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Contact your state or local association. US Youth Soccer has a Club Directory where you can search for clubs in your hometown. There are 54 State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer; all 50 states with four that are divided (California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas).
Fees vary according to what is provided by the local soccer association or club. Some clubs provide a t-shirt for the 6-and-Under age group and a complete uniform for older players. Since many factors affect the fee structure, ask your local club or association.
There is no traditional season in youth soccer. Most states play a fall season (September through November) and a spring season (February through May). Many competitive programs may play with only a short break in the winter and a short break in the summer.
The player's age as of August 1 is 6-and-Under. You can view the age guidelines here.
Usually teams practice at least two times per week.
Shinguards are required for all practices and games. Cleated shoes are needed if play will be on wet, muddy or soft surfaces. For very young players, sneakers will do fine.
Practices for players six and younger should be no more than an 45 minutes. 8U players practice one hour. 10U players are about an hour and 15 minutes. Older players practice for about an hour and a half.
A ball, soccer shoes, shinguards and plenty of water.
Under-8s and younger play with a No. 3. Under-10 through Under-12 play with a No. 4. Players Under-14 though adult use a No. 5.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a program for players with mental or physical challenges.
The FIFA Laws of the Game prohibit anything which is dangerous to a player or other players. Referees determine if an item can be worn without being dangerous.
Helmets are not included in the Laws of the Game under Players Equipment. Although the player wearing the headgear is protected, he may play in a physically more aggressive manner than others not protected, thereby becoming a danger to others.
Injuries to the teeth are so few that insurers do not require them. Many dentists however recommend them.
6U play 3v3, 8U play 4v4, 10U play 6v6, 12U play 8v8 and older teams play 11v11. See more recommendations for Small-Sided Games.
Field sizes vary by age group. For 6U we recommend 30x20 yards, 8U 30x25 yards, 10U 55x40 yards, 12U 75x50 and 14U-19U play 100x50 up to 120x80 yards. See rules for Small-Sided Games.
At the younger ages we place a priority on participation and deemphasize results.
For the D and E licenses, 6U/8U Youth Module, 10U/12U Youth Module and the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coaching Course you can contact your State Association. For the A, B and C licenses, please contact U.S. Soccer. Click here to learn more about furthering your education.
US Youth Soccer ODP, established in 1977, is the original Olympic development program in the United States. Formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team could be selected for international competition, selected players are exposed to the nation's top coaches from collegiate institutions, U.S. Soccer and the professional leagues. Programs exist in each state and with competitions such as the US Youth Soccer ODP Championships, Interregional Training/Competition, Regional Camps and International play. US Youth Soccer ODP continues to lead the way in elite player identification and development. US Youth Soccer ODP is an approved program of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Click here for Soccer America's Camps & Academies, a free e-newsletter and web directory.
US Youth Soccer maintains a tournament directory. You can also contact your State Association. We refrain from recommending any tournaments or tour operators.