Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Merced, California

Turlock Academica Jrs is a youth soccer organization based in Turlock, California, serving the Central Valley and Northern California region. The club was originally established in 1979 as Turlock Youth Soccer Association (TYSA) and became the official youth affiliate of Academica Soccer Club in 2018. Turlock Academica Jrs provides programs for players ranging from ages 2 to 18 and older. The club operates with a "One City One Club" philosophy, creating a comprehensive soccer pyramid from recreational to pre-professional levels. This unique structure allows players to develop in an environment akin to international soccer models. Turlock Academica Jrs has a proven track record of developing players who advance to collegiate levels, including NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues such as the ECNL Regional League (Boys), National Premier League (NPL), and Youth Premier Leagues. Through its affiliation with Academica SC, the club also offers pathways to USL League Two, USL W League, and USL Academy.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys

ALBION SC Merced is a youth soccer club operating in Merced, California, as an affiliate of the broader ALBION SC organization. The club provides comprehensive soccer programs for boys and girls, serving age groups from U8/U9 through U19. ALBION SC Merced is dedicated to player development through its structured pathway, which includes the ALBION Juniors and ALBION Academy programs. A significant emphasis is placed on college placement, with the club facilitating over $57 million in college scholarships for its players. The club has a strong history of success, developing 40 national team players and 20 professional players. ALBION SC teams compete in top-tier competitive leagues and programs, including MLS Next, ECNL, GA, and DPL. The club has achieved notable success, securing 63 State, 22 Regional, and 21 National Championships. ALBION SC has been recognized as the #1 Team in the Nation by Top Drawer Soccer, underscoring its elite status in youth soccer.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL RL Boys | MLS Next 2

AJAX United is a premier competitive soccer club in Northern California with over 40 years of history, representing the competitive program of the Modesto Youth Soccer Association. Their vision is to be a top soccer program in the Central Valley, providing high-level opportunities and developing players and coaches in a positive environment while fostering a love for the sport. The club emphasizes core values such as learning, development, responsibility, sportsmanship, and diversity. AJAX United offers competitive play for boys and girls aged 7 to 19, providing advanced year-round training under professionally licensed coaches. With 40 teams and over 500 players, they are a prominent club in the greater Modesto and Central Valley region. Their teams compete in various leagues including MLS Next, NPL, Girls Academy, and Premier level programs. AJAX United also provides opportunities for elite players to participate in programs like the CYSA Olympic Development Program, Nor Cal Player Development Program, and US Club id2 Program. The club has a history of developing players who have gone on to play professionally, including USMNT players Cade Cowell and Heath Pearce, and USWNT player Tisha Venturini. They offer an age-appropriate curriculum focused on developing each player's potential, including specialized goalkeeping training. Player evaluations are held annually and throughout the year for interested players at no cost.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL RL Boys | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2 | NPL

Stanislaus United Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Modesto, California. The club has been established for several years, demonstrating a consistent presence in competitive youth soccer since at least 2018. Stanislaus United SC is distinguished by its significant success in various competitions, including winning the U15 and U16 Girls 2024 NorCal State Cup titles and the 2019 World Futsal Cup West Official Championship. The club's development program is notable for producing players who have been invited to national team camps, such as the U15 Mexican National Camp and the U17 Mexico Women National Team. Stanislaus United SC competes in top-tier leagues and programs, including the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) and the National Premier League (NPL) through NorCal Premier. They also participate in the NorCal State Cup and have teams in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Division 1.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | NPL

Turlock Sports Park FC (TSP FC) is a youth soccer organization based in Turlock, California, operating within the larger Turlock Sports Park facility. The club offers both recreational and competitive soccer programs, including a Youth Soccer Academy, catering to age groups from U-4 to U-18. TSP FC is a member of NorCal Premier, participating in competitive leagues such as the ECNL Regional League and National Premier League (NPL). The organization emphasizes building confidence, fostering teamwork, and developing character through sports, utilizing experienced coaches and a consistent coaching methodology. While the Turlock Sports Park has been operational for several years, TSP FC's competitive soccer program has been active since at least 2020. The club provides a structured environment with features like TeamSnap scheduling for efficient team management.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | NPL

Ceres Rush is a youth soccer club operating in the Ceres and Modesto area of Northern California. As an affiliate of Rush Soccer, an organization established in 1997, it is part of the largest youth soccer network in the world. The club provides a player-centered approach with a focus on individual long-term development and personal growth for players of all skill levels. Ceres Rush offers programs for a wide range of age groups, from U9 up to U19. A key feature of the club is its connection to the national Rush Soccer organization, which provides a pathway for elite players through programs like Rush Select. The club's top girls' teams compete in the Development Player League (DPL), participating in the DPL NorCal Conference. Additionally, its competitive boys' teams participate in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL). Ceres Rush is committed to providing high-level competition and development, aiming to foster a positive and challenging environment for its players.

Leagues: DPL