Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Collegedale Christian Athletic Association kicked off its youth soccer season Sunday morning with a colorful parade of teams, followed by games at the Redoubt Soccer Fields on Bonny Oaks.
What began in 2024 as a small effort to create a faith-centered sports option quickly grew beyond expectations. The league hoped for 200 players in its first year but drew 267. This season, registration soared past 350.
“Thirty-eight teams. And most of our kids—about 60 percent—are under age eight,” said Jason Herod, president of the association. “So it’s early development, from age three up to age 14. We have coaches and assistant coaches really investing in these kids, not just on skills but on building them up.”
Board member and longtime coach Diego Silva says that investment is what matters most. After coaching for 40 years, Silva believes the game is about more than goals.
“The main point is to help these kids grow in a good environment and build character,” Silva said. “I think we’re achieving that.”
The league was designed to meet the needs of families who attend church on Saturdays, but leaders plan to extend play further into the fall in the future, so Sunday worshippers can also join.
Herod said the community’s excitement has been overwhelming.
“The parents love it. The kids enjoy it, and it’s showing in early registration numbers—especially with the little ones,” Herod said. “I think this community needed more soccer. We can’t have enough soccer here, and for us it was just a great opportunity for the league.”
For organizers, the biggest victories won’t show up on the scoreboard. Instead, they see success in the confidence, leadership, and friendships kids are building with every kick of the ball.
