Scholarship
Youth & DevelopmentFinancial aid provided by a club to help cover fees for low-income families, OR an athletic scholarship offered by a university.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Birth Year Registration
The system used by most federations (including US Soccer since 2016) where age groups are determined by the calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) rather than the school year.
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.
Player Pass / ID Card
A laminated card or digital profile with the player's photo and birth date, required by referees to verify eligibility before a match.
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.