1402 N. 203rd StElkhorn, NE 68022
CALL US:402.289.8358
WHERE ROOTS
BEGIN TO GROW
The Jr. Roots Academy 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.
The Jr. Roots Academy curriculum and instruction are built around the core principles of: Skill, Speed, Strength, Spirit and Sense/Smarts.
Skill: Confidence and creativity with the ball
Speed: Speed of thought and action (with and without the ball)
Strength: Building strong minds and bodies
Spirit: Communication, respect, sportsmanship, commitment, teamwork
Sense/Smarts: Study, decision-making and responsibility
Additional curriculum and instruction will be based on concepts and plans from Celtic Soccer Academy (Professional Partner Club, Scotland).
There will be training groups for both boys and girls made up of 10-30 players. The program will have a dedicated Director who is a professional coach and has experience working with young soccer players. The Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program which includes training session design and execution, coaching, parent education and game-day management. Coaching will be provided by a staff made up of Nebraska Roots coaches, Pro Coaches, Hive Directors, and additional Club Directors.
- TRYOUTS & REGISTRATION
- TOURNAMENTS
- CAMPS & CLINICS
- FIELD LOCATIONS
JR. ROOTS TRYOUT INFO
Pro Coaches, Hive Staff, and Club Directors will recommend players for the program. Additionally, players can use predetermined evaluation days to be identified for the program.
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.
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 JR. ROOTS SEASON COSTS
Registration for the 2025-2026 season is:
$999
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration Open: After Offer Sent Out By Coaches
Late Fees Begin: TBD
Online Registration Closes: TBD
WHAT DO MY FEES COVER?
- Director & Professional Staff Pay
- Facility Fees
- Equipment
- Insurance
- NSSA Fees
- Platform Fees
HOW ARE JR. ROOTS TEAMS FORMED?
Each summer, tryouts are held to determine the coming season’s Jr. Roots Academy 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 Jr. Roots Academy. However, team placement is determined through coach and staff recommendations, 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 participate in an age group above their birth year (“play up”) with approval from the Hive Director and Age Group Director.
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 JR ROOTS GAMES PLAYED?
As part of the Nebraska Youth Soccer League, you can find game schedules and standings at the NYSL website.
HOW DO I FIND OUT PRACTICE AND GAME STATUS WHEN SEVERE WEATHER IS POSSIBLE?
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
LEAVE US A NOTE
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