Apertura and Clausura
Leagues & TournamentsA split-season format used by many Latin American leagues where the season is divided into two halves (Opening and Closing), often resulting in two champions per year.
Related Terms in Leagues & Tournaments
AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations)
The main international men's association football competition in Africa, sanctioned by CAF.
FA Community Shield
An annual match played in England between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup.
U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup; a knockout cup competition in American soccer and the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.
Youth Soccer Birth Year vs School Year Change Explained
August 1, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
The age group cut-off date is moving from a January 1st birth year to an August 1st school year system.