NFC FAQS

At Nashville Futbol Club, we believe that sport is a powerful platform for shaping character. Through our five athletic pillars—Team Development, Resilience, Grit, Discipline, and High Performance Stress Management—we aim to form athletes who are not only physically skilled, grounded and mentally strong. Players learn to value the strength of unity, respond to adversity, pursue goals with tenacity, steward their time and talents with purpose, and thrive under pressure with a calm, driven mindset. Ultimately, our hope is that every player develops into a leader marked by integrity, humility, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.

We use fútbol to honor the global roots of the game and reflect the cultural diversity of our club. It signals our international inspiration and inclusive spirit.

We welcome players born between 2008 and 2017, and we’re committed to helping every player grow — no matter where they’re starting from. Here’s how our pathway is structured:

U9–U10 Pre-Academy (Birth Years 2017–2016)

At these ages, tryouts are more about expressing interest than making a team. We typically accept all players because:

“It's impossible to predict future success at these ages — our goal is to build a strong foundation and a love for the game.”

• Focus on fun, fundamentals, and learning the game

• Introduction to team play and field spacing

• Games played in the 7v7 format

U8 players are welcome to try out for a U9 team. However, we encourage most families to start with a recreational program. At this time, we do not plan to form designated U8 teams.

U11 Pre-Academy (Birth Year 2015)

Players begin to build more tactical understanding, but we still focus on development over selection.

• More structured team concepts and game awareness

• Supportive coaching with room for growth

• Matches played in 9v9 format

U12 Academy (Birth Year 2014)

This is a transitional year where team placements may be more selective, depending on numbers and development.

• Continued focus on positional understanding

• Tactical coaching and team strategy

• Maintains the 9v9 format

U13–U19 Academy (Birth Years 2013–2008)

Players in these age groups compete at a higher level with more structure and challenge.

• 11v11 format, state league competition, and tournament play

• Position-specific training and advanced tactical development

• Strong team culture and player leadership opportunities

Yes. Players may play up based on skill level, maturity, and coach recommendation. Safety and growth are always our top priorities.

Yes. We encourage multi-sport participation, especially at younger ages. It supports athletic versatility and helps prevent burnout. We work with families to manage schedules and expectations flexibly.

We implement an Integrated Soccer Style that draws on global coaching methodologies. Our focus is on developing technical ability, creativity, and tactical awareness in every player.

Our coaching team includes licensed, experienced professionals who are also committed mentors. All head coaches are US Soccer certified and undergo background checks, sexual harassment prevention, and concussion training. We prioritize coaches who teach with humility and build strong team cultures.

Teams practice twice weekly in Donelson, Old Hickory, Hermitage, or Madison, with most games held on weekends throughout Middle Tennessee. Tournaments may be added based on team placement.

Schedules are distributed via TeamSnap at the start of each season.

• Fall Season: Early August – Late November.

• Spring Season: Mid-January – Late May

All of our U12 and older teams compete in the state league, and to date, every team has reached the State Cup finals. In just three seasons, we've won several tournaments and reached the finals in over a dozen more. Our teams are built to compete and grow at a high level.

Register online by filling out the form on our website here. On tryout day, check in at our welcome table, receive your practice shirt, and enjoy the experience! Results are emailed within 48–72 hours.

You’ll receive your player’s results and placement options by email. We give families time to consider offers and do not rush decisions. Once accepted, you’ll receive onboarding instructions for registration and uniforms.

Teams are formed based on technical ability, tactical understanding, attitude, and positional needs. Our younger age groups emphasize development and placement over cuts.

• Registration Fee: $199/year (includes insurance)
  

• Monthly Club Fees: $125/month (Aug–Nov & Jan–May)
  

• Team Fees: $250–$450/season (tournaments and league entry)
  

• Uniforms: $250–$350 (two-year cycle)
  

Players need soccer cleats, shin guards, a properly sized soccer ball, and club uniforms. Water bottles are also recommended for every practice and game.

Most games are local within Middle Tennessee. Older and more competitive teams may travel regionally for tournaments or State League matches. Travel expectations are outlined at the beginning of each season.

We prioritize long-term player health. If your child is injured or needs time off, coaches will work with you to plan a safe return. Modified training and sideline involvement are encouraged when appropriate.

We use TeamSnap for all team communications, schedules, and updates. Coaches and team managers provide direct communication, and the club sends out seasonal email updates.

We ask families to support a positive, respectful sideline environment. Fundraising and volunteering are welcomed but not mandatory. Our goal is a strong, encouraging environment for every family.

Yes! At Nashville Fútbol Club, we prioritize developing well-rounded soccer players first, rather than focusing on early specialization. Especially at younger ages, we emphasize building a strong foundation in all positions, including goalkeeper.

Our approach aligns with many reputable European clubs, where goalkeeper training is typically introduced around the age of 13, when players are physically ready and have already developed their fundamental skills. Until that point, players are encouraged to experience multiple positions on the field, which helps build critical foot skills and a broader understanding of the game.

As our club grows and player needs expand, we will continue to invest in the necessary resources to support goalkeeper development, including specialized coaching as required. Goalkeeper training is integrated within team sessions, allowing players to explore the position while continuing to grow as versatile athletes.

Our goal is to support young athletes in their exploration of the game, and help them specialize confidently as they mature.

Yes. Nashville Fútbol Club offers opportunities for both boys and girls and is committed to providing equal access and support for all players. While we recognize that boys and girls may benefit from different training emphases, we ensure that every athlete receives the same investment, opportunity, and care in their development.

Yes. We welcome Spanish-speaking families, and several of our staff and coaches are bilingual. We’re committed to making sure language is never a barrier to participation or communication.

Tryouts at NFC are designed to be welcoming, encouraging, and age-appropriate. For our U9 and U10 age groups (players born in 2016–2017), tryouts are more about showing interest than earning a spot. We typically accept all players at these ages because it's too early to predict performance, and we want to give every child the chance to learn and enjoy the game.

For U11 and older, there is more structure to the evaluation process, especially as players move into competitive team formats.

Your child should come prepared with cleats, shin guards, water, and a good attitude! We’ll handle the rest.

➡️ Want the full step-by-step guide for parents and players? Check out our blog on what to expect at tryouts.