Mercy Rule
Youth & DevelopmentA 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.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
ODP
Olympic Development Program; a US Youth Soccer program established to identify and train the top players in each state and region.
MLS NEXT
The current top-tier youth league for boys in the United States and Canada, organized by Major League Soccer.
Girls Academy (GA)
A premier youth soccer league for girls in the United States, formed after the dissolution of the Development Academy.
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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.