Play-Practice-Play
Youth & DevelopmentA coaching methodology promoted by US Soccer where a session starts with a game, moves to a focused drill, and ends with a game.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Travel Team
A competitive youth team that travels to other cities or regions to play games.
Tryouts
Annual events where players are evaluated by coaches to determine which team roster they will be placed on for the upcoming season.
ECNL
Elite Clubs National League; widely considered the top level of competition for girls' youth soccer in the US, and a high tier for boys.
Featured Clubs
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.