How to choose a youth soccer club

This guide explains the main levels of youth soccer in the US, what clubs usually charge for, and the new age groups that start in the 2026-27 season. It is written for parents who are new to club soccer.

The levels, from easiest to most demanding

Recreational (rec)

Local teams, often run by a town club or volunteers. Anyone can join. There are no tryouts. Practice is usually once or twice a week, with games nearby. It is the cheapest option.

Travel

Teams picked by tryout. They play other towns in a league, so there is more driving. Practice is two or three times a week.

Academy (younger players)

Many clubs use "academy" for their training program for young children, often under 8 to under 10, before travel teams. At some clubs it means the top teams. Ask the club what it means there.

Elite leagues

National or regional leagues for the top club teams. The ones you will see on club sites in New York and New Jersey are:

MLS NEXT: the boys' league run by Major League Soccer. It includes MLS club academies and other member clubs.
ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and ECNL RL (its regional league): for girls and boys.
GA (Girls Academy): a national league for girls.
NPL (National Premier Leagues) and EDP: regional leagues. EDP is common in New Jersey.

Elite teams usually cost more, train more often and travel further, sometimes by plane.

A higher level is not always better for a child. Think about how much your child enjoys it, how far you can drive, and how many evenings and weekends it takes.

What clubs cost

Costs vary a lot between clubs and levels. Only 148 of the 415 clubs in our New York and New Jersey list (36%) publish fees on their website. When you ask a club, check what the fee covers:

The club or registration fee, and whether it is for a season or the full year.
Uniforms and training kit.
Tournament fees, and travel and hotels for away games.
Indoor training in winter.
Financial aid or payment plans. Many clubs offer these but do not advertise them.

The new age groups from August 2026

Age groups are named "U" plus a number. "U12" means under 12. Until now, most US youth soccer grouped children by the calendar year they were born.

From the 2026-27 season, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer and AYSO group players by a season that runs from August 1 to July 31. This puts most children with their school classmates. For example, US Club Soccer lists U12 in 2026-27 as players born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015.

Children born from January to July will usually move up one age group. Children born from August to December will usually stay in the same group. US Soccer lets each league choose its own rule, so elite leagues may differ. Ask the club which age group your child will play in.

Sources: US Youth Soccer, "Updated Decision on Age Group Formation" (June 10, 2025); US Club Soccer age group chart; US Soccer, player registration. Checked October 11, 2026.

Questions to ask a club

What is the full cost for a year, including uniforms and tournaments?
How many practices and games are there each week, and where?
Who coaches my child's team, and what training do the coaches have?
Are coaches background checked and SafeSport trained?
How much playing time do players get?
When are tryouts, and can my child try a practice first?

Compare clubs near you

See levels, ages, fees and tryout dates from each club's own website: