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StatesTennessee

Directory of Youth Soccer Clubs in Tennessee

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About Youth Soccer in Tennessee

Tennessee Soccer is headquartered in the new, state-of-the-art Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, which hosts major events. The TSL is the statewide league that determines seeding for the State Cup. Tennessee has a very strong soccer culture in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. The central location makes it a hub for Southern Regional events. The association is known for its professional management and robust ODP program.

The primary governing body for youth soccer in the state is the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA). It manages various leagues, including Tennessee State Cup, Tennessee State League (TSL), Mid South Conference. The association reports that there are over 80+ youth clubs and Approx. 45,000 players registered in the state.

Currently, our directory tracks 11 active clubs and associations across the Tennessee 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. Or you can also interact with the map above to navigate or find clubs in your specific location.

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All Soccer Clubs in Tennessee (11)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Academy is a youth soccer organization primarily serving the Chattanooga and North Georgia region. The club offers a comprehensive player development pathway, including Pre-Academy for U7, Junior Academy for U8-U12, and Senior Academy for U13-U19 age groups. They also provide programs for younger players, starting from U5. A key distinguishing feature is their "Path to Pro" initiative, which supports players aspiring to collegiate and professional levels. The academy hosts College ID Camps for high school-aged players, connecting them with NCAA and NAIA college coaches. Affiliated with the Chattanooga Red Wolves Professional Team and Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves, the academy provides a clear progression for talented athletes. The Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation actively works to remove financial barriers to high-level youth soccer through its "Pass It Forward" program, aiding players in achieving collegiate placements. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues such as ECNL, ECNL-RL, USL Academy, and USYS National League, including National League PRO. The club also offers Futsal, various camps, and tournaments, utilizing state-of-the-art indoor facilities for training.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys

FC Alliance logo
Knoxville, TN

FC Alliance is a youth soccer organization based in Knoxville, Tennessee, serving East Tennessee. Established in 2008, it is recognized as East Tennessee's oldest, most successful, and largest soccer club. The club focuses on excellence, family, and player development, annually developing over 2,000 players. FC Alliance offers programs for age groups ranging from U8 through U19. A notable feature of the club is its strong emphasis on college recruitment, providing a platform and plan for players aiming to compete at the next level. The club's teams compete in top competitive leagues, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and the Elite Soccer League. FC Alliance has a history of players committing to college soccer programs, with numerous alumni playing at NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA levels, and some even playing internationally. The club also has expanded its presence with FC Alliance Chattanooga and FC Alliance North.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys | NPL

Germantown Legends logo
Germantown, TN

Germantown Legends Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Germantown, Tennessee. Established in 2011, the club is dedicated to fostering a passion for soccer at all levels. They offer both competitive and recreational soccer opportunities for players of all ages. A unique selling point is their commitment to a development-first approach, aiming to cultivate skilled athletes and well-rounded individuals. The club also proudly offers TOPSoccer, an inclusive program for children with disabilities, and hosts various summer camps. Germantown Legends teams compete in top-level leagues, including the ECNL, ECNL-RL, and US Youth Soccer National League. The club emphasizes community connection and has a legacy of excellence with over a decade of history in developing players.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | ECNL RL Girls

Kings Hammer Nashville logo
Murfreesboro, TN

Kings Hammer Murfreesboro is a youth soccer organization operating in the Murfreesboro and greater Nashville area of Middle Tennessee. The club was established in April 2022 through a partnership with Murfreesboro Soccer Club, which was originally founded in 1977. Kings Hammer Murfreesboro offers a comprehensive player development pathway for boys and girls, serving age groups from U3 (Little Lions) through U19, encompassing Youth Rec, Juniors, Pre-Academy, Pre-Elite, Academy, and Elite programs. The club also provides Adult Rec leagues for players aged 19 and older. A central mission involves fostering the growth and development of players, coaches, and staff, guided by core values of Respect, Leadership, Passion, Integrity, and Creativity. Kings Hammer Murfreesboro's Academy program for U13-U19 boys and girls competes in the National Premier League (NPL), specifically the Southern Atlantic Premier League. Their Elite program offers an advanced developmental environment with high-level coaching and competition, providing exposure to collegiate and US Soccer Developmental Staff. The club hosts various tournaments and showcases at the Richard Siegel Complex, a premier facility in Murfreesboro featuring 21 fields. Kings Hammer Murfreesboro is dedicated to developing players for collegiate and professional levels.

Leagues: MLS Next 2 | NPL

More youth soccer club directory information for Tennessee follows below.

Lobos Rush logo
Collierville, TN

Lobos Rush is a youth soccer organization primarily based in Collierville, Tennessee, serving the greater Memphis area. The club has been established for over 28 years, indicated by its long-running annual tournaments like the Wolf River Classic. Lobos Rush offers comprehensive programs for various age groups, catering to both recreational players and elite-level athletes. Their mission focuses on developing players and forging pathways for promising futures, both on and off the field. The club provides distinct competitive and recreational paths to accommodate different skill levels and commitment desires. Lobos Rush is also a prominent host of several regional tournaments, including the Carvana Soccer Elite Fall Championship and the Elite College Showcase. They aim to create an environment where memories are made and players can kickstart their soccer journey. The club emphasizes player development and provides opportunities for athletes to compete in high-level soccer.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | ECNL RL Girls

Nashville SC logo
Brentwood, TN

The Nashville SC Academy is an elite youth soccer program that competes at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States. The academy is based at Currey Ingram Academy and fields teams at the U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. The academy's philosophy is to prepare players for the professional level, providing them with education on and off the pitch. They also have a residential program to support players who are not local to Middle Tennessee.

Leagues: MLS Next

Nashville United Soccer Academy (NUSA) is a non-profit youth soccer organization in Middle Tennessee. They offer competitive soccer with a focus on player development in a fun, positive, and challenging environment. NUSA is dedicated to making competitive soccer affordable and accessible to players from all backgrounds, offering financial aid and keeping costs low. Their philosophy centers on a player-focused, academy-style training model that emphasizes skill development, game understanding, and character building. NUSA prioritizes training over excessive games and travel, providing a high training-to-game ratio to enhance technical development. They aim to develop well-rounded athletes and "champions of character" both on and off the field.

Leagues: MLS Next | Girls Academy

One Knoxville SC logo
Knoxville, TN

One Knox Youth Club is the youth soccer arm of One Knoxville Sporting Club, operating in East Tennessee, with a long-term vision to offer free soccer to every child in the region. The club is part of the One Knox Collective, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established less than two years ago, which has already provided over $300,000 in youth soccer scholarships and contributed significantly to the community. One Knox Youth Club distinguishes itself through its mission to change lives through soccer, guided by the values of Positivity, Ambition, Togetherness, and Humility (PATH). The club offers competitive programs for both boys and girls from U8 to U19. For girls, top competitive leagues include Girls Academy (GA) and NPL, while boys compete in MLS NEXT and National Academy League (NAL). Younger age groups (U9-U12) participate in SCCL, TN State League, and local leagues.

Leagues: Girls Academy | MLS Next 2

More youth soccer club directory information for Tennessee follows below.

Tennessee Soccer Club (TSC) is a prominent youth soccer organization operating across multiple locations in Tennessee, including Murfreesboro, Nashville, Sumner, Upper Cumberland, and Williamson, with its main office in Franklin. The club was established in 2012 through the merger of TN Football Club and Brentwood Soccer Club. TSC is dedicated to player development, fostering a lifelong love for soccer, and positively impacting the community through its "TSC Cares" program. It offers a comprehensive pathway for players, from U6-U7 Pre-Academy to U15-U19 Competitive levels, and features an elite goalkeeping program. Tennessee Soccer Club competes in top competitive leagues such as the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and the National Premier League (NPL), specifically within the South Atlantic Premier League (SAPPL) West region. The club consistently achieves success in the Tennessee State Cup, Presidents Cup, Southern Regionals, and ECNL Postseason. Additionally, TSC hosts major annual events like the Tennessee Invitational Tournament and provides supplemental programs, college recruiting support, and international trip opportunities. The club also fields semi-professional teams in USL League Two for men and the USL W League for women.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys

Tennessee United Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Hendersonville and Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Established in 2004 through the merger of Middle TN Futbol Club and Hendersonville Soccer Club, it operates as a competitive program emphasizing character, quality, and unity. The club serves players from U5 through adult levels, with structured pathways from introductory programs to elite competition. Its Hot Shots program introduces young players aged U5 and U6 to basic soccer techniques through fun, developmentally appropriate activities. Tennessee United distinguishes itself by prioritizing a high degree of excellence in player development, fostering respect and positive behavior both on and off the field. The club integrates national competition platforms to link weekly games with identification opportunities for advanced play. It offers top competitive youth leagues including the National Premier League (NPL) for U13-U19 teams, ECNL Regional League for U13-U19 boys and girls, and Development Player League (DPL) for select age groups. These programs provide a structured progression toward higher-level soccer, with teams competing regionally and nationally to build skills for collegiate and professional pathways. Tennessee United hosts events like the United Cup of Champions tournament to enhance competitive exposure for its members. The club's fee structure supports sustainable growth, covering coaching, training, and league participation without additional uniform or travel costs in annual dues.

Leagues: NPL

Chattanooga FC Academy is a youth soccer club operating in the greater Chattanooga area. The club was formed in 2012 through a merger of the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation and the North River Soccer Association. It serves a wide range of age groups, from U4 to U19, providing a comprehensive player development pathway. A unique feature of the club is its direct affiliation with the professional Chattanooga Football Club, offering young players a clear route to professional soccer. The academy's top teams compete in high-level youth leagues, including the National Premier Leagues (NPL). The club emphasizes a holistic approach to player development, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal growth. Through its various programs, Chattanooga FC Academy aims to foster a lifelong passion for soccer while helping players reach their full potential. The club's structure allows for players of all skill levels to participate, from recreational leagues to elite competitive teams.

Leagues: DPL

Leagues and Competition in Tennessee:

Beyond state leagues, top clubs in Tennessee compete in prestigious national platforms like Major League Soccer Next Homegrown Division, Major League Soccer Next Academy Division, 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 Tennessee include: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, FC Alliance, Germantown Legends, Kings Hammer Nashville, Lobos Rush. 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.

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.

U.S. Soccer Federation logoMajor League Soccer logoUS Youth Soccer (USYS) logoAmerican Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) logoUS Club Soccer logoUnited States Specialty Sports Association logo