Patch Exchange
Youth & DevelopmentA tradition in tournaments where players swap team patches or pins with their opponents after the game.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Academy
A youth development program run by professional clubs to train young players with the aim of promoting them to the senior team.
Sandbagging
When a team enters a tournament in a division lower than their actual skill level to ensure they win the trophy easily.
Soccer Mom / Soccer Dad
A cultural term (especially in North America) for parents who spend a significant amount of time driving their children to practices and games.
Featured Clubs
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.