Jr. Academy

Spring 2026 Registration

The Lonestar Jr. Academy is designed for players who excel at the recreational level, or are looking for a more challenging, developmentally appropriate environment while they look to prepare for higher levels of play in the Lonestar development pathway. Through an individual training model as part of a team combined with league games at the weekend, the Jr. Academy develops the technique and understanding of the game, confidence, creativity, and decision-making both on and off the ball.

Any 6U-10U boy or girl (based on the age groups below) is eligible for the Lonestar Jr. Academy program. All Jr. Academy players are expected to demonstrate focus and a willingness to learn to compete!

Click here to sign up for a free trial session

Features

Twelve week season consisting of two weekly practices and a weekend game, totaling between eight and ten games per season with over 120 teams each season.
Teams are coached by paid, professional coaches who are educated under the Lonestar player development model and curriculum with a coaching staff of over 100.
Initial and ongoing player evaluations leading to team formation based on skill and ability to ensure a competitive level of play and environment.
Players are evaluated throughout the season and may be provided additional training and game opportunities when needed.
Matches and teams for 5v5 may be coed based on registration and age-appropriateness.
No heading for player safety and minimizing concussion
All teams participate in a tournament for a separate, additional fee.

Age Groups

AGE GROUP (BIRTH YR)	MIN. PLAY TIME	FORMAT	LENGTH	BALL SIZE	FEE
U6 (2020)	50%	5v5	4x 10 min quarters	3	$565
U7 (2019)	50%	5v5	4x 10 min quarters	3	$565
U8 (2018)	50%	7v7	2x 25 min halves	4	$715
U9 (2017)	50%	7v7/9v9	2x 25 min halves	4	$715
U10 (2016)	50%	9v9	2x 25 min halves	4	$715

Flexible payment packages available during registration. Please note that the tournament fee of $50 (7v7/9v9) and $35 (5v5) is not included in the fee above and will be invoiced 1-2 weeks before the event.

Key Dates

SPRING SEASON BEGINS	Jan 26
PLAYER EVALUATIONS	Jan 26 – Feb 10
EVALUATION SCRIMMAGES	Feb 7-8
TEAM ASSIGNMENTS	Feb 11-12
FIRST GAMES	Feb 14-15
SPRING BREAK (NO TRAINING/GAMES)	Mar 16-20
LAST GAMES	Apr 11-12
SPRING TOURNAMENT (ALL TEAMS)	Apr 18-19

Players

Coaches

Teams

Locations

Uniforms

Uniforms are an additional fee of approximately $225 and are purchased through soccer.com on a two-year cycle (four seasons) starting Fall 2024 and ending Spring 2026. Please see confirmation email after registering for uniform ordering instructions.

Locations

Select a location to view practice days and times

Staff

Sam Wormald

Head of Jr. Academy

Kim Cifarelli

Jr. Academy Administrator

Charles Paulsen

North Austin / Brushy Creek Coordinator

Lincy Villatoro

South Austin Coordinator

Ron Gonzales

Steiner Ranch Coordinator

Karen Esparza

Central Austin Coordinator

Hannah Pennington

Cedar Park Coordinator

Robert Lopez

Head of Facilities

Wesley Santos

Williamson County Coordinator

Eli Hlavinka

Round Rock Coordinator

Javier Arredondo

Kyle Coordinator

Gonzalo Salgado

Taylor Coordinator

FAQs

When can my son/daughter join the Junior Academy?

The Lonestar Jr. Academy is for players that are looking for more of a challenge than recreational soccer and have demonstrated a desire and talent to play at the next level. Players who have not yet completed a Recreational soccer season or have not played soccer are encouraged to register for the Lonestar Recreational program.

What equipment does my player need?

Players must purchase the Junior Academy uniform which is separate from the registration fee. The uniform is a one-time purchase of around $225 and can be worn for every Jr. Academy season in which the player participates. Parents are encouraged but not required to buy extra uniform items (socks and shorts).

For each practice and games, players need soccer specific shoes (cleats), a size 4 soccer ball (size 3 for U6-U7), shin guards (worn under the socks), and a water bottle.

What is the practice and game format?

Teams have two training sessions (60-75 minute sessions) each week for a 12 week season, and one game at the weekend on Saturdays (8:30am-5:30pm) or Sundays (11:00am-5:15pm)

Where do games take place?

Jr. Academy games will be played at Williamson County Regional Park, Town & Country Optimist, Justin Lane, The Crossover, Slaughter Creek, and throughout the city of Austin at partnering organizations in order to create the most competitive matchups. We take strides to eliminate overall travel required for teams, and all the games are in the Austin area.

Who coaches the teams?

All Jr. Academy soccer teams are coached by the professional Lonestar Jr. Academy staff; all coaches are KidSafe, HeadsUp/SafeSport certified as well as a completed coaching youth license within the 1st year of coaching.

How are teams formed?

The first 2 weeks of the season are an evaluation period that the Jr. Academy staff will use to place players on teams based on skill and ability. Each family will receive an email notifying them of their team and the coach who will be assigned to the team.

Are there standings, scores, and league winners?

As a purely developmental league, the Junior Academy league does not keep standings, and no winners are announced at the end of the season. Scores are recorded to help balance brackets of play and create competitive matchups to optimize player development.

Are there trophies/team pictures?

Yes, end-of-season medals are provided at the end of the season in the last week of practice/games.

Is it possible to come into the Junior Academy and play with a friend?

Yes, for a player’s first season, the Jr Academy site coordinators will note any teammate requests to play on the same team with a friend. If the two players are at the same level of play they may remain together; however, if the players are at different playing levels, staff will visit with the parents to make sure they understand the playing options for their children in the future.

Who do I contact if I have further questions about the Junior Academy program?

Please contact junioracademy@lonestar-sc.com.