BOYS AND GIRLS AGES U5-U12
(BIRTH YEAR 2019-2012)
Welcome to the Rising Stars soccer program at Charlotte Rise FC, the premier destination for young soccer players aged U5 to U12 in South Charlotte. Our program is meticulously designed to kindle a passion for soccer in a fun, professional environment while nurturing each child’s unique talents.
Philosophy of Fun, Learning, and Creativity
At Rising Stars, our core philosophy revolves around the joy of playing soccer. We blend fun with a structured learning approach, focusing on creativity, ball skills, shooting, and passing techniques. Our aim is to foster an environment where every child can thrive, learn, and develop a lasting love for the game.
At Charlotte Rise FC, we deeply understand the significance of maintaining a fun and positive atmosphere to keep young players thoroughly engaged. We believe that a positive and enjoyable experience is the key to creating an engaging experience. Therefore, our program focuses not only on soccer skill development but also on creating lasting memories on the field.
Expert Coaching in South Charlotte
Our South Charlotte and Carolina locations are home to professional coaches, bringing a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to youth soccer. They are committed to teaching the proper, age-appropriate skills / techniques that every rising star needs, ensuring a balance between challenging training and enjoyable play. Under the direction of Coach Greg Henschel, we have developed a club philosophy that brings our players the very best methods to enjoy and progress in the current youth soccer environment.
Coach Henschel has a unique playing and coaching background. He was a two time 1st team all-region selection in college, all-time leader in scoring and points and played four years professionally. He served in his head coaching roles of both Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division 1 & 3 soccer programs for more than two decades, receiving multiple Coach of the Year recognitions for both men’s and women’s teams. He has trained at the Chelsea, and Real Madrid academies in Europe on several occasions. Coach Henschel was recently inducted into the Athletic Department Hall of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for his contribution as a student-athlete and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Hall of Fame for his direction of both their men & women’s soccer programs. Coach Henschel has also been strongly influenced by his family’s sports background. Coach Henschel’s wife Jean is an accomplished collegiate volleyball player. Jean was also a 1st team all-region selection in college and played in two NCAA Final Fours, receiving All-Final Four team recognition. Jean is a high school teacher and has coached multiple boys & girls high school state champion volleyball teams. Coach Henschel and Jean have two teenage daughters who are competitive soccer players currently navigating youth soccer. Their oldest daughter recently earned and accepted a college soccer scholarship.
Coach Henschel’s background gives him a unique perspective of more than two decades of collegiate & youth coaching, as well as parenting his daughters through the youth soccer environment. Coach Henschel believes the experience for both player and parents should be fun. SOCCER IS ALWAYS FUN WITH RISE FC. Coach Henschel recognizes that greater ball mastery and skill, as well as player creativity leads to greatest enjoyment and success. Rise FC players are encouraged to take risks which leads to increased chance of mistakes which are understood to be part of the Rising Stars equation. Coach Henschel has distilled his ideas down to a basic question… What is best for the player and the child? When this question is answered, your child’s success is ensured. Coach Henschel has dedicated a large part of his life to put himself in the position to pursue and answer this basic question for each Rise FC family.
YOUTH SOCCER
SPRING SEASON
BOYS AND GIRLS
U5 - U12
LOCATIONS
2
Five
Week
Program
Session 1
March 3 to April 13, 2024
Session 2
April 14 to May 18, 2024
For a 5 week
session
U5-U7 ($120)
U8-U12 ($150)
For both
Sessions 1 & 2
U5-U7 ($200)
U8-U12 ($260)
Flexible Schedule and
Engaging Sessions
Understanding the demands of family life, Rising Stars offers a flexible schedule with practices once a week and games on the weekend. Players are welcome to attend extra sessions during the week, providing ample opportunity for practice and improvement.
Rising Stars Spring Soccer Season
- Minimum of 1 weekday practice (soccer skills, soccer games).
- Players are welcome to join all practices and locations at no additional cost. Simply arrive, participate, and enjoy the game—no extra registration required.
- 1 weekend game at Ramblewood Soccer Complex.
- Total 5 games (Soccer tournament on the 5th weekend).
- Soccer Kit (1 Jersey, 1 shorts and 1 pair of socks) is available for just $39
Session 1 (5 Weeks)
Dates:
- U5-U7 ($120)
- U8-U12 ($150)
Dates:
- U5-U7 ($120)
- U8-U12 ($150)
Dates:
- U5-U7 ($200)
- U8-U12 ($260)
Days
Times
Locations
*Either Shiloh Valley or Indian Trail Elementary will be used as the practice site. These two locations are three miles apart and can be confirmed by contacting Coach Henschel (980-216-8082)
Game formats will vary based on the number of players available to play and player ages. The goal will be to have short sided teams 2 or 3 field players with a goalie. The players will have the opportunity to touch and be on the ball as much as possible. We will have a goalie to promote game like shooting situations rather than open nets or protected net areas. The rules may vary slightly vary from week to week or game to game depending on concepts we are trying to teach. For example, a goal may not be allowed unless all players cross the midline. This teaches team transition. The rules and expectations will be clearly communicated to the players.
We have secured the fields for three hours on Saturday. Players should arrive and anticipate to start playing at 9:00am. Organized games will end approximately at 1100 but can carry over. For players who want to stay longer and play up until 12:00pm are invited to utilize the extra time and field space. If players are available and want to continue playing than a new game will form. We want you playing.
Running from March 3rd 2024 to May 18th 2024, our 10-week spring program in South Charlotte is an ideal setting for your child’s soccer development. The Spring season will be split into two 5 week sessions (March 3 – April 13th 2024 and April 14th 2024 – May18th 2024).
Included in each 5-week session is a minimum of 1 week day practice/training session. Practice sessions will work on player skill development (dribbling, juggling, shooting and passing).
Each Saturday is game day. Players will be divided into small teams for small sided game play. The first weekend all the players will be evaluated and teams will start to be created. Players will be challenged with different game formats (Team creation will occur over the first two weeks). Weekend 3 and 4 the goal is to have more formal teams set for the kids to build familiarity and teamwork. The players will for example learn each other’s names and team names will be chosen. And on the final 5th weekend the kids will play a tournament style event for an ultimate champion and trophy winner. Awards will be given for best teammate, best defender, best goal etc.
The goal over the five-week game format is for the kids to have fun. Create new teams (coaches are making the teams competitive and as fair as possible). The focus is on skill development from the players, coaches will promote creativity and flexibility (different teammates and positions) and overall leadership and communication. We will start to discuss ideas of accountable actions, teamwork and how to compete. The idea is to have the situation fun but to keep the kids on their toes. The coaches will communicate to the kids easy to understand directions and expectations. The parents will learn to trust us with their kids and will watch their players have fun, while improving their communication, leadership and ball skills.
All players will receive a full kit, including a Charlotte Rise FC jersey, shorts, and socks. (Players participating in two sessions (10-week program) in the same season (fall or spring) will receive only one kit. If a player participates in two different seasons, they will receive a new kit each season. For example, if a player participates in session 2 of fall (5 weeks) and then participates in the Spring 2nd session (5 weeks). In Spring they will receive a new kit.
Winter Indoor Soccer Details
8 Week Program
(Nov 26 – Jan 29)
16 Sessions
(8 Practices and 8 Games)
$160
Registration Fee
Over the course of 8 weeks, our winter indoor soccer program for ages 8 to 19 is designed to enhance your skills and elevate your game. Throughout weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, participants will delve into skill technique practices in the initial half of each session. Under the guidance of expert coaches, individuals refine crucial soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. The latter half of these weeks unfolds with the excitement of gameplay, allowing participants to apply their honed techniques in dynamic and friendly soccer matches.
Weeks 4 and 8 offer a change of pace, focusing solely on the thrill of the game. Participants will experience the joy of pure gameplay in these weeks, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of soccer. Lace up those indoor cleats, and join us for an 8-week journey that combines skill development and thrilling gameplay, making this winter an unforgettable season on the soccer field.
The sessions will take place at the following facilities:
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm (Boys and Girls)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Boys and Girls)
9:00 am - 10:15 am (Girls)
10:15 am - 11:30 am (Boys)
8 Week Program
(Nov 26 – Jan 29)
16 Sessions
(8 Practices and 8 Games)
$160
Registration Fee
RISE FC will soon share the schedule for Fall.
Free Demo Lesson
Calling all soccer stars aged U5 to U12! Experience the joy of playing soccer with a free demo lesson. Our expert coaches create a welcoming atmosphere, helping to learn essential soccer skills and develop a passion for the sport.
If you want to enjoy a free one-day demo, please contact Coach Greg Henschel (980-216-8082) to join us at one of our scheduled sessions.
Choosing Charlotte Rise FC Soccer Rising Stars means choosing a path to professional, fun, and challenging soccer in a community that values growth and enjoyment equally. It’s not just about the skills learned on the field; it’s about the confidence, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
In conclusion, the Rising Stars program at Charlotte Rise FC in South Charlotte is your child’s gateway to a season filled with growth, fun, and professional coaching. Join us this spring, and watch as your child transforms into a true rising star on the field! At Charlotte Rise FC we exist to answer one question. What is best for your child?
Private Training
Ball Mastery
Skill Development
Learn and Refine Soccer
Techniques
Build Confidence
Reach Individual Goals
Increase Physical Activity
Individual Sessions
1 – 1 @ $75 / Player
Group Sessions
2 - 3
4 - 5
6+
Goal Keeping Training
The Goalkeeper Training program was catered to improve and build goalie skills. Train under professional youth soccer coaches to improve your goalie skills.
Strength Training & Agility
Diving/ high ball jumping
Goalkeeping Drills
Conditioning
Blocking Skills
Increase physical activity