1402 N. 203rd StElkhorn, NE 68022
CALL US:402.289.8358
KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Nebraska Roots Soccer Club is a premier-level soccer program focused on providing competitive opportunities for youth athletes who are committed to developing their skills and competing at a high level. Nebraska Roots is built on a foundation of technical excellence, tactical understanding, and strong character development, all supported by experienced coaching and a structured developmental model.
Nebraska Roots teams compete in the Nebraska Youth Soccer League (NYSL) and take part in top tournaments throughout the region, offering athletes exposure to high-level competition. Training is held year-round with an emphasis on consistency, growth, and preparation for high school and collegiate play. In addition to on-field development, the program promotes teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic—qualities that benefit players both in sports and in life.
With a focus on long-term success, Nebraska Roots aims to develop confident, well-rounded players who are equipped to succeed in the most demanding soccer environments. The club’s commitment to technical skill-building, competitive experience, and a positive team culture makes it a top destination for dedicated soccer athletes in the Elkhorn and greater Omaha area.
- TRYOUTS & REGISTRATION
- TOURNAMENTS
- CAMPS & CLINICS
- FIELD LOCATIONS
ROOTS TRYOUT INFO
Tryouts for Nebraska Roots are typically held over the course of a week each June and serve as the main opportunity for athletes to earn a spot on a competitive Roots team for the upcoming season. With the 2025 tryouts now complete, we encourage families to explore the many other ways their athlete can stay active in soccer throughout the year. From seasonal clinics and training programs to recreational leagues and tournaments, EAA Soccer offers a variety of options to help players continue developing their skills and enjoying the game.
FALL 2026-SPRING 2027 AGE GROUP TRANSITION
Beginning with the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 youth soccer season, Nebraska Roots and EAA Soccer will transition away from birth-year age group registration to August 1 – July 31 age group registration. This nationwide change, led by US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, AYSO, ECNL, and Girls Academy, aims to better align team formation and player development with the academic school calendar.
Please note this change WILL NOT affect the current Fall 2025-Spring 2026 youth soccer season.
You can learn more about the national initiative on US Club Soccer’s official announcement here:
US Club Soccer – Age Group Cut-Off Update for 2026–27 Season
At NE Roots and EAA Soccer, it is our priority to make this transition as smooth and transparent as possible for all families and players. We understand that there are many questions and concerns surrounding these changes, and our staff is actively gathering and compiling information to help guide you through the upcoming transition. We will continue to share updates and additional details as they become available.
We are currently working on the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 coaching staff, with official announcements expected in Spring 2026.
For additional clarity, U.S. Soccer has also created an AGE GROUP CALCULATOR to help families determine their player’s age group under the new format.
SPRING TOURNAMENT
ROOTS INVITATIONAL
The EAA Roots Invitational is an early spring soccer tournament designed to give teams a competitive jumpstart to their season. Hosted by Elkhorn Athletics, the event provides an opportunity for teams to assess their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and build momentum heading into the heart of the spring schedule. With quality competition across multiple age groups and divisions, the Roots Invitational offers a valuable early-season benchmark for coaches and players alike.
SUMMER TOURNAMENT
ROOTS SUMMER CLASSIC
The EAA Roots Summer Classic serves as an exciting kickoff to the new soccer season, bringing teams together in late summer for a weekend of competitive match play. As players return from the off-season and newly formed rosters take shape, the Summer Classic offers a perfect chance to build chemistry, evaluate early progress, and set the tone for the year ahead. With well-organized brackets and a strong mix of local and regional teams, the tournament provides valuable game experience ahead of the fall league schedule.
CELTIC SUMMER SOCCER CAMP
The Celtic Summer Soccer Camp, hosted by EAA and Nebraska Roots, brings official Celtic FC coaches to Nebraska for a unique training experience that follows the club’s renowned “Celtic Way.” Held in late July at the First Interstate SportsPlex, the camp offers both morning Skills sessions for recreational players and evening Elite sessions for more advanced athletes. Each format emphasizes technical development, tactical understanding, and game-based learning, giving players a valuable opportunity to grow under the guidance of international-level coaches as they prepare for the upcoming season.
ROOTS SUMMER SOCCER CAMPS
Goalkeeper and Finishing Camp
This unique camp is specifically designed for goalkeepers and strikers. Both goalkeepers and strikers will be provided individualized instruction to improve technique and decision-making in challenging, game-like scenarios. EAA goalkeeping directors and other professional coaches will provide position-specific curriculum and individual player feedback. Goalkeepers and strikers will work within their positions for a portion of each night and then combine to work together. Topics for each position will work in unity to provide both goalkeepers and strikers the best opportunity for repetitions and position specific work.
ELKHORN PLAYER I.D. CAMPS (E.P.I.C)
Elkhorn Player ID Camps (E.P.I.C.)
Nebraska Roots SC and the Elkhorn Public Schools have teamed up in the past to provide local athletes with the opportunity to receive training and assessments from current collegiate coaches.
Current college coaches will run training sessions for the athletes. All college coaches are welcome to attend to assist with training and observe the athletes. Coaches will receive detailed contact information for athletes in attendance. Numbered shirts will be provided so all athletes can be identified.
Boys and girls entering 8th-12th grade are eligible to attend.
First Interstate SportsPlex (FIB)
26001 Ida Street, Valley, NE, 68640
James P. McNeil Soccer Complex (JPM)
23267 W Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Frank & Jane Krejci Soccer Complex (KSC)
4701 N 230th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park (THZ)
867 Elkhorn Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022
The Greenhouse (Indoor Facility)
2710 River Road Drive, Waterloo, NE 68069
INFO AND FAQs
2025-2026 NEBRASKA ROOTS SEASON COSTS
- 10U (2016) $1,750/yr
- 11U (2015) $1,750/yr
- 12U (2014) $1,750/yr
- 13U (2013) $1,750/yr
- 14U (2012) $1,750/yr
- 15U (2011) $1,750/yr or $1,450/yr
- 16U (2010) $1,450/yr
- 17U (2009) $1,450/yr
- 18U (2008) $1,450/yr
- 19U (2007) $1,450/yr
* All registrations will also have a $100 team fee applied. Team fees vary from team to team, go towards specific team costs like registration fees for tournaments and events and coach travel costs when the team goes out of town. Coaches and team managers will be able to provide more specific details on what these fees will be applied towards.
IMPORTANT DATES
Teams have already been chosen for the 2025-2026 season.
WHAT DO MY FEES COVER?
- Director & Professional Staff Pay
- Facility Fees (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Equipment
- Insurance
- NYSL League Fees
- Winter Futsal season
- NSSA Fees
- Platform Fees
HOW ARE NEBRASKA ROOTS TEAMS FORMED?
Each summer, tryouts are held to determine the coming season’s Nebraska Roots teams.
CAN I MAKE TEAMMATE/COACH REQUESTS DURING REGISTRATION?
We understand the desire to find the right fit for your athlete, and we appreciate your interest in Nebraska Roots. However, team placement is determined through our summer tryouts, where coaches build rosters based on evaluations and specific team needs. This process helps ensure that each player is placed where they can grow and contribute most effectively.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY IN AN AGE GROUP ABOVE OR BELOW THEIR BIRTH YEAR?
Players may not participate in an age group below their birth year (“play down”). Players may only tryout in an age group above their birth year (“play up”).
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WOULD LIKE TO COACH?
First and foremost, thank you. We truly appreciate your interest in coaching and your willingness to support young athletes. At this time, all coaching positions for Nebraska Roots and Jr. Roots Academy are selected by EAA staff to ensure consistency in our developmental approach. While we may not have openings within these programs, we’re always grateful for those who want to get involved and encourage you to explore other coaching opportunities within EAA.
WHEN WILL I FIND OUT WHICH TEAM MY CHILD IS ON?
Following the completion of summer tryouts, we encourage coaches to send out team offers within 48 hours. While our goal is to communicate with all participants, whether or not they are selected, as quickly as possible, delays can occur. Various factors may impact a coach’s ability to finalize rosters within that window, and we appreciate your patience during this process.
WHEN WILL MY CHILD'S TEAM PRACTICE?
Each team’s training schedule will be determined by the coach prior to each season.
WHEN ARE NEBRASKA ROOTS GAMES PLAYED?
As part of the Nebraska Youth Soccer League, you can find game schedules and standings at the NYSL website.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR SELECT SOCCER BUT ISN'T QUITE OLD ENOUGH FOR NEBRASKA ROOTS?
For athletes not old enough for Nebraska Roots, EAA offers Jr. Roots Academy. Jr. Roots is designed to provide a more challenging training environment for 8U and 9U boys and girls who have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and potential. This program gives players who are demonstrating they are ready for a more advanced training environment and an opportunity to train with and play against players at a similar level of play. Players will be invited to participate in the program based on evaluations and staff recommendations. Evaluations will be scheduled prior to the season so players might see if this pathway is the right fit for them. Learn more about Jr. Roots Academy here.
HOW DO I FIND OUT PRACTICE AND GAME STATUS WHEN SEVERE WEATHER IS POSSIBLE?
