Girls Youth Soccer League Roundup
There are many opportunities to improve your game at the youth level. Different leagues and clubs around the nation allow girls to play at a high level at a young age; whether it is with a club travel team or an Olympic Development Program team, there are plenty of avenues to take.
Many athletes that are serious about their sport will look to advance their play by any means possible. Finding teams that participate in these programs will allow for potential college recruitment, National team scouting, and regional team scouting. So, let’s take a look at the various girl’s youth soccer leagues in the U.S.
U.S. Youth Soccer
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U.S. Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in the nation. It provides support, resources, and assistance to players to achieve their full potential both on and off the field. Millions of players and coaches are part of USYS across the country and continue to grow each year.
This league is divided into four regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. It has programs for ESports, Futsal, National League, ODP and creates equal opportunities for athletes in different parts of the United States. In addition, the USYS organization provides opportunities for growth, events, and tournaments and awards accolades to athletes based on their performances.
The U.S. Soccer Federation governs U.S. Youth Soccer, which also organizes the U.S. Youth National Teams.
Olympic Development Program
Part of USYS, each state has its own Olympic Development Program, which allows players from a specific region to compete against other states and regions at different events in and out of the U.S. This program is outside of the normal travel club soccer realm since it’s an additional commitment that provides an opportunity for growth from top-class coaches.
Additionally, the ODP allows for the chance to be seen and possibly coached by USWNT coaches or scouts. Most of the USWNT has played on an ODP team in their youth.
U.S. Club Soccer
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U.S. Club Soccer provides a pathway for teams and players in various age groups that look to compete at high levels against different geographic areas. This organization consists of the NPL, ECNL, local competitive leagues, recreational and adult leagues. The values of U.S. Club Soccer include growth and success on the field, long-term player and club development, and relationships that will give players a positive experience.
Additionally, this organization allows players to be selected to prestigious ID2 regional and national team camps allowing players to play with the best and receive exposure from college or national team coaches.
NPL
The NPL, or National Premier League, is a group of leagues that falls under U.S. Club Soccer. The leagues and clubs in the NPL focus on player development through less schedule congestion and a higher training-to-game ratio. NPL leagues compete weekly, and each season culminates with a national postseason tournament.
ECNL
Be relentless ? pic.twitter.com/Lk5cZFoy8W
— ECNL Girls (@ECNLgirls) September 16, 2021
One of the most well-known programs in the U.S. is the ECNL. The ECNL, or Elite Clubs National League, was founded in 2009 and rapidly gained the interest of many top teams in the nation that wanted to compete. As a result, this league has changed the standard of youth girls soccer.
ECNL Identification camps, ECNL awards, selections of top players for rankings, and resources off the field allow youth players to experience the true feeling of being a valued top-notch player. Additionally, this league provides athletes with college showcases, mental health advisors, and international events that allow players to play overseas against different countries.
Although the ECNL is a relatively new league, it has created a powerhouse pool of talent and competitiveness that will only continue to improve.
Girls Academy League
Every conference back in action ✅
What a great first weekend of competition! pic.twitter.com/h9GR1QUhbz
— The Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) September 14, 2021
The Girls Academy League is a youth development program for the best female soccer players in the U.S. It is one of the only youth soccer leagues to represent the voice of its players and improve the lack of opportunity for girls. The GA, similar to others, provides opportunities for coaches and its players with regional and national showcase events throughout the year and emphasizes competition, teamwork, and experiences.
This girls-specific league allows athletes to feel empowered. As the main focus is on the female side of play, this league takes a stand to fight for equality and is a stepping stone for future women’s soccer players.
AYSO
AYSO, or the American Youth Soccer Organization, is the oldest youth soccer organization in the U.S. It’s also a nonprofit and emphasizes the principles of inclusion and allowing everyone to experience the game. Not only does AYSO operate in America, but it’s becoming a global endeavor with branches in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.
Overall, the main goal of each girl’s youth soccer league is to ensure its athletes and coaches have positive experiences and are a part of a competitive environment. It is amazing to see the direction youth soccer is heading in and the opportunities these players are given.
Featured image via @usyouthsoccer on Instagram
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