Select & Challenge soccer is for serious soccer players who want professional instruction and who desire a more competitive environment with other players who share the same goals. Most Select soccer players tend to be those that want to play in high school and college. Players interested in Select soccer should love to play soccer, want to learn to play at a more advanced level and are willing to commit the time and effort required to become the best player possible. Beginning in the Futures and Academy Programs, Spartanburg United players are trained with their long-term development in mind rather than immediate team success.

• Team training sessions are 90-120 minute sessions
• Goalkeeper training, speed & agility and additional technical sessions are offered throughout the season
• Spartanburg United Challenge teams practice 3 nights a week
• Spartanburg United PMSL and Open league teams practice 2 nights per week
• Games are played at Spartanburg United’s home field or at opponent fields throughout the state
• Most games are on the weekend but there are occasional games during the week
• Teams may participate in additional tournaments and scrimmages throughout the season

In South Carolina, Junior Select/Challenge teams are U13-U14 and they play in a fall and spring season with the State Cup Championship played at the conclusion of the spring season.  This must be kept in mind as this age group is in Middle School and playing both becomes too much for them.  Challenge team players may not play Middle School soccer during the spring season due to commitment involved.  Senior Select/Challenge teams are U15-U19 and play during the Fall only with State Cup Championships played at the conclusion of the fall season in December.

South Carolina supports three levels of play within the State: 

• Challenge (highest level)  South Carolina State Challenge League
• Classic (second highest level)  President’s Medal Soccer League
• Open League (third highest level). 

Beyond the Challenge level of play is the Region III Piedmont Conference of the National League.  Top finishers of the SC Challenge Cup are invited to participate in this regional league, competing against other top teams from surrounding states, providing them with a level of competition unavailable within the state of South Carolina.

South Carolina Youth Soccer Leagues operate with Promotion and Relegation just like Professional Leagues throughout the world.  The top finishers in each League are promoted up the the next League while the bottom of the table teams are relegated to the lower League.

If you are interested in joining the program please email  [email protected]  to check availability and an evaluation.