Grassroots
Youth & DevelopmentThe foundation level of football; non-professional and amateur football, focusing on mass participation and community.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Mercy Rule
A rule in some youth leagues that ends the game early or allows the losing team to add an extra player if the score difference becomes too large.
ODP
Olympic Development Program; a US Youth Soccer program established to identify and train the top players in each state and region.
Pay-to-Play
The system (prevalent in the US) where families must pay significant fees for their children to play competitive club soccer, often criticized for excluding low-income talent.
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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.