Directory of Youth Soccer Clubs in Iowa
Iowa Soccer serves a diverse mix of rural and urban communities. The association places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and player retention. The Iowa State Cup is the major competitive goal, but the association also runs extensive recreational festivals. Iowa teams compete in the Midwest Conference, often matching up against strong clubs from Kansas and Nebraska. The state has made strides in recent years to centralize elite player development through its ODP pathways.
The primary governing body for youth soccer in the state is the Iowa Soccer. It manages various leagues, including Iowa State Cup, Iowa State League, Midwest Conference. The association reports that there are over 50+ youth clubs and Approx. 30,000 players registered in the state.
Currently, our directory tracks 4 active clubs and associations across the Iowa region. Whether you are looking for a US Youth Soccer (USYS) affiliate, a Elite MLS Next or ECNL member, or an NPL program, the organizations listed below represent the primary development hubs for youth players. Use the filters to sort by city or competitive level to find the right fit for your player's age group and skill level.
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All Soccer Clubs in Iowa (4)
FC United Iowa is a prominent youth soccer organization primarily serving the Cedar Rapids area and broader Iowa region. The club has been established for several years, with a strong competitive history dating back to at least 2019, demonstrating a consistent presence in youth soccer development. FC United offers comprehensive programs for a wide range of age groups, from U5 Little Strikers through U19 Premier Select teams. Their curriculum emphasizes technical development and problem-solving, aiming to cultivate well-rounded individuals in addition to skilled athletes. A key distinguishing feature is their proven success in transitioning players to collegiate athletics, supported by a dedicated College Advisory Program. The club boasts a remarkable record of achievement, including being the first in Iowa to win ECNL Regional League Playoff Championships and securing multiple US Club National Championships. FC United teams compete in top-tier leagues such as the ECNL Regional League for both boys and girls, the USYS Midwest Region Championships, and the US Club National Finals. The club has also seen players advance to professional levels, with alumni signing MLS Pro-Am contracts.
Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys
Sporting Iowa is a youth soccer club primarily based in Des Moines, Iowa, extending its reach across Central and Eastern Iowa through strategic partnerships. The club's current structure and significant operations began around 2017, marked by the evolution of partnerships between Sporting Iowa Central and Sporting Iowa East. Sporting Iowa distinguishes itself as Iowa's premier full ECNL youth soccer club, offering elite training and a clear pathway to collegiate and professional opportunities. The club emphasizes comprehensive player development, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and fostering well-rounded individuals with strong personal, social, and academic qualities. They provide high-quality coaching and access to state-of-the-art facilities to ensure an optimal development environment. Sporting Iowa's teams compete in top-tier competitive platforms, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls, and the ECNL-RL (Regional League).
Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys
VSA Rush is a youth soccer club based in Iowa, with an office located in Ankeny. The club was established in early 2022 through a collaborative partnership between Vision Soccer Academy (VSA) and Iowa Rush. VSA Rush is dedicated to providing an elite player development experience, offering high-level competition and training to prepare athletes for their futures in soccer and in life. A notable feature is the Mihura Memorial Fund, which provides financial assistance to players, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial barriers. The club fields competitive teams in top national leagues, including the Girls Academy (GA) for U13-U19 girls and the Boys ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) for U13-U19 boys. They also participate in the ECNL Regional League.
Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | Girls Academy
Vision Soccer Academy is a premier youth soccer club operating in the Des Moines metropolitan area of Iowa. Established in 1996, the club has grown into one of the fastest-expanding soccer organizations in the region. It serves boys and girls across a broad spectrum of ages, from 3 to 19 years old. The academy provides comprehensive programming tailored to players of all skill levels, emphasizing skill development, physical fitness, and psychological benefits through structured play. Unique features include a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific facility with three FIFA regulation-sized 11v11 pitches and multiple multi-purpose fields for various formats like 9v9, 7v7, and 4v4. Programs range from recreational leagues for beginners to select teams for more committed athletes, fostering a fun and socially engaging environment. The academy program specifically targets U9-U10 players, transitioning them into competitive training and preparing them for higher-level select squads starting at U11. Vision Soccer Academy hosts seasonal tournaments in fall, winter, and spring, alongside extra training sessions and camps to enhance player growth. The club's focus on injury prevention and holistic development sets it apart, ensuring long-term participation and success in youth soccer.
Leagues: NPL
Leagues and Competition in Iowa:
Beyond state leagues, top clubs in Iowa compete in prestigious national platforms like Girls Academy, National Premier Leagues, offering pathways to the highest levels of youth soccer. When evaluating clubs, consider their league affiliations, travel commitments, and player development philosophy.
Some of the prominent organizations in Iowa include: FC United Iowa, Sporting Iowa, VSA Rush, Vision Soccer Academy. Each of these clubs offers unique programs and competitive levels, which you can explore in their detailed profiles.
Cost and Commitment:
Choosing a club often requires balancing travel time, coaching fees, and facility quality. View a club's profile page to get more information on their offerings and field locations. In this region, fees can range from $400 per year for local travel teams to over $3,000 per year for elite, year-round academy programs.
Club profiles are updated seasonally to reflect tryout schedules and coaching changes.
