Which Soccer Club is Best for Your Child?

Ready to enroll your child in youth soccer? Finding the right club can be overwhelming, especially for parents of new players. Youth soccer programs help kids develop important skills, but choosing the best fit is key. This guide simplifies the process, providing considerations and resources for choosing the best youth soccer club for your child.

At CURREX, we're passionate about supporting young athletes. As the Official Shoe Insole of the USL, our soccer insoles help prevent injuries and boost performance, keeping kids in the game. Learn more about how CURREX® insoles support young athletes.

In this article:

• What age should kids start club soccer?
• Things to consider when choosing a soccer club.
• Finding youth soccer clubs near me.
• Why should kids join a youth soccer club?
• How CURREX supports young athletes.

When should kids start club soccer?

Your kid might have loved playing soccer in gym class, or maybe their friend is in a club, and they want to join, too. Most kids start playing organized soccer around 5 years old whether it’s at school, church, or for a local club, but older kids can join soccer clubs, too.

Different youth soccer clubs have different age requirements. Typically, the age that a child should start playing club soccer will depend on their development. For example:

• 5 to 8 years old: As children are just learning how to play the game, it's important to focus on the fundamentals, teamwork, and having fun.
• 9 to 12 years old: At this age, kids show more interest and commitment to the sport. Joining a youth soccer club gives them a structured environment for improving their skills.
• 13 years and older: Young teens who really enjoy the sport and train year-round with their soccer club can benefit from more competitive play and rigorous training.

After filling out an application to join, most soccer clubs require a tryout to evaluate your child’s skill level before placing them in the right group.

Should my child play soccer for school or a soccer club?

Playing for the school soccer team helps introduce your child to the sport. However, club soccer offers more opportunities in the long run. School soccer is a fall season sport, while club soccer plays year-round with more pathways for development and competitive play.

As your child gets older, school soccer should either be a supplement to their training or they might choose to play for the school so they can join a more elite league instead.

What to Consider When Choosing a Youth Soccer Club

The best youth soccer clubs support your child’s development both on and off the field. Choosing the right club with good coaches can make or break their experience, so it's important to do your research and find a local soccer club that fits your child’s needs, skills, and goals.

Physical Readiness

Soccer is a demanding sport. For clubs, members are expected to practice and play year-round, balancing soccer with other activities. Consider talking to your child's pediatrician to make sure they are ready.

Kids are usually more resilient than adults, but soccer injuries can influence whether they want to keep playing. CURREX CLEATPRO™ soccer insoles help prevent injuries and reduce pain and fatigue by making kids’ soccer cleats fit and feel better.

Learn more about How Soccer Insoles Help Your Feet and Your Game.

Location & Schedule

Convenience is key for busy families. Youth soccer clubs can practice two to three times a week with games on most weekends. Local soccer clubs make travel easier, encourage regular participation, and give kids a chance to play with friends or make new ones. Try searching “youth soccer clubs near me” to start vetting out nearby programs.

Coach Qualifications

Your child’s coach has a direct impact on their development and overall experience. Licensed coaches should have the knowledge and proper qualifications to teach the sport at or above your kid’s level. It’s also important that the coach has a successful record of developing players and connects well with the kids.

Coach Philosophy

Soccer club coaches have different teaching styles or philosophies about the game and player development. You want a coach that fosters a positive, supportive learning environment no matter what your child’s skill level may be.

Consider emailing or calling the coach to ask about his or her coaching style concerning sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill building. You can use the parent-coach meeting to discuss their approach and how it applies to your child’s needs.

Skill Levels & Goals

Are you looking for a recreational soccer program, or is your kid ready to compete at a higher level? Youth soccer clubs are split up by divisions (D1, D2, D3) based on skill level:

• D3 soccer clubs are great for beginners who want to learn to play and develop a love for the sport within their community. (Ex: community parks, recreation departments)
• D2 soccer clubs are the sweet spot for competition and play, helping kids develop their skills in a slightly more challenging environment. (Ex: state and regional soccer clubs)
• D1 soccer clubs and academies are very competitive, ideal for advanced players who want to participate in regional or national soccer leagues. (Ex: Girl’s Academy, MLS Next, ECNL)

Enrolling your kid in the most competitive soccer academy won’t guarantee they’ll go pro. The club’s level of competition should be appropriate for your child’s skills and goals. Talk to your child about why they want to play and do regular check-ins to gauge their interest in competitive soccer.

Club Reputation

Research a club’s reputation by checking into its history, player success rate, and talking to other parents or players. Your child is more likely to succeed when they feel like they fit in. Look for clubs with a positive, supportive atmosphere that focuses on teamwork and prioritizes players’ needs.

Cost and Fees

All youth soccer clubs in the U.S. are pay to play. The cost varies by team, but includes registration fees, uniform costs, camp fees, and any fundraising requirements. There might also be travel expenses if the team travels to games or tournaments.

Make sure the costs to join and play are within your family’s budget. Remember, high fees don’t always equate to a better program. For help affording club fees, ask about volunteer opportunities that might reduce costs.

Facilities

The quality of the facility can affect your child’s experience, too. Outdoor fields should be well-maintained, and the training equipment should be in good condition. An indoor sports complex is ideal if you live somewhere with harsh winters. You might also consider other amenities like safe locker rooms, spirit wear shops, and more.

How to Find Youth Soccer Clubs Near You

The easiest way to start your search for “youth soccer programs near me” is online. Browse the results, find soccer clubs on Google Maps, and check out community websites of your local teams and programs. Here's how you can narrow down the best options:

• Check social media. Many local soccer teams and clubs use social media to post news and events. You might also be able to reach out to the page’s administrator.
• Ask around. Asking other parents about their opinions on the club gives you insight into the facility, coach, players, and more.
• Attend a game or practice. See if the club's website posts their game schedule or call ahead to observe a practice to see how the coach interacts with the players.
• Talk to your child. Before committing to a club, ask your child for feedback on what they did or didn’t like about different programs.

The Benefits of Joining a Youth Soccer Club

Soccer is more than just a game. For many young athletes, playing soccer is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fun. Youth soccer helps kids be active, learn teamwork, and build confidence. They can make friends, improve their skills and develop a lifelong love for the sport. Plus, organized play teaches valuable lessons in discipline and sportsmanship.

Some of the benefits of joining a youth soccer program include:

• Physical Development: Improves fitness and strength while developing their coordination, balance and reaction time.
• Social Skills: Teaches teamwork, communication, and builds empathy and respect for others.
• Builds Character: Teaches lessons on discipline, perseverance, and how to play fair.
• Mental Health: Provides children with a sense of confidence and belonging while offering a healthy outlet for their emotions.
• Soccer Skills: Develops sport-specific skills and helps improve strategic thinking and decision making.

Why CURREX Partners with Youth Soccer Clubs

The Official Shoe Insole of the USL, CURREX supports the health and athletic goals of all young athletes. Our soccer cleat insoles are used by professional soccer teams and academies to help reduce injuries and improve performance on the pitch.

We partner with different youth soccer clubs and USL Academy teams throughout the country to help kids reach their potential. Our CLEATPRO insoles provide a customized fit in kids’ soccer cleats to deliver key benefits like:

• Enhanced comfort and support
• Injury prevention
• Improved movement
• Pain relief for growing feet

Try CURREX CLEATPRO soccer insoles and talk to your kid’s coach about our partnership opportunities like free insole fittings, special discounts, and club rebates to help further support your child’s soccer experience.

CURREX CLEATPRO for Kids & Club Soccer

The right youth soccer club or academy will help your child thrive both on and off the field. By considering factors like coaching, club culture, and your child’s needs, you can set them up for success. Give your child the support they need to reach their full potential and try CURREX CLEATPRO insoles for kids.