Recruit
Youth & DevelopmentA youth player who is being actively courted by college coaches or professional academies.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Competitive (Comp) Soccer
The tier of soccer above recreational, involving tryouts, professional coaches, higher fees, and travel. Also known as Select or Travel soccer.
Sandbagging
When a team enters a tournament in a division lower than their actual skill level to ensure they win the trophy easily.
Showcase
A tournament where the primary goal is not just winning, but playing in front of college scouts and recruiters.
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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.