Tournament
Youth & DevelopmentAn event, usually held over a weekend, where teams play multiple games in a knockout or group format to win a trophy or medals.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Trapped Player
A player who is in a lower grade in school than their birth-year teammates (e.g., an 8th grader on a team of 9th graders), leaving them with no team to play for during the high school season.
Academy
A youth development program run by professional clubs to train young players with the aim of promoting them to the senior team.
Travel Team
A competitive youth team that travels to other cities or regions to play games.
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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.