Tryouts
Youth & DevelopmentAnnual events where players are evaluated by coaches to determine which team roster they will be placed on for the upcoming season.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Sandbagging
When a team enters a tournament in a division lower than their actual skill level to ensure they win the trophy easily.
Birth Year Registration
The system used by most federations (including US Soccer since 2016) where age groups are determined by the calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) rather than the school year.
Guest Player
In youth soccer, a player who plays for a team in a tournament that they are not permanently rostered on.
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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.