Northern Soccer Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Santa Fe that has offered youth soccer across Northern New Mexico for more than half a century. The club emphasizes affordable access and the idea that children should be able to play regardless of skill level or household finances. Programming spans introductory and recreational tracks through competitive league play for committed athletes.
The Development League serves ages roughly U5 through U16 (about ages 4–15) with a six-week spring-style block that pairs one weeknight practice with Saturday morning games. Practices for Santa Fe–based teams use MRC Soccer Valley on assigned weekday evenings; El Dorado area teams train at El Dorado Community School on the same general schedule. Games for that pathway are held Saturday mornings at MRC Soccer Valley. Volunteer coaches lead teams, and the club supplies soccer balls and core practice and game equipment while families provide shin guards, water, and recommended cleats for grass. The club’s red-and-yellow Northern jersey is purchased at the first practice. Registration for these developmental offerings is handled through the StackSports (Sports Connect) portal tied to Northern Soccer Club.
Northern Niños introduces three-year-olds to soccer in a practice-only, six-week format with small groups capped around fifteen children per session and professional coaches leading each practice at MRC Soccer Valley. Northern Academy targets roughly U7 through U9 as an extra weekly practice-only session on Friday evenings at MRC Soccer Valley, run by professional staff, to deepen individual skills and feed evaluation toward Select over time. It sits alongside, not inside, the Development League schedule.
The Select program is aimed at boys and girls from about U8 through U18 who want a higher commitment level. Teams train two or three times per week, typically on municipal soccer fields in Santa Fe with some use of other city sites, and they aim for at least eight Duke City Soccer League matches plus two in-state tournaments each season, along with optional preseason and postseason events and regional travel where teams pursue it. League play includes Duke City Soccer League and the USYS Desert Conference National League, with many games centered at Bernalillo Soccer Complex. David Sidebottom and Justin Najaka serve as Select program head coaches, each holding a USSF C license. Financial aid is available for Select as well as developmental registrations for qualifying families.
The mission is to use soccer to help young people from varied backgrounds learn the game and grow on and off the field. Scott Hussion is the executive director, Megan Robert serves as club operations coordinator and development programs director, and a volunteer board provides oversight alongside coaching leadership. Events and activities operate under New Mexico Youth Soccer Association rules, including age-group alignment with U.S. Youth Soccer birth-year guidance. Families seeking aid complete the club’s financial assistance process; when approved, the club issues a coupon code to apply at registration checkout.
Compare Northern Soccer Club with other youth soccer options in your area before making a decision. These directory links make it easier to review local clubs, broader New Mexico programs, and nearby team options in one place.
What ages and program levels does Northern Soccer Club offer?Northern Niños serves three-year-olds in a practice-only introduction. The Development League covers roughly U5 through U16 with weekly practices and Saturday games. Northern Academy adds an extra practice-only track for about U7 through U9 focused on individual development. Select serves about U8 through U18 for athletes ready for more training volume and competitive league play.
Where does Northern Soccer Club train and play?Development League and academy-style practices for Santa Fe use MRC Soccer Valley; El Dorado teams train at El Dorado Community School. Saturday Development League games take place at MRC Soccer Valley. Select teams mainly train on Santa Fe municipal soccer fields and other city sites, with Duke City and Desert Conference fixtures often at Bernalillo Soccer Complex. Select practice times are assigned before the season starts.
How does registration work, and when are Select tryouts?Development League, Northern Niños, and Northern Academy registration runs through the StackSports registration portal connected to Northern Soccer Club. Seasonal open and close dates change each cycle, so families should confirm the current window when enrolling. For the 2026 cycle the club scheduled Select tryouts May 19–June 1 for the fall Select season, with team selection and roster acceptance June 2–5; preseason, Duke City Soccer League spring play, state cup eligibility, and optional tournaments sit earlier on the same spring calendar.
What do Development League and Northern Niños registration cost?Development League and Northern Niños each cost $97 in program registration plus a $23 annual New Mexico Youth Soccer Association player fee. Northern Academy’s practice-only add-on block is $97. Financial assistance is available; approved families receive a coupon code to enter at checkout.
What is Northern Soccer Club’s mission and coaching approach?The nonprofit mission is to help diverse young players learn soccer and reach their potential on and off the field while keeping the game accessible. Development League relies on volunteer coaches supported with curriculum and education. Northern Niños and Northern Academy sessions are led by professional coaches. Select emphasizes advanced development under experienced licensed coaching leadership.
How can families get financial help or follow club updates?Financial assistance applications go through the club’s financial assistance form; approved applicants receive a coupon code for registration checkout. Routine announcements also appear on the club’s Facebook and Instagram channels. Player registration for developmental programs uses the StackSports portal for Northern Soccer Club.
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