DISCLAIMER: This graphic of the Youth Soccer Pyramid is a bit squishy; some differentiations are made between Boys and Girls, as well as Regions. Both the chart and pyramid are meant to be general overviews.
MLS NEXT Announces Major Changes for 2025-26: What Every U.S. Youth Soccer Family Needs to Know
If you’re the parent of a youth soccer player with big dreams, you’ve probably heard of MLS NEXT—Major League Soccer’s elite youth development platform. This spring, MLS NEXT announced a major expansion that will reshape the landscape for thousands of players, coaches, and families starting in the 2025-26 season. Many interpret this as a second tier but league officials maintain that it is not a separate or lower division.
Understanding the Layers of ECNL: More Than Just a League
When parents begin to navigate the world of elite youth soccer, they often hear about the ECNL, or Elite Clubs National League. While it’s commonly referred to as a “league,” ECNL is actually a national organization that offers multiple layers of competition and development. Understanding these layers is key for parents seeking the best fit for their young player, especially as the landscape continues to evolve with new leagues and expansions like MLS Next.
Development Player League (DPL): Empowering Elite Girls’ Soccer
The Development Player League (DPL) is a national, elite-level girls’ youth soccer league designed for top clubs and players, primarily in the U13-U19 age groups. DPL offers a high-level competition platform that focuses on both athletic and personal growth, providing a purposeful environment where players can develop their skills and reach their full potential. If you’re a parent seeking a pathway that emphasizes development and exposure for your daughter, the DPL is an important league to consider within the evolving landscape of U.S. youth soccer.
USL Youth & USL Academy: Player Pathways
The United Soccer League (USL) offers a unique player pathway through its USL Academy and USL Youth platforms. USL Youth provides national competition and community engagement for players of all levels, while the USL Academy establishes a direct link between top youth prospects and professional USL clubs. With a focus on high standards, college eligibility, and meaningful development opportunities, these programs are designed to help players progress from grassroots soccer to the professional ranks.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO): Great Soccer Starts and Stays!
AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) is a cornerstone of youth soccer in the United States, offering an inclusive, family-focused environment where every child can play, learn, and grow. Founded on the principles of “Everyone Plays®,” balanced teams, and positive coaching, AYSO welcomes players of all skill levels without tryouts or cuts. Whether your child is just starting out or looking for a supportive community to develop their love of the game, AYSO provides age-appropriate programs and a safe, fun experience for families nationwide. Curious to learn why AYSO remains a top choice for millions of youth soccer families?
National Premier Leagues (NPL): The Complete Guide for Youth Soccer Parents
Navigating the world of youth soccer in the United States can be overwhelming for parents. Between the alphabet soup of league acronyms—ECNL, GA, MLS NEXT, NPL—and the constantly evolving landscape, it’s hard to know which path is right for your child.
Click the link below for our comprehensive breakdown of the NPL. We explain how it fits into the broader youth soccer ecosystem, and help you make informed decisions about your young athlete’s future.
National Academy League (NAL)
Curious about the National Academy League (NAL) and how it shapes the youth soccer journey for both boys and girls? Discover everything parents need to know about NAL’s competition level, development pathways, travel, college exposure, where it sits in the youth soccer pyramid and more. Whether your child dreams of playing at the next level or you’re simply looking for the right fit, this comprehensive guide breaks down what to expect and how your family can benefit.
USL League & Youth Soccer
As a youth soccer parent in the United States, you may have seen headlines about the United Soccer League (USL) launching a promotion and relegation system. This is a major shift-one that brings the USL in line with global soccer traditions and has the potential to reshape the American soccer landscape for clubs, communities, and, most importantly, young players like your child.
But what does this actually mean for your family, your athlete’s development? A more defined pathway?
Girls Academy & Aspire
As a youth soccer parent, your goal is to find the best opportunities and development pathways for your daughter. With the continued growth of the Girls Academy (GA) and the launch of Aspire, many families are asking how these leagues compare and how they stack up against other top options like ECNL.
This guide gives you everything you need to know for the 2025–26 season—helping you make the most informed decision about your child’s soccer journey.
At the pinnacle of youth soccer are MLS Next for boys and the Girls Academy (GA) for girls. These leagues are considered the highest level and are designed to develop players for professional and national teams.
Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and ECNL Regional Leagues
The ECNL is a national league that features top youth teams. The ECNL Regional Leagues are a step below, focusing on regional competition.
The Elite Academy League (EAL) is a boys’ youth soccer development league. It serves as a platform for elite clubs to provide high-level competition and player development. It’s designed to mirror the structure of higher-level leagues like MLS Next.
The National Academy League is a newer league that aims to provide a pathway for players to reach MLS Next and other elite leagues. It started its first season in 2023.
National Premier Leagues (NPL) and National League Conferences
The NPL, sanctioned by US Club Soccer, allows top teams from different regions to compete against each other. National League Conferences, such as Premier I and Premier II, provide further opportunities for high-level competition.
DPL is a national, elite-level girls’ youth soccer league in the U.S. It serves as a high-level competition platform for top clubs and players, primarily in the U13-U19 age groups. The DPL is designed to develop players and empower them in a purposeful environment, emphasizing both athletic and personal growth.
The US Youth Soccer (USYS) National League holds significant importance in youth soccer as it represents the highest level of competition within the USYS structure.
Recreational Leagues
Town Travel Leagues
Above recreational leagues are town travel leagues, which introduce a higher level of competition and travel to play against teams from other areas.