About NCE Soccer

NCE Soccer was created to help young soccer players maximize their potential. It was created without layers or politics, with a focus on maximizing potential and utilizing a passion for soccer to ignite and inspire. Too many players have been lost to a fragmented US youth system, with inadequate coaching and a general lack of opportunity to progress compared to young players in Europe.

The National Center of Excellence stepped in to bridge that gap, providing an independent, professional, player-centered, development environment, committed to supporting personal fulfillment and growth. NCE Soccer works with teachers, coaches, and parents to help players further their personal, athletic, and academic development.

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Excellence is Our Standard.

Discover the Power and Reach Behind NCE Soccer.

Total Number of All NCE Players

Number of College Players

Number of International Players

Number of Professional Players

Meet the NCE Team

John Curtis

Founder & CEO
UEFA & USSF A Licenses
300 Professional Appearances

Scott Middlemass

Regional Director
USC Director of Coaching Diploma, various UK and US Coaching licences,
Played Professionally in England, Norway, China and US

Lee Broster

Head of Program Development
UEFA B License & FA Youth Awards
350+ Semi Professional Appearances

Brian Wright

Regional Director
USSF A License
Div 1 College Player

Hugo Guzman

Regional Director
USSF Academy Director & A License

FAQs

Have questions about NCE?

We’re here to help! Whether you need details about our programs, want to chat about soccer, or have any other inquiries, just reach out.

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1. What age groups does NCE Soccer cater to?

We train young soccer stars from ages U8 to U18.

2. What makes NCE’s youth soccer coaching different from other soccer training?

Our founder John Curtis, a Premier League veteran, has brought together elite coaches from around the globe, including pros from Manchester United, Liverpool, West Ham, and Arsenal. We also feature top college coaches. Our international tours to Europe and South America are immersive learning experiences where we compete against teams from around the world. These aren’t just sightseeing trips; they’re opportunities to develop skills and showcase our talent on the global stage.

With a history of developing players who excel in college and professional leagues, NCE opens the door to outstanding opportunities for young athletes.

3. How do I sign my child up for NCE Soccer?

Check out NCE’s Tryout page for all the who, what, when, how and why.

4. What kind of soccer programs do you offer?

We’ve got a mix of programs to fit every young soccer star’s needs! Here’s what we offer:

Center of Excellence (COE) Program
Unlock your child’s soccer potential with our prestigious COE Program, where elite soccer coaching meets dedicated training for future pros aged 8 to 18. Only the best make it, with guidance from ex-Premier League stars and top-tier coaches.

Camps
Our camps are where young talents get serious training with a side of fun. We offer everything from intensive overnight camps to specialized position-focused training, covering every aspect of the game. Whether your child is looking to compete, learn new techniques, or both, we’ve got a camp for that! Check out all the options.

NCE Soccer Clinics
Our Position Specific Training clinics are designed to teach players the key responsibilities and skills required to excel in their positions.

Advanced Attacking Clinics focus on goal-scoring and attacking play, covering topics like attacking combinations, finishing in and around the penalty area, wide area attacks, scoring from crosses, the role of the #9, and playing with your back to goal.

Advanced Midfield Clinics sessions include switching play effectively, understanding the roles of CAM/#10 and CDM/#6, penetrating through balls, ball possession and circulation, and exploiting space.

Advanced Defending Clinics teach the art of defending with sessions on defending in and around the penalty area, defensive roles and responsibilities, defensive organization and compactness, defending in wide areas, midfield defending, and how to counter-press effectively.

Pro Pathway Camps
Train like a pro at our Pro Pathway Overnight Camps, held at locations across the U.S. for players aged 8-18. These five-day camps feature elite coaching from top European and South American clubs, with intensive training sessions, competitive games, and the chance to impress global scouts.

Pro Player Pathway Tour
Join the NCE Soccer Pro Player Pathway Tour for the ultimate test against the UK’s best academies. Accepted players travel to England with boys’ and girls’ teams to train and compete against regional teams.

College ID Program
Get college-ready with our College ID Program, featuring intense, high-level training from guest college coaches. Train monthly at regional centers, prepping for the rigors and demands of college soccer. Leading college coaches come to NCE Soccer Showcases just to spot their next soccer superstar – will it be you?

International Tours
Travel and train like a pro with NCE Soccer’s international tours. Compete against teams in England, Italy, Brazil, and more, all while experiencing incredible sights and sounds.

Tournaments
Our invitation-only Summer Showcase brings together the best high school players from our COE Program, competing at the highest level and attracting numerous college coaches. The College ID Showcase offers an opportunity for players to perform in front of university scouts. Additionally, the Winter Invitational Series features four days of intense competition, where regional players battle it out in the presence of scouts and coaches.

5. Do you have to tryout for NCE?

Yes, every new member of NCE Soccer must tryout. We pride ourselves on being a selective and elite group, accepting only the most talented players. Your child will have the chance to train with coaches from top global teams and, if selected, even compete in international tournaments. This is far beyond your typical rec league – it’s where the next generation of college stars, national team members, and pros get their start.

View Tryout Schedule

6. Where are your training facilities located?

Our elite training facilities are located across multiple states.

7. Who are the coaches at NCE Soccer?

Our coaches have played and coached at the highest levels, with many holding prestigious UEFA and USSF licenses. Your child will train under the best, benefiting from world-class coaching that meets elite standards. Our team of elite soccer coaches are eager to share their knowledge and help your child reach their full potential.

8. Does NCE offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes, we do! We believe every child should have the chance to play. The NCE Foundation is dedicated to nurturing young soccer talent by providing opportunities and resources to aspiring players. Through scholarships and community programs, we aim to make soccer dreams accessible to all, fostering a love for the game and personal growth.

9. How can I keep up with NCE news and updates?

Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or visit our blog regularly. We keep you in the loop with all the latest and greatest!

10. Are payment plans available?

Yes. We provide the option to split the fee over 3 installments. However, there is an additional fee, equal to 10% of the cost of enrollment, applied should you require a payment plan. The fee will be collected with the first installment, which confirms enrollment.

11. Do you offer refunds?

We do not offer refunds or credits for anything other than tours. Once payment is received, and enrollment confirmed, fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. If a player is unable to attend a session for any reason, they can make up the session/sessions at any other COE venue. If NCE sessions are suspended before the term is completed, and less than 50% of the sessions have been fulfilled, then a credit will be offered to those who are enrolled, equal to the number of sessions remaining, minus a $120 administrative fee. Credits can be used towards future NCE programs.

12. Where can I find my NCE Number?

Your son/daughters NCE Number can be found in “My Account”. It is also emailed to you automatically 48 hours after registering for the event.

13. Who should I contact if I have a problem with ordering NCE apparel?

Soccer.com are our retail partner. Please contact Maria Rodriguez at mrodriguez@sportsendeavors.com

14. Our uniform hasn’t arrived yet, what should my son/daughter wear to training while we wait?

Players whose uniform which has yet to be delivered should wear a black or dark soccer uniform until their NCE gear arrives.

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