Find the right youth soccer club
An independent guide for parents and players: clubs by state, plain-language league explainers, tryout advice and real cost information.
Every major youth league, in one place
MLS NEXT, the ECNL, Girls Academy, the new National 1 League, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, EDP and AYSO. Our leagues guide explains how each one works and who it's for.
340 clubs across all 50 states and DC
What club soccer is and how to use this site
Club soccer is the step after recreational soccer. Players try out for a team, practice two or three times a week, and play in leagues and tournaments run by state associations and national organizations. Teams are built by ability, coaches are usually paid, and the season runs most of the year.
It's also where the confusion starts. Parents hear league names like ECNL, MLS NEXT and Girls Academy, get tryout emails in the spring, and then wonder what a season will cost. This site is independent, which means no club pays to be here, and we try to explain things the way an experienced coach would to a friend.
Here's how to use it. If you're new, read the leagues guide first so the names make sense. Then open the page for your state to see popular clubs and which leagues they play in. When you're ready to pick, use the choosing guide and the tryouts guide, and look at the costs page before you commit to a budget. Clubs and leagues change, so always confirm details with the club and the league itself before you sign anything.
How the pathway works
The pathway has three broad steps. Recreational soccer is local and open to everyone. Travel or club soccer uses tryouts and plays in state leagues and regional events. Above that sit the elite national leagues, such as ECNL, Girls Academy and MLS NEXT, which are meant for a small share of players aiming for college or the pros. Most players never need to go past the middle step. The step you need depends on your child's level, your family's budget and how much travel you can take on. Our leagues guide breaks down each one, including recent changes like the new National 1 League.
Recreational
Town and community leagues that take everyone. Low cost, short drives and the best place for young kids to fall for the game.
Travel and club
Tryout teams in state and regional leagues, with two or three practices a week and weekend games. Most start around U9 or U10.
Regional leagues
The National 1 League, EDP, ECNL Regional League and state premier divisions. Stronger opponents and more travel.
National leagues
MLS NEXT, ECNL and Girls Academy. National showcases, the most travel and the most college coaches on the sideline.
Choosing a club
The best club is the one that fits your child's level, has a coach who teaches well, and is a drive your family can live with. Cost and culture count too, and so does how much the coach lets kids play. A club with a famous name can still be a poor fit if your child sits on the bench or dreads the drive. Read how to choose a soccer club for the questions to ask, then browse clubs by state to build a short list.
Leagues explained
MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy, National 1 and the rest, in plain language.
Choosing a club
Level, coaching, travel and culture, plus the questions to ask at tryouts.
Tryouts guide
When tryouts happen, what coaches watch for and the 2026-27 age groups.
What it costs
Fees, the extras that add up, and where to look for financial aid.
Mia Hamm
Her record, how she played and what young players can take from it.
Manny Schellscheidt
The coach who believed the game teaches itself, and why it matters.
Thinking about playing in college?
Our recruiting series walks players and parents through the whole process, from the timeline and the divisions to ID camps and the first email to a coach. Recruitly, our recruiting tool, puts that outreach in your own inbox.
College ID camps by state
College soccer programs in every state, each with a link to its official camp page.
Find camps ›Recruiting guideHow college recruiting works
Timelines, divisions, scholarships, coach emails and showcases, explained for players and parents.
Read the guide ›RecruitlyEmail college coaches from your own inbox
Find D1 and D2 programs by division and conference, reach every coach, and see who opens your email and watches your film.
Meet Recruitly ›New NCAA rules every recruit should know
Two changes are reshaping college soccer recruiting. Here is what they mean for players and parents.
The NCAA 5-in-5 Rule: What It Means for Soccer Recruits
The NCAA now gives Division I and II athletes five seasons in five years, with the clock tied to age. Here is what it means for soccer families.
NCAA Men's Soccer's Two-Semester Season, Explained
Division I men's soccer is set to split its season across fall and spring starting in 2027-28. What changes, where the vote stands and what boys should do.
Raising money for your club
Field rentals, referee fees and tournament travel add up fast, and most clubs run at least one fundraiser a season to keep fees in check. Our soccer fundraising partners at Xtraman Fundraising have ideas and programs aimed at youth teams.
Common questions
What is club soccer?
Club soccer is organized, selected-team youth soccer that follows recreational play. Players try out, practice more often, and compete in state and regional leagues and tournaments. Clubs are separate organizations, and each decides its own teams, coaches and fees. It differs from rec soccer, where everyone who signs up gets placed on a team.
At what age should my child start club soccer?
There's no required age. Many clubs begin tryouts around U8 or U9, but plenty of players stay in rec through the early years and move up when they're ready. Interest and enjoyment are better signs than age. Our choosing guide explains how to judge whether your child is ready.
Is this site connected to any club or league?
No. Club Soccer is an independent guide. We don't run leagues or clubs, and clubs listed here are included for information. Always check details such as leagues, fees and tryout dates with the club directly, because they change from season to season.
How much does club soccer cost?
It varies widely by club, level and how much the team travels. The Aspen Institute's 2024 survey found an average of $1,016 per child on a primary sport across all sports and levels. Our costs page explains what fees cover and what usually costs extra.
When are tryouts?
Most clubs hold tryouts after the spring season, roughly May to June, with some second rounds in summer. It varies by state and league. Check each club's website for current dates, and read our tryouts guide for what to expect and the 2026-27 age group table.