Cougar Soccer Club is open to everyone but mainly consists of residents of Maplewood and South Orange, and are trained by professionals from ESA. Our players enjoy an inspiring learning experience that allows them to advance toward their maximum potential.
For help determining which group is appropriate for your child’s age, see our article on birth year information.
Ages 3 through 7
Our Academy program consists of Mini-Kickers, Kickers, U8 Academy and Premier U8 Academy teams are open to all local boys and girls from ages 3 to 7. These co-ed teams practice and play exclusively in Maplewood and South Orange only. This is a fun, developmental program that teaches basic fundamentals of soccer with progressive growth toward playing on our Travel teams. There are no tryouts for these teams. Cougar Cubs, Mini-Kickers, Kickers and Academy programs are open to ALL players of ALL abilities. These fun, introductory programs allow children to develop their motor skills, build self-confidence and social skills, as well as an understanding of the game – all with the goal of igniting an interest in soccer.
The Academy program is offered in the fall and spring as separate programs. The registration occurs from late June through August for the Fall season and from late December through March for the Spring season.
Academy Program (3-7)
Ages 8 through 14
Our boys and girls Travel teams – from ages 8 through 14 – are talent specific teams, where players must tryout and be accepted to the program each year. Tryouts are held every spring towards the end of April for U9-U14. Playing on a Travel team from U9-U14 is an annual obligation and best suited to players who wish to make a bigger commitment to their personal soccer development and play at a higher level of competition. Our Travel players benefit from professional instruction, as well as competitive league and tournament play.
Ages 15 through 19
Boys and girls Travel teams – the U15 age group typically has players split between 8th grade and freshman in high school. Cougar S.C.will offer a Fall team where there is enough interest from players.
Cougar S.C. offers a Spring season for players between U15 and U19 which are talent specific teams, where players must tryout and be accepted to the program each year. Tryouts are held in November for the Fall season. Our Travel players benefit from professional instruction, as well as competitive league and tournament play.