Homegrown Player
Youth & DevelopmentA rule in MLS allowing teams to sign players directly from their own youth academy to the professional team without going through the draft.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Heading Ban
Safety regulations that prohibit players U11 and younger from heading the ball in training or games to prevent concussions.
Build-Out Line
A line painted on 7v7 development fields. When the goalkeeper has the ball, opponents must retreat behind this line to allow the team to learn how to play out from the back.
Recruit
A youth player who is being actively courted by college coaches or professional academies.
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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.