A Quick Guide
AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization): is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth soccer programs across the United States and internationally. AYSO is the oldest national youth soccer program in the U.S.
USYS (United States Youth Soccer Association): is the largest youth soccer organization in the United States, operating as a non-profit and a key member of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
USYS National League: is a premier youth soccer competition under the USYS. It provides opportunities for elite boys and girls teams across the country to compete at the highest levels.
MLS NEXT is Major League Soccer’s elite youth development platform, designed to nurture soccer talent in North America. It connects top youth players with pathways to professional soccer, collegiate programs, and national teams.
MLS NEXT 2 is a new competition tier within the MLS NEXT youth development platform, set to launch in the 2025-26 season. It is designed to expand access to high-level youth soccer.
USL (United Soccer League) is one of the largest and most comprehensive soccer organizations in North America, overseeing a wide range of professional, pre-professional, and youth leagues.
ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) is a premier youth soccer league. created to enhance the development of elite female players, but has expanded to include boys’ as well. The ECNL is widely regarded as one of the top platforms for youth soccer in the country, offering high-level competition.
EDP (Elite Development Prorgam) is one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the U.S., offering leagues, tournaments, and developmental opportunities for players ranging from U8 to U23.
ODP (Olympic Development Program) is is a prestigious youth soccer initiative created by USYS. Its primary purpose is to identify and develop the most talented players, providing them with opportunities to train, compete, and potentially represent the U.S. at the national team level.
NPL (National Premiere Leagues) is a youth soccer competition sanctioned by US Club Soccer, offering top-tier regional and national opportunities for boys and girls teams across the U.S. It emphasizes meaningful competition, player development, and college showcasing while minimizing travel burdens on families
GA (Girls Academy) is a premier youth development platform for elite female soccer players in the United States. It emphasizes player empowerment, collaboration, and holistic development, both on and off the field.
EA (Elite Academy League) is a national youth soccer league launched in 2020, providing a competitive platform for boys’ teams across the U.S. It primarily includes clubs affiliated with or aspiring to join MLS NEXT.
NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) is the top professional women’s soccer league in the United States, established in 2013. It features 14 teams as of 2025 and is sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The league has become one of the most competitive women’s soccer leagues globally, providing a platform for top domestic and international players.
USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) represents the U.S. in international soccer and is governed by the United States Soccer Federation. A FIFA member since 1914, the team competes in global tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and regional competitions such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League.
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the global governing body for soccer, futsal, and beach soccer. FIFA oversees 211 national associations, making it one of the largest sports organizations worldwide.
- UEFA: Union of European Football Associations
- UCL: UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Europe Cup: Europe’s secondary club soccer competition.
- Nations League: international soccer competition format used by UEFA and CONCACAF
- CONCACAF: Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football
- CONMEBOL: the governing body for soccer in South America.
- Copa Libertadores: The top competition for South American clubs, akin to the UEFA Champions League.
- Copa Sudamericana: The secondary continental tournament.
- World Cup: The premier international soccer tournament, held every four years and organized by FIFA.
- MLS: top-tier professional soccer league, in the U.S.
- La Liga: Spain’s top-tier professional soccer league
- Premiere League: the top-tier professional soccer league in England.
- Ligue 1: the highest division in the French football league system.
- Bundesliga: Germany’s top-tier professional soccer league.
- Serie A: the top tier of the Italian football league.
- Primeira Liga: Top league in Portugal. Top clubs: Benfica, Porto, Sporting CP
- Turkish Süper Lig: Top league in Turkey. Top clubs: Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş.
Scottish Premiership (Scotland): Dominated by the historic rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.
