, led by CSA mentors rather than a traditional league schedule. Older recreational teams emphasize fun and participation: players are expected to play at least half of each game, scores are not emphasized at the recreational level, and teams stay as balanced as practical. Families who want a higher level can pursue the competitive program after tryouts.

The competitive program is a travel model: teams train more often, face other clubs, and may travel out of county or state for league and tournament play. Tryouts are free and usually run in May and June; registration is a two-step process through the club’s online system (create or log into an account, then choose competitive tryout registration for the player). After tryouts, Tennessee’s binding-date rules apply for competitive commitment, separate from any financial agreement families make with the club. Team-level costs after roster acceptance vary with schedule, tournaments, hotels, and other team decisions.

CSA also runs an adult league, mentor support for the youngest divisions, training blocks, tournaments, and seasonal camps alongside the core youth tracks.

Development philosophy and playing experience

Recreational soccer is built around enjoyment, sportsmanship, and steady skill growth. Volunteer parent coaches lead most recreational teams once they complete risk-management training (background check, concussion, cardiac, and SafeSport-style requirements). U4–U6 groups often meet only on Saturdays with mentors running activities during the assigned window, while older teams add weekday practices on days coaches select. Competitive soccer expects more training nights, earned playing time based on readiness and commitment, and paid coaching staff rather than parent volunteers on the touchline during games.

Registration, seasons, and typical fees

Spring outdoor recreational registration has historically opened around January for March–May play; fall registration has typically opened around July for September–November seasons. Each season lasts about eight weeks. Recent spring outdoor seasons have charged about $120 per player including the game uniform kit, with a small late fee after the registration cutoff. Registration is online only through the club portal; families should use password recovery instead of creating duplicate accounts so player history stays intact.

Competitive families should plan for club operating fees that cover coaching, fields, training, and program overhead, plus variable team expenses. Before accepting a competitive roster spot, families review a one-year commitment tied to the soccer year and understand that release through TSSA does not erase prior financial obligations to the team or club.

Fields and practice locations

Game sites include Cook Soccer Park and Ridley Park, and families receive field-status updates when weather or closures affect play. Recreational practices are often assigned around Dr. Hunter’s practice fields near Graymere Church of Christ, though coaches confirm exact days and times with their teams.

How to reach the club

General questions go to admin@columbiasoccer.org. Registration and program operations are handled through the registrar at registrar@columbiasoccer.org. Competitive and travel questions, including individual tryouts outside the main May–June window, go to the vice president of competitive soccer at vpcompetitive@columbiasoccer.org. Mailing address: 1116 West 7th Street PMB 248, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.