Fall 2026 Competitive Soccer >>

The Strikers FC Bitterroot Competitive Program provides players with a fun, challenging, and development-focused soccer experience while competing against clubs from across Montana. Players receive professional coaching, structured training, tournament competition, and opportunities to continue growing within the Strikers FC player pathway.

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New USYS Age Group Transition >>

Beginning this fall, US Youth Soccer is transitioning from birth-year age groups to school-year age groups (August 1 – July 31). Because of this change, team formation and registration will look a little different than in previous seasons.

For a complete explanation of the new age group system and how Strikers FC is implementing these changes, please visit our USYS Age Group Information page.

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Team Formation Timeline >>

• Registration opens now for Fall 2026.

• Register by July 20 to receive the regular registration rate.

• Registrations received after July 20 will increase by $40.

• Players must register by August 1 to guarantee placement on a team.

• Teams will begin forming shortly after July 20 as registrations are received.

 

Our goal is to field separate boys and girls teams at every age group. If registration numbers require it, neighboring age groups may be combined to create complete rosters.

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Summer Playing Opportunities >>

Open Pick-Up Games: Throughout the summer we will organize informal pickup games for registered players. Dates and times will be announced through email and social media.

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August Open Training & Team Formation: August 17–27, 2026

 

Players will participate in an open training period before final team placement. This allows coaches to evaluate players, build balanced teams, and ensure everyone is placed in the appropriate environment. The first week focuses on player evaluation, integration, and reducing the pressure often associated with traditional tryouts.

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Training Schedule >>

U9–U11

• Two training sessions

• Days to be announced (Monday–Thursday)

U12–U14

• Three training sessions

• Days to be announced (Monday–Thursday)

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Team Placement >>

Players will initially train with the team that matches their USYS school-year age group, which may not always match their current school grade. During the first week of training, coaches will evaluate players and make any necessary adjustments.

 

Our philosophy is:

• Prioritize players competing with their correct age group.

• Consider play-downs when appropriate.

• Minimize play-ups whenever possible.

 

Because Montana schools generally use an early September enrollment cutoff while US Youth Soccer uses August 1, players born in August may be considered for a play-up if it aligns them with their actual school grade. This is the same approach being used throughout Strikers FC.

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Trapped 8th Grade Players

Players entering 8th grade whose birthdays fall before August 1, 2012 may qualify as "trapped players." These players will be rostered as approved play-downs. MYSA allows two trapped players per roster without approval. If additional approvals are needed, Strikers FC will work directly with Montana Youth Soccer and tournament directors.

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Team Training >>

Regular team training begins the week of August 24–31.

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U9–U11

• Two practices each week

• Monday–Thursday (days determined by coach and field availability)

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U12–U14

• Three practices each week

• Monday–Thursday (days determined by coach and field availability)

 

The fall season concludes during the week of October 12, with each team holding one final practice or end-of-season celebration.

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Fall Competition Schedule >>

Each team will participate in:

 

Zootown Cup Missoula | September 18–20​​ | No hotel required​

Sleeping Giant Tournament Helena | October 9–11

 

In addition to tournaments, teams will participate in 2–3 MYSA Saturday league play dates throughout the fall. Plan on approximately 4–5 weekends of games during the season.

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Fall Registration Fee >>

$480 Per Player ~ Your registration includes:

• Professional coaching

• Team training throughout the season

• Tournament entry fees

• MYSA registration and insurance

• Referee fees

• Team equipment

• Team management

• Player registration systems

• Club administration and operations

 

How Your Registration Fee Is Used

Expense Cost:

• Club Administration & Operations: $50

• Tournament Registration: $120

• Head Coach Travel & Per Diem: $105

• Coaching Wages & Payroll Taxes: $170

• Porta Potties & Field Preparation: $20

• MYSA Registration & Insurance: $38

• MYSA Referee Fees: $10

• Team Equipment: $18

• Team Manager Support: $20

• Hudl Team Fee: $11

• PlayMetrics & Credit Card Processing: $14

• Actual Program Cost: $576

 

Although the actual cost to operate the program is approximately $576 per player, Strikers FC is able to reduce the player fee to $480 through volunteer coaches, fundraising efforts, and club support.

 

Financial Assistance >>

Scholarships are available for families who qualify.

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If applying for a scholarship:

1. Complete the scholarship application found during registration.

2. Wait to receive your scholarship award notification.

3. Return to complete your player registration after your award has been issued.