A Lifelong Connection to Community: Coach Nate Goltz on Player Progression at CC United Soccer Club
- Aug 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
For Coach Nate Goltz, CC United Soccer Club has been a constant presence for most of his life. His journey began as a preschool recreational player, continuing all the way through his high school playing days. Before even heading off to college, Goltz discovered a passion for leadership by stepping into a youth coaching role. Now back in the area, he has returned to the sidelines to coach a variety of teams, age groups, and camps.
Recently, Nate reflected on his lifelong journey with the club, the thrill of competing at the USA Cup, and why CC United’s balance of elite competitive play and local community values makes it a standout choice for families.
Experiencing Elite Competition at the USA Cup in Blaine
For Goltz, the absolute highlight of coaching within the club is the opportunity to lead teams at premier regional tournaments. Specifically, the historic USA Cup in Blaine stands out as a transformative milestone for young athletes to test their skills and build lifelong memories.
"Not only is that such a great tournament because you get to play such a wide variety of competition from out-of-state teams to even international teams, but it really allows the players to play at a high level," Goltz explains. "Seeing them interact with people from all around the country, getting to trade pins, going to the Expo Center and getting the gear, and seeing all there is to see that the tournament has is just super great. The tournament feel also allows me to get to know the families of my players as well... It's really great for relationship building for the players and the families, as well as for me to get to know and understand them better."
What development programs does CC United Soccer Club offer?
CC United structures its programming to actively support soccer development for all players, regardless of where they are on their athletic journey. From kindergarteners taking their very first touches to high school seniors preparing for the next level, the club offers a clear step-by-step framework.
Goltz breaks down the club's development pathway:
The Recreational Level: A foundational starting point from kindergarten through middle school that provides high-level coaching and a fun environment to learn the game.
CC United in Development: A strategic bridge program designed to transition kids smoothly from recreational play into competitive soccer. It introduces players to travel logistics, high-level training, and the competitive feel of playing other clubs.
The Competitive Program: Tiers ranging from U9 to U19 where the club focuses heavily on working with high-level coaches to deliver rigorous training sessions that push athletes with collegiate aspirations.
Supplemental Camps and Clinics: Year-round individual skill opportunities, featuring dedicated winter camps and a wide range of summer camps catering to athletes from ages 5 to 15.
Where does CC United Soccer Club train during the winter?
Sustaining consistent training through changing seasons is a priority for the club. Goltz notes that CC United utilizes a vast network of facilities to keep transit easy for busy local families.
Spring, Summer, and Fall: The club utilizes a variety of open field spaces across multiple local towns and communities, making practices highly accessible.
Winter Training: The club benefits from having its very own sports dome, ensuring teams secure plenty of indoor field time during the colder months.
"We have the benefit of having our own dome where we have a lot of dome time in the winter so that we are able to maintain that training and that rigor throughout the winter so that players can continue to improve and develop as players," says Goltz.
Why Choose CC United Soccer Club?
Having seen the organization evolve from his time as a preschooler to his current role as a staff coach, Goltz wholeheartedly recommends CC United to his friends and colleagues. He emphasizes that the club successfully rejects the trend of modern youth sports organizations that prioritize aggressive out-of-district recruiting over local growth. Instead, CC United provides elite competitive pathways to college while offering casual programs that simply foster a love for the game and allow peers who go to school together to form unbreakable bonds on the pitch.
Editor's Note: This post has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
