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Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Hagerstown, Maryland

For families living in or near Hagerstown, finding a club that balances high-level player development with reasonable commute times is critical. This directory lists the competitive youth soccer organizations headquartered specifically within the Hagerstown metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.

These clubs offer programs for various age groups, typically starting at U6 and progressing through U19 college showcase teams. The listings below include detailed data on field locations, tryout dates, and league affiliations to help you compare local options side-by-side.

Find the Best Soccer Club in Hagerstown, Maryland for you.

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Soccer Clubs Near Hagerstown, Maryland (7)

Baltimore Celtic logo
Mount Airy, MD

Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Maryland, serving the Baltimore area. The club offers programs for both boys and girls, ranging from U8 through U18 age groups. Baltimore Celtic focuses on merging elite players with top-tier coaches to foster player development. The club emphasizes a clear player pathway designed to advance athletes to regional and national competitive stages. A significant aspect of their program is preparing players for collegiate soccer, with numerous college commitments. Baltimore Celtic teams compete in prominent leagues, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), Girls Academy (GA), Girls Academy Aspire, and the Elite Development Program (EDP). The club promotes values such as passion, energy, execution, and accountability among its players. Beyond athletic development, Baltimore Celtic also engages in community service initiatives.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | Pre-ECNL | Girls Academy | NPL

Bethesda SC logo
Gaithersburg, MD

Bethesda Soccer Club (BSC) is a youth soccer organization established in 1979, operating in Montgomery County, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. The club focuses on developing professional and collegiate soccer players, with 74 professional players developed since 2000. BSC offers programs for various age groups, including Juniors, and teams for boys and girls. Their boys' teams compete in MLS Next, NAL, EDP, and YDP, while girls' teams participate in ECNL, ECNL RL, EDP, and YDP. Bethesda Soccer Club is distinguished by its proven player development approach and a strong reputation for its style of play. The club also provides a scholarship program to help families with club fees, demonstrating a commitment to community impact. They offer various programs such as Super Y, Goalkeeper Training, Winter Clinics, Summer Camps, and specialized clinics like Ekkono and Elite Striker. BSC also hosts tournaments like the Premier Cup and DC Futsal Cup.

Leagues: MLS Next | ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | Pre-ECNL | MLS Next 2

Potomac Soccer logo
Germantown, MD

Potomac Soccer Association (PSA) is a non-profit youth soccer club based in Montgomery County, Maryland, serving areas including Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Potomac. Founded in 1980 by Bill Wilson and formally incorporated in 1982, its mission is to promote soccer for youth in the Montgomery County area. Potomac Soccer offers programs for ages 5-18, encompassing recreational, travel, and elite soccer levels. A unique selling point is its club-centric model, ensuring all teams receive consistent opportunities and support from the office and coaching staff. The club has consistently received the "Best of Bethesda" award from Bethesda Magazine, recognizing its top-tier programs and player development. Potomac Soccer provides competitive opportunities in top leagues such as ECNL, ECNL RL, GA Aspire, Chesapeake Premier Soccer League, and EDP. They also offer the PSA Futures program for U7/U8 players, focusing on fundamental skill development in a structured environment. The club emphasizes a holistic approach to player development through a year-round curriculum and licensed coaches who serve as role models.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | Pre-ECNL | NPL

Achilles FC logo
ROCKVILLE, MD

Achilles FC is a travel soccer club founded in 2016 by former professional player Sal Caccavale, designed for athletes aspiring to play at the highest level. It is recognized as an elite club in the DC metropolitan area. The club emphasizes proper soccer instruction while maintaining the enjoyment of the game. They structure their teams into age categories: U8-U12, U13-U14, and U15-U19. Achilles FC coaches are dedicated to teaching and remain with their players over the years to build consistency. The U10-U12 and U17-U19 teams compete in the EDP League or SAM Select League, while the U13-U16 teams participate in the MLS NEXT player development platform. All teams compete in nationally recognized tournaments. Achilles FC also has a Foundation, established in 2018, which is a non-profit providing recreational and competitive soccer programs for disadvantaged youth in the DC Metro area. The Foundation aims to provide equal opportunity for children from underprivileged backgrounds to receive high-level training, countering the "pay to play" model prevalent in many US soccer organizations. They offer scholarships to low-income families to make travel soccer accessible. The Foundation partners with local schools to create cost-effective programs.

Leagues: MLS Next

City SC Frederick operates as a youth soccer organization in Frederick, Maryland. Established in 2023 as the first East Coast affiliate of the national City SC network, the club draws on experienced leadership to deliver high-quality programming. It serves players primarily in the U8 through U13 age groups, with an additional futures program for younger participants. The club emphasizes building great players and great people by igniting a lifelong passion for soccer in every individual. Unique features include a focus on unlocking each player's potential both on and off the field through committed coaching and supportive environments. Teams compete in the Elite Development Program (EDP) and Central Maryland Soccer Association (CMSA) leagues, providing competitive opportunities within regional structures. As part of the broader City SC family, the club benefits from a national vision that supports player development pathways. City SC Frederick prioritizes holistic growth, fostering skills, teamwork, and personal development alongside soccer proficiency. The organization integrates into local soccer ecosystems to offer accessible, elite-level experiences for youth in the area.

Leagues: NPL

Elite Football Club Maryland is a youth soccer organization based in the state of Maryland, serving communities across the region. Established as a competitive club focused on player development, it emphasizes high-level training and competition for aspiring athletes. The club operates programs for boys and girls in various youth age groups, typically from U8 through U19, fostering skills progression from recreational to elite levels. A key feature is its integration into the Maryland League system, providing structured matches and tournaments to build team dynamics and individual talent. Elite Football Club Maryland distinguishes itself through accessible registration processes, including flexible payment options like installment plans via Afterpay or Klarna, making elite soccer more attainable for families. It prioritizes a pathway to advanced competition, with teams competing in regional leagues that align with national youth standards. The club actively accepts new team applications, supporting growth and inclusion for emerging players. Through its league affiliations, it offers exposure to scouting opportunities that can lead toward collegiate and professional soccer pathways. Elite Football Club Maryland commits to holistic development, combining technical training with character-building experiences in a supportive environment.

Leagues: NPL

Luis Montes Football Club logo
North Potomac, MD

Luis Montes Football Club (LMFC) operates as a premier youth soccer organization in Maryland, focusing on competitive programs for aspiring players. The club emphasizes individual player development through specialized soccer training designed for high-level competition. LMFC provides a structured pathway that impacts players both on and off the field, fostering overall growth and success in the sport. Boys and girls aged 5 to 18 are served through various competitive programs tailored to their skill levels and ambitions. The club's modern training techniques and concepts distinguish it by prioritizing technical proficiency and competitive readiness. LMFC actively recruits talented youth via open tryouts to build strong teams within its Maryland-based programs. The organization stands out for its commitment to creating opportunities for players to excel in elite youth soccer environments. Through dedicated coaching and program structure, LMFC supports the journey toward advanced competitive play and long-term athletic achievement.

Leagues: NPL

Player Development Pathways in Hagerstown

The youth soccer culture in Hagerstown is driven by a mix of non-profit community associations and private academies. Many of the clubs listed here utilize local facilities, including municipal parks and school district stadiums.

How to Compare:

We recommend reviewing the 'Competitive Level' tag on each profile. Some clubs in Hagerstown focus on recreational play and foundational skills, others are designated as 'High Level', or 'Local/State Level Competitive' requiring regional travel or to nearby cities for league matches, while 'Elite' teams often travel across states and nationally.

Browse Soccer Clubs Near Other Cities In Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Club Soccer?

Club Soccer, also commonly known as travel soccer, represents a higher level of competitive youth soccer compared to recreational leagues. In the club system, players typically attend tryouts to be selected for a team within a privately-owned soccer club. These clubs are focused on long-term player development and compete against other clubs in various leagues and tournaments. The environment is more structured, with professionally licensed coaches, more frequent practices, and a greater time and financial commitment. The goal is to develop players' technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall passion for the game at a more intensive level.

If you're interested in exploring this path for your child, a great first step is to see what options are available in your area. You can start by looking at our directory of youth soccer clubs. For a deeper dive into what this journey entails, check out our article on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the difference between travel, club, and rec soccer?

Club Soccer and Travel Soccer are generally synonymous terms for competitive soccer programs. They are a significant step up from recreational soccer in terms of commitment, competition, and cost.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

  • Competition Level: Club/Travel soccer is highly competitive, with teams formed through tryouts. Recreational (Rec) soccer is open to everyone regardless of skill level, focusing on fun and participation.
  • Coaching: Club teams are typically coached by licensed, professional coaches who are paid for their services. Rec teams are often coached by parent volunteers.
  • Commitment: Club players commit to a full soccer year (fall and spring seasons) and are expected to attend multiple practices per week (often 2-3 sessions of 90-120 minutes) and games on weekends. Rec soccer usually involves a shorter season, with maybe one practice and one game per week.
  • Travel: As the name implies, travel/club soccer involves traveling to play games against teams from other towns, cities, or even states, especially for tournaments and showcase events. Rec soccer games are almost always local.
  • Cost: The financial commitment for club soccer is significantly higher, covering professional coaching, league fees, tournament entries, and uniforms. You can learn more in our detailed guide on the Cost of Youth Soccer.
  • Player Development: The primary focus of club soccer is on developing individual skills and tactical knowledge to prepare players for higher levels of competition. Rec soccer focuses more on learning the basic rules, sportsmanship, and having fun.

For families looking for a fun, introductory experience, a recreational program like MLS Go can be a perfect start.

What are the different youth soccer leagues in the US?

The U.S. youth soccer landscape is comprised of numerous leagues, each offering different levels of competition, exposure to college scouts, and geographical reach. Understanding this structure can be complex, but it can generally be viewed as a pyramid.

Here are some of the most prominent national and regional leagues:

  • MLS NEXT: Considered the highest level of boys' youth soccer in North America, it's run by Major League Soccer and focuses on developing players for professional and national teams. Learn more about the new two-tiered system in our Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions.
  • ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): The ECNL is a premier national league for both boys and girls, known for its high level of competition and as a major platform for college recruitment. It includes both national and regional tiers (ECNL-RL).
  • Girls Academy (GA): A top-tier, girls-only league created by and for players, focusing on holistic player development and providing a direct pathway to college and national teams.
  • US Youth Soccer National League: One of the largest and most established leagues, offering a tiered structure with both team-based and club-based competition that provides a pathway to the annual USYS National Championships.
  • National Premier Leagues (NPL): A national competition platform by US Club Soccer that consists of various regional member leagues, culminating in a national championship event.

For a comprehensive overview of how these leagues compare, explore our Youth Soccer Leagues guide and our detailed analysis in the Boys Youth Soccer Pyramid Explained.

How do I choose the right club for my child?

Choosing the right soccer club is a crucial decision that can shape your child's athletic and personal development. It's about finding the best fit for their skills, goals, and personality, as well as what works for your family.

Here are key factors to consider:

  • Club Philosophy and Culture: Does the club prioritize winning at all costs, or is there a strong emphasis on player development, sportsmanship, and fun? Try to observe a practice or game to get a feel for the environment.
  • Coaching Quality: Look for experienced, licensed coaches who are good teachers and positive role models. A good coach knows how to motivate and develop young athletes while fostering a love for the game.
  • Player Development Pathway: Does the club have a clear plan for developing players from younger ages to older, more competitive levels? What opportunities do they provide for growth?
  • Level of Competition: Ensure the club competes at a level that will challenge your child without being overwhelming. This is where understanding the different youth soccer leagues is important.
  • Logistics and Cost: Consider the practice schedules, travel requirements, and overall financial commitment. Be sure to understand what is included in the club fees and what will be extra.

To begin your research, you can browse our directory of youth soccer clubs. For more tips on the evaluation process, read our guide on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the pathway to college soccer?

Navigating the college soccer recruiting process requires a proactive and organized approach from both the player and their family. The journey typically begins in the early high school years.

Here are the essential steps on the pathway to playing college soccer:

  1. Play at a High Level: Competing in nationally recognized leagues like ECNL, Girls Academy, or MLS NEXT is crucial for exposure, as college coaches heavily recruit from these platforms.
  2. Maintain Strong Academics: Good grades and standardized test scores are non-negotiable. Student-athletes must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered.
  3. Create a Player Profile & Highlight Video: Compile a soccer resume that includes your academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, and contact information. A well-edited highlight video (3-5 minutes) is essential to showcase your skills to coaches.
  4. Attend ID Camps and Showcases: These events are specifically designed for prospective student-athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of numerous college coaches.
  5. Proactive Communication: Don't wait to be discovered. Research schools that are a good fit both athletically and academically. Send introductory emails to coaches, including your player profile and highlight video, and follow up persistently.
  6. Guidance from Your Club: Your club coaches and directors can be valuable resources in connecting with college programs and offering advice.

For a complete breakdown of the timeline and strategy, be sure to read our Youth Soccer Guide to College Soccer Recruiting.