If you’re trying to sort out what all the different youth soccer leagues mean, here’s what you should know.
MLS NEXT
MLS Next is a youth soccer league in the United States and Canada that was launched by Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. The league is designed to provide a high level of competition with the goal of developing players to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
MLS Next consists of over 100 clubs from across the United States and Canada, with teams at the U13 to U19 age groups. The league provides a platform for young players to compete against top-level competition, with a focus on player development and providing a clear pathway to the professional level.
In addition to its regular season games, MLS Next also hosts showcases and tournaments throughout the year, providing additional opportunities for players to compete against top-level competition and showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
ECNL
The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is a youth soccer league in the United States that was founded in 2009. The league was designed to provide a high level of competition for elite female youth soccer players before later adding boys divisions.
The ECNL consists of over 80 clubs from across the United States, and features teams at the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18/19 age groups. The league is known for its high level of play and provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
In addition to its regular season games, the ECNL also hosts showcases and tournaments throughout the year, providing additional opportunities for players to compete against top-level competition. The league also places a strong emphasis on player development, with many clubs providing additional training and development opportunities for their players.
ECNL also operates the ECNL Regional League for clubs that are a step below the ECNL level.
Girls Academy League
The Girls Academy League (GA) is a youth soccer league in the United States that was founded in 2019. The league is designed to provide a high level of competition for elite female youth soccer players, with a focus on player development and creating a clear pathway to the professional level.
The GA consists of several different conferences, with teams from across the United States competing in regular season games and showcase events. The league also features a playoff system, culminating in the GA National Finals, where the top teams from each conference compete for the national title.
The GA places a strong emphasis on player development and providing a holistic approach to player development, including mental and physical wellness, academic support, and community engagement. The league is highly respected in the soccer community and provides a platform for players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
USYS National League
The US Youth Soccer National League is a league designed to provide a high level of competition for elite youth soccer players in the United States. The league was founded in 2007 and features both boys and girls teams at the U14 to U19 age groups.
The USYS National League consists of several different conferences, with teams from across the United States competing in regular season games and showcase events. The league also features a playoff system, culminating in the USYS National Championships, where the top teams from each conference compete for the national title.
The USYS National League places a strong emphasis on player development and provides a pathway for players to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The league is highly respected in the soccer community and provides a platform for players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts.
In addition to its regular season games and showcase events, the USYS National League also offers resources and support for its member clubs and players, with a focus on holistic player development and providing opportunities for players to give back to their communities.
NPL
The National Premier Leagues (NPL) is a youth soccer league in the United States that was established in 2011. The league is designed to provide a high level of competition for male and female youth soccer players at the U13 to U19 age groups, with the goal of developing players to compete at the collegiate level and beyond.
The NPL consists of several different regional leagues, with teams from across the United States competing in regular season games and tournaments. The league also features a playoff system, culminating in the NPL Finals, where the top teams from each region compete for the national championship.
DPL
The Developmental Player League (DPL) is a youth soccer league in the United States that was founded in 2016. The league is designed to provide a high level of competition for elite male and female youth soccer players, with a focus on player development and creating a clear pathway to the professional level.
The DPL consists of several different conferences, with teams from across the United States competing in regular season games and showcase events. The league also features a playoff system, culminating in the DPL National Finals, where the top teams from each conference compete for the national title.
Other Travel Leagues
In addition to the national youth soccer leagues, there are also many local, statewide, and regional travel leagues across the United States that provide opportunities for players to compete at various levels of play.
These travel leagues are typically organized by local soccer associations, clubs, or leagues and provide a competitive environment for youth players to develop their skills and compete against teams from different areas. They can range from small, local leagues to larger, statewide or regional leagues that cover a wider geographic area.
Many of these travel leagues offer different levels of play based on the skill level and experience of the players, providing opportunities for players of all abilities to participate.
These local travel leagues can be a great way for players to gain experience and develop their skills, and they can also serve as a pathway to higher levels of play. For example, players who excel in their local travel league may be scouted by more competitive leagues or even college coaches, providing them with opportunities to further their soccer careers.
Recreation Leagues
Recreational soccer leagues are youth soccer leagues that are primarily focused on fun and participation, rather than high levels of competition. These leagues are open to all players, regardless of their skill level, and typically do not require tryouts or extensive training. They are often organized by local soccer clubs and associations and play within a single club or against clubs in a small local area.
The primary goal of recreational soccer leagues is to provide an opportunity for children to learn the game of soccer in a fun and supportive environment. Players are encouraged to develop their skills, but the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment rather than winning. This approach helps to build a love of the game and encourages children to continue playing soccer throughout their lives.
These leagues are a great way for children to learn the basics of soccer, make new friends, and stay active. They are also a great way for parents and volunteers to get involved in their community and help develop the next generation of soccer players. Many recreational leagues rely on parent volunteers to coach and manage teams, and this involvement can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.