Select Soccer
Youth & DevelopmentAnother term for 'Travel' or 'Competitive' soccer, implying players are selected through a tryout process.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Grassroots
The foundation level of football; non-professional and amateur football, focusing on mass participation and community.
Academy
A youth development program run by professional clubs to train young players with the aim of promoting them to the senior team.
Kick and Run
A primitive style of play common in youth soccer where the strategy is simply to kick the ball far downfield and chase it.
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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.