Cedar Stars Academy was founded in 2011 by George Altirs in Bergen County, New Jersey, and has expanded to six branches across the northeast serving over 2,000 active male and female athletes from U5 to U19. Cedar Stars Bergen and Cedar Stars Monmouth compete in the MLS NEXT and Girls Academy platforms, while CSA North serves as the managerial / organizational body of Cedar Stars Bergen and Cedar Stars Newark and holds membership in the MLS NEXT Platform. Headquartered at 3 Empire Boulevard, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, the organization can be reached at contactus@cedarstars.com. The club describes its Forever Green culture as one centered on selflessness, passion, respect, solidarity, and empathy, likening itself to a cedar tree that stands tall 365 days a year.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Clear Player Pathway
The club outlines a structured pathway from Roots (U5-U8) through Builders (U9-U12) to the Academy (U13-U19), where advancement is driven by player development rather than age alone.
Fluid Roster Movement
The club emphasizes that rosters are fluid and placement is not permanent, moving athletes up or down depending on their progress, effort, and readiness.
Elite Residential Program
With Saint Benedict's Prep serving as its official residential school program, players can compete with the #1 ranked high school soccer program alongside elite academy play.
Pro Club Pathways
Excelling players can earn opportunities to trial and train with affiliated teams including Cedar Stars Rush (USL2), Cedar Stars W League, MSV Duisburg, and HB Køge.
Unified Methodology
Every squad across the club follows the same methodology and coaching standards regardless of league level.
PROGRAMS
Programs
Player training is divided into three tiers: The Roots (U5-U8) focusing on technical foundation and fun, The Builders (U9-U12) introducing speed of play and team concepts, and The Academy (U13-U19) emphasizing tactics and intense competition. CSA North manages Bergen and Newark divisions with Zone 1 (U8-U12) logistical grouping and Zone 2 (U13-U19) performance-based team streaming, alongside an official residential school program at Saint Benedicts Prep School. Zone 1 rosters from Bergen and Newark combine to compete in Winter Select and Summer Select tournaments.
WinterCombined Bergen/Newark Zone 1 teams play Winter Select
SummerCombined Bergen/Newark Zone 1 teams play Summer Select
TUITION
Cost to play
The club offers a free, year-round program introducing ages 5-7 to soccer through the Roots program, with weekly sessions with professional coaches. For the 2026-2027 season, families can access financial aid applications, payment plan applications, and registration forms on the club resource page. For the 2026-2027 season, published Newark Zone 1 tuition is $2,295 for U7 through U9 boys and ranges from $3,245 to $3,495 for U10 through U12 boys, with St. Benedict's Prep students eligible for a $450 club discount.
Club leadership features President / Owner George Altirs, Executive Vice President Joseph W. Noun, VP / Sporting Director Juan Santamaria, and VP & Executive Director Anthony Nixon.
Instructional Standards
CSA utilizes a model with coaches treated as teachers who tailor training and matches by age group, requiring candidates to hold a minimum of a D license or equivalent certification.
Operational Directors
Director of Operations & CoachingKieran Patrick oversees coaching operations alongside Admin ManagerDavid Bulmer, with contact available at kieran.patrick@cedarstars.com.
Residential Program Director
Jimmie Wandling serves as St. Benedict's Head Coach & Residential School Director and can be reached at jimmy.wandling@cedarstars.com.
George Altirs
President / Owner
Founded Cedar Stars Academy in 2011; holds exclusive partnerships and affiliations with pre-professional and professional clubs internationally.
Anthony Nixon
VP & Executive Director
Leads the club's professional technical staff overseeing the player development curriculum.
Joseph W. Noun
Executive Vice President
Juan Santamaria
VP / Sporting Director
Kieran Patrick
Director of Operations & Coaching
Jimmie Wandling
St. Benedict's Head Coach & Residential School Director
David Bulmer
Admin Manager
FOREVER GREEN PHILOSOPHY
Forever Green Philosophy
CSA states its 'Forever Green' culture is defined by selflessness, passion, respect, solidarity, and empathy, likening the club to a cedar tree that 'stands tall 365 days a year' and grows year-round from established roots.
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