~$1,200–$3,000/yr· #5
Find a League →US Youth Soccer
US Youth Soccer
The pathway from recreational soccer to high school, college, and beyond
US Youth Soccer is the competitive step up from AYSO for kids who have shown real ability and love for the game. The licensed coaching standards and structured development pathway mean kids receive genuine technical instruction, and the state cup tournament system provides meaningful competitive stakes. Best for families with a child who has caught the soccer bug and wants to pursue it seriously.
✓ Pros
- Official development pathway for elite youth soccer in the US
- Licensed coaching standards produce consistently high-quality instruction
- State cup and regional tournament structure builds competitive experience
✕ Cons
- Travel team costs (tournaments, hotels, equipment) add up quickly
- High time commitment — multiple practices and weekend tournaments
Scores
Overall
8.7
Development
9.1
Accessibility
8.2
CoachingQuality
9
Value
8
Specifications
sportSoccer
age Range5–19
formatCompetitive travel + recreational
seasonsFall + Spring + tournaments
locationsAll 50 states