What Comes After Soccer Shots?
A definitive guide to the U.S. Youth Soccer System
Where do we go after Soccer Shots? This is singlehandedly the most asked question we get on the field. Now that your child has fallen in love with the beautiful game, there are many avenues they can take after participating in Soccer Shots. Before we get into the hierarchy of US Youth Soccer, there are a few things to take into consideration before making a choice:
Interest: The biggest factor in deciding what pathway to choose is how serious and committed your soccer player is. As long as they are having fun, building skills, and enjoying the competitive aspects of the game, they can keep progressing up the soccer pyramid. Some players tend to lose love for the game as games become more competitive; on the other end of the spectrum, there are players who thrive in high-pressure situations and love the constant challenge. Be sure to continually check in with your player to make sure they’re enjoying the experience. It’s about them, not you.
Time/Money: Not only should you consider your player’s needs and desires but take into account your family’s situation. Once you move past local town leagues, Soccer requires a good amount of travel. As part of competitive teams, players can sometimes be required to travel regionally around the Bay Area, and as much as 1-2 hours for a single game in a fall or spring season. You also have to factor in weekly practice, camps, and tournaments that clubs partake in. Club soccer in the U.S. can get expensive and the time commitment can be taxing on some families. Weigh out all the options before committing to a soccer club.
US Soccer Pyramid
Credit: Soccer Novo
The youth soccer system in the United States is structured hierarchically, with various levels catering to players of different ages, skill levels, and aspirations. Here's a breakdown of the typical levels within the US youth soccer system:
Recreational Soccer: This level is often the starting point for young players. Recreational soccer leagues are usually community-based and focus on providing a fun and inclusive environment for kids to learn the basics of the game. Teams are often formed based on neighborhood or school affiliations, and the emphasis is on participation rather than competition.
Academy Programs: Some clubs or organizations operate academy programs that offer a higher level of training and competition compared to recreational leagues. These programs may have tryouts and a more structured training regimen, but they still prioritize player development over winning.
DPL/Competitive/Travel Soccer: Development Player Leagues, Competitive or travel soccer teams are typically more serious in nature and require a higher level of commitment from players and families. Players often try out for these teams, and they may compete in leagues and tournaments at regional, state, or national levels. The focus is on both individual skill development and team tactics, with an increased emphasis on winning.
Elite Club National League (ECNL): The ECNL is a competitive league for youth soccer clubs in the United States, primarily focusing on girls' soccer. It offers high-level competition and showcases for players aspiring to play at the collegiate or professional levels. The ECNL operates its own scouting and player development initiatives and competes with other top leagues in the country.
MLS Next: Some Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs and other professional teams operate youth academies that serve as pipelines for identifying and developing talented young players. These academies typically offer top-tier training and competition opportunities and may eventually feed players into the professional ranks.
Overall, the US youth soccer system provides a range of options for players of all ages and abilities, with opportunities for both recreational enjoyment and elite competition. Players and families can choose the level of involvement that best suits their goals and aspirations in the sport. At the highest level ECNL & MLS Next exist:
ECNL (Elite Clubs National League):
Founded in 2009, the ECNL is a competitive league primarily focused on girls' soccer, although it also has a boys' division.
The league is made up of top-tier youth soccer clubs from across the United States.
ECNL clubs compete in regional conferences and national showcases, providing exposure to college coaches and national team scouts.
The ECNL emphasizes player development and aims to provide a platform for elite female players to showcase their talents and advance to the collegiate and professional levels.
The league operates its own scouting and player development initiatives, including national player identification programs and events.
MLS Next:
Launched in 2020, MLS Next is a youth development platform operated by Major League Soccer (MLS), focusing on boys’ soccer.
MLS Next replaced the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) after it was disbanded in 2020.
MLS Next consists of elite youth soccer clubs affiliated with MLS teams, as well as non-MLS clubs that meet certain standards.
The league is designed to provide a development pathway for talented young players aspiring to play professionally.
MLS Next clubs compete in regional divisions and national events, offering high-level competition and exposure to MLS club coaches and scouts.
MLS Next is closely integrated with MLS academies, providing a clear pathway for top youth players to progress to professional soccer.
In summary, while both the ECNL and MLS Next are elite youth soccer leagues in the United States, they differ in their focus (girls’ soccer vs. boys’ soccer) and organizational structure. The ECNL has been established longer and primarily focuses on girls' soccer, while MLS Next is a newer platform operated by MLS with a focus on boys' soccer and a strong connection to professional development pathways.
Choosing a Club
Now that we’ve looked at the varying levels of the soccer pyramid, we can look at the clubs and academies in your area. This is a comprehensive list of Soccer Club & Academies in the Bay Area. They represent all levels of the youth soccer pyramid, with most clubs or academies offering recreation soccer as well as competitive. Be sure to look at coaching staff, training philosophy, and history when making a decision. We’ve included the ECNL & MLS Next club directory links below for you to compare what levels each Club or Academy participates in:
Bay Area Clubs & Academies
East Bay:
ABSC (Albany/Berkeley)
Alameda Soccer Club
Association Football Club (AFC)
Cal Magic Soccer Club (Orinda)
Castro Valley Soccer Club
Clippers FC (Oakland) (formerly Montclair Soccer Club)
Diablo Valley Football Club (Concord)
East Bay United/Bay Oaks Soccer Club (Alameda/Oakland/Emeryville)
Eastshore Alliance FC (formerly Mavericks) (Albany/Berkeley)
Girls Leading Goals (Oakland)
Mustang Soccer League (Danville)
Oakland Soccer Club
Piedmont Soccer Club
SoFive (Alameda) formerly Bladium
Surf Soccer Club (Walnut Creek)
1974 Newwark FC (Newark)
Ballistic United Soccer Club (Pleasonton)
San Ramon FC (San Ramon)
San Francisco:
SF Glens Evolution
San Francisco Vikings Soccer Club
SF Seals
SF Youth Soccer
San Francisco Elite
SF United FC
Marin County:
Marin FC
Central Marin Soccer Club
North Marin United
Mill Valley Soccer Club
Southern Marin Soccer Club
AC Marin
Briceno Soccer Club
North Coast Futbol Club
Santa Rosa United
South Bay:
De Anza Force Soccer Club
Silicon Valley Soccer Academy
San Jose Earthquakes Academy
Almaden FC
Los Gatos United Soccer Club
River Islands Surf
Santa Clara Sporting
Sunnyvale Alliance SC
Peninsula:
Palo Alto Soccer Club
MVLA Soccer Club
Redwood City Youth Soccer League
San Carlos United Soccer Club
Burlingame Soccer Club
Stanford Strikers FC