Understanding Tiers
The competitive levels in youth soccer
Tier 1Highest Level
National-level competition. Teams play in MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, or ECNL. Players typically commit 4-5 days per week with regional/national travel.
Commitment: Very High (12-15+ hrs/week)
Cost: $3,000 - $8,000+/year
Travel: Regional & National tournaments
Tier 2Competitive Regional
High-level regional competition. Teams often play in EDP Premier, ECNL Regional, or strong club leagues with 3-4 practices per week.
Commitment: High (8-12 hrs/week)
Cost: $2,000 - $4,000/year
Travel: Regional travel (MD/VA/DC area)
Tier 3Competitive Local
Good development environment with moderate competition. Great for players building skills who want meaningful games without extensive travel.
Commitment: Moderate (5-8 hrs/week)
Cost: $1,000 - $2,500/year
Travel: Mostly local (30-45 min)
Tier 4Recreation/Development
Recreational leagues or beginner travel programs. Focused on fun, fundamentals, and introduction to team play with minimal travel.
Commitment: Low (2-4 hrs/week)
Cost: $200 - $1,000/year
Travel: Local games only
One Club, Multiple Tiers
Most large clubs (like Potomac, SAC, or Bethesda) have teams across ALL tier levels. A club being "Tier 1" doesn't mean all their teams are - they simply have teams that compete at that level. When browsing clubs, look at the specific team within the club that matches your child's age and skill level.
Major Youth Soccer Leagues
What EDP, MLS NEXT, and Girls Academy actually mean
MLS NEXT (Boys)
Major League Soccer's official youth development platform
The top boys pathway to professional soccer. Clubs must apply and be accepted. Games are often played on professional-quality fields with exposure to MLS scouts.
Girls Academy (GA)
Premier girls development league
The top girls pathway, similar to what ECNL was. Highly competitive with strong college exposure. Many Division I commits come from GA programs.
ECNL (Boys & Girls)
Elite Clubs National League
One of the original national youth platforms. Strong for both boys and girls, with excellent college showcase events and competitive play.
Age Groups Explained
How U12, U14, birth years work
Youth soccer uses birth year to determine age groups. "U12" means "Under 12" - but the cutoff date matters. In most leagues, the cutoff is January 1st.
Example for 2025-26 Season:
- • U12 = Born in 2014 (turns 11-12 during season)
- • U14 = Born in 2012 (turns 13-14 during season)
- • U16 = Born in 2010 (turns 15-16 during season)
Tip: Search for teams by your child's birth year rather than "U" age group to find the exact matches. Our search supports both formats!
Understanding True Costs
What "$2,500/year" actually means
Club fees are just the starting point. Here's what families actually spend:
Use our Cost Calculator on any team page to estimate your true costs based on that specific program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Still Have Questions?
Our AI Scout can answer specific questions about clubs, teams, and leagues in the DMV area. Just ask like you would a knowledgeable soccer parent!