States WisconsinElkhorn

Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

For families living in or near Elkhorn, 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 Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn, Wisconsin for you.

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Featured Clubs in Wisconsin

Bavarian United SC

Glendale, WI

North Shore United

Milwaukee, WI

FC Wisconsin (boys)

Germantown, WI

Western Wisconsin Soccer

Hudson, WI

Milwaukee Kickers Academy

Milwaukee, WI

FC Wisconsin (girls)

Germantown, WI

SC Wave

Franklin, WI

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Soccer Clubs Near Elkhorn, Wisconsin (7)

Bavarian United SC

Glendale, WI

Bavarian United SC is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Glendale, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. The club boasts a rich history, originally founded as Fussball Club Bayern on July 29, 1929, making it one of the country's oldest soccer clubs. In 2021, the club merged with Inter Northshore FC and was renamed Bavarian United SC. Bavarian United SC offers comprehensive development programs for boys and girls, serving age groups from U6 through U19, as well as adult teams. The club provides various competitive pathways, including the Recreation Academy for younger players, and more advanced Premier and MLS Next programs for U13-U19 age groups. Bavarian United SC is a participant in top-tier competitive leagues such as MLS Next, MLS New Tier, USL League Two, and USL W League. A distinguishing feature of the club is its proven track record of success, with its adult teams securing nine National Championships in Amateur and Open Cup play. The club emphasizes player development through college recruiting support, an injury prevention program, and a scholarship fund. It operates with state-of-the-art facilities, providing an optimal environment for skill enhancement and game preparation.

Leagues: MLS Next | MLS Next 2 | NPL

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Elmbrook United

Brookfield, WI

Elmbrook United is a community-based youth soccer club operating in the Elmbrook area of Wisconsin. The club was established in 2017 through the merger of Brookfield Soccer Association, founded in 1975, and Elm Grove Soccer Club. Elmbrook United provides a positive and enjoyable soccer experience for players across various age groups, from U6 through high school, and also offers adult programs. The club is dedicated to developing players to their highest potential, emphasizing values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect. Programs include Recreational, Academy, and Select levels of play. Elmbrook United maintains fiscal responsibility, which has allowed the club to thrive. The club offers the Stan Lo Soccer Accessibility Grants to provide financial support for participation. While offering competitive programs, the club does not explicitly list participation in top-tier national leagues such as MLS Next, ECNL, NPL, USYS NL, GA, or DPL.

Leagues: Girls Academy | MLS Next 2 | USYS-NL

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FC Wisconsin (boys)

Germantown, WI

FC Wisconsin is a youth soccer organization primarily based in Germantown, Wisconsin, with expanded operations in the Green Bay area and Lake Country. The club was established in 2013, succeeding FC Milwaukee Nationals, with a renewed philosophy focused on player development. FC Wisconsin serves a wide range of youth soccer players, offering programs for both boys and girls. The club distinguishes itself through a long-term athlete development approach, emphasizing a clear pathway for players to compete at the collegiate level. They provide top-tier coaching within a culture that promotes accountability, discipline, and hard work, alongside college search assistance and partnerships for athletic performance. FC Wisconsin's teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls, representing the highest level of youth soccer competition. The club's mission is to foster a dynamic environment that supports and challenges youth players to excel as athletes and individuals of character.

Leagues: ECNL Boys | ECNL RL Boys | USYS-NL

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FC Wisconsin (girls)

Germantown, WI

FC Wisconsin is a premier youth soccer organization operating within Wisconsin, focusing on elite athlete development for girls. The club offers comprehensive programs for various age groups, including U10 Pre-ECNL, U11-U12 Intermediate, and U13-U18 programs. A significant unique selling point is their strong emphasis on college exposure and recruiting, with a notable track record of nearly 50 FCW alums playing college soccer each season and multiple Division 1 All-Americans. FC Wisconsin competes in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), a top-tier competitive platform for youth soccer in the United States. The club's commitment to player development extends beyond technical skills, incorporating a psychological skills program to support athletes. They have a history of developing players who achieve success at collegiate and professional levels, including those recognized with US Soccer Youth National Team honors and various college all-conference awards. FC Wisconsin's mission is centered on fostering high-level athletic achievement and preparing players for future success in soccer.

Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | Pre-ECNL

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SC Wave

Franklin, WI

SC Wave is a youth soccer club offering programs for players of all ages and skill levels, from recreational to competitive. They provide opportunities for players starting at the U-4 level, emphasizing fun and fundamental skill development in their recreational program. For more serious players, SC Wave offers Academy (U7-U10) and Select (U11-U19) programs with higher levels of competition and training by licensed coaches. SC Wave teams participate in various leagues including MLS Next, Girls' Academy, and US Youth Midwest Conference. The club focuses on individual player development in a positive environment, promoting discipline, dedication, determination, and teamwork. SC Wave has locations in areas including Waukesha and the greater Milwaukee area.

Leagues: MLS Next | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2

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Croatian Eagles Soccer Club

Franklin, WI

Croatian Eagles Soccer Club is a youth and adult soccer organization operating in Franklin, Wisconsin, within the southeastern part of the state. Established in 1922 by Croatian immigrants, it is one of the oldest continuously run soccer clubs in North America. The club provides programs for a wide range of ages, starting with the "Little Eagles" for children aged 4-6, progressing through a youth academy and select teams up to U19, and including adult teams such as a U23 squad. A notable feature of the club is its long history and cultural heritage, having been founded to provide an outlet for Croatian immigrants to share their love for soccer. The club is based at Croatian Park, a multi-field facility owned by the club since 1956. Croatian Eagles SC provides development for all skill levels, from beginner to experienced, with coaching from USYS nationally licensed staff. For its highest level of youth competition, the club's teams participate in the Elite Academy (EA) league and US Youth Soccer (USYS) competitions, including the State Cup and President's Cup. The club has a history of developing players and teams that achieve success at state and national levels.

Leagues: USYS-NL | DPL

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Milwaukee Kickers Academy

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (MKSC) is a non-profit youth soccer organization operating throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Founded in 1968, MKSC is dedicated to providing accessible and developmental soccer programs for players of all abilities. The club serves a wide range of age groups, offering programs for children from three to eighteen years old, in addition to adult leagues. MKSC distinguishes itself as a community-based organization, serving approximately 5,000 children seasonally with a focus on enjoyment and development for everyone. A key feature is the club's motto, "One Club built through Community," which highlights its commitment to community impact and inclusivity. The club also runs the America SCORES Milwaukee program, an initiative that uses soccer, poetry, and service learning to inspire urban youth. For its highest level of competition, Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club has formed an alliance with SC Wave. This partnership allows the clubs to jointly build teams that compete in elite youth platforms such as MLS Next and the Girls Academy (GA).

Leagues: DPL

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Player Development Pathways in Elkhorn

The youth soccer culture in Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn 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 Wisconsin

Appleton

Baraboo

Beaver Dam

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:

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.
Maintain Strong Academics: Good grades and standardized test scores are non-negotiable. Student-athletes must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered.
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.
Attend ID Camps and Showcases: These events are specifically designed for prospective student-athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of numerous college coaches.
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.
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.

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