Opelika Crush

What the club offers

Programming spans an academy track for younger players through high-school-age competitive teams. The academy side uses player pools and small-sided formats (7v7 and 9v9) with weekend play dates and limited travel so new players build technique before travel demands rise. U12 boys and girls squads play 9v9 in Alabama state league brackets matched to team skill, with each team budgeted for at least one tournament and up to two per selection cycle. U13 through U19 teams play 11v11, also placed in state league by level, with the same one-to-two tournament band.

For players who want to stay sharp for high school but cannot take a full club calendar, a high school prep group trains once a week and plays about six to eight games, mostly on weeknights against in-house and nearby club opponents. The Opelika Rails side is the senior track for the most committed players: three training sessions per week, state league play, three to four tournaments, and matches against area college programs.

Division I, II, and III teams travel around Alabama for league fixtures and tournaments as part of the competitive pathway. A five-week summer training block is free for current club members; players from outside the club may join by signing up once summer registration opens after tryouts each year.

Home fields and how teams move around the state

Primary training and match sites are W. James Samford Soccer Complex, next to the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, with five full-size grass fields, and Floral Park, which adds one regulation turf field plus four small-sided turf fields. Academy-age groups (about U8 through U12) usually stay within about an hour of Opelika for league play and often play two games in a day when schedules allow. U13 and older sides compete in the Alabama State League with a mix of home and away fixtures across cities such as Auburn, Mobile, and Huntsville, plus State Cup play in Foley, Alabama, alongside the club’s Rumble on the Rails event that closes the fall window.

Seasons, training rhythm, and game expectations

Fall preseason typically starts in late July and runs into early December, ending with the Rumble on the Rails tournament. Spring season generally runs from early February through early May. Most teams train two or three evenings per week, commonly around 5:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., at the club’s assigned complexes. Extra tournaments beyond the included schedule cost fifty dollars per player when a coach and team manager add them.

Because the program is competitive, playing time is not promised for every minute, but coaches aim to give committed players meaningful minutes so they grow through games. Rosters rarely change once teams are set, yet players may be invited to train with other club groups when it helps development, and club-pass options may apply in select cases.

Fees, scholarships, insurance, and signup flow

Tryouts require a fifty-dollar fee that is non-refundable unless the player is not offered a roster spot. Fall season tuition is four hundred fifty dollars, covering coaching, uniforms, and two tournaments, with a three-installment payment option. Returning players owe two hundred fifty dollars for spring; new spring joiners pay four hundred dollars total. Need-based scholarships can reduce season costs after the tryout fee, which everyone pays. Once a family accepts a team invitation, the club does not issue refunds, though families may purchase optional insurance at signup to help with partial refunds if a season-ending injury occurs. Registration is handled online each cycle when the club opens the window.

Coaching standards, gear, and sideline culture

Coaches complete U.S. Soccer Grassroots licensing, most hold a D license, and some carry C, B, or A national credentials. Required player gear includes shin guards and cleats; academy and U12 groups use size four balls, while U13 and older use size five. Families agree to a parent code of conduct that emphasizes positive support and respectful behavior toward referees and opponents. Injured athletes must be cleared before returning, and all adults working with players complete background checks through the Alabama Soccer Association.

How to reach the club

For questions about programs, rosters, or registration timing, families can call Club Director Missy Martin at +1 334-444-2923.