Academy
Youth & DevelopmentA youth development program run by professional clubs to train young players with the aim of promoting them to the senior team.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Guest Player
In youth soccer, a player who plays for a team in a tournament that they are not permanently rostered on.
Grassroots
The foundation level of football; non-professional and amateur football, focusing on mass participation and community.
Golden Age of Learning
The age range of roughly 9 to 12 years old, considered the optimal window for players to acquire technical skills.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
U.S. Soccer Federation and US Club Soccer Launch New Shared Services Partnership: What Parents Need to Know
January 14, 2026
Play Club Soccer Staff
The U.S. Soccer Federation has officially entered a new strategic relationship with US Club Soccer. This isn't just a press release; it is a move that could fundamentally change how the back-end of youth soccer operates.
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.