Question 1

Is ECNL better than MLS NEXT or EA?

Accepted Answer

On paper: for boys, MLS NEXT Homegrown is the top tier, with MLS NEXT Academy and ECNL Boys close behind; for girls, ECNL leads, then GA. But platforms rank leagues — they don't rate your kid's specific team. That's what our True Level rating is for.

Question 2

What do Flight 1, 2, 3 mean?

Accepted Answer

They're divisions inside the SoCal League — Flight 1 being the most competitive local tier, descending to Flight 3/4 for developmental teams. Different from national leagues (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA, EA), which sit above them.

Question 3

How much does club soccer really cost in SoCal?

Accepted Answer

All-in (fees + uniforms + travel), typical ranges: rec / entry $500–$2,000; competitive club $2,000–$4,500; elite national leagues (ECNL / GA / EA) $4,000–$7,000+. MLS pro academies are typically funded.

Question 4

What age group is my child in for 2026-27?

Accepted Answer

The rule is changing. Starting 2026-27, US Soccer switches from a January 1 birth-year cutoff to an August 1 school-year cutoff. Kids born Jan–Jul get moved down a group vs. the old rule.

Question 5

When are 2027 tryouts?

Accepted Answer

The main SoCal tryout window is spring (April–June for most clubs). We're verifying 2027 dates now — sign up on the tryout tracker to get them the moment they're confirmed.

Question 6

Should my kid play up an age group?

Accepted Answer

Rarely — and only if they're playing meaningful minutes at the higher level. Development beats prestige: a starter one age group down almost always develops faster than a benchwarmer one age group up.

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Start here. What brings you in?

What does club soccer REALLY cost?

Is my kid at the right level?

When are tryouts — and how do we prepare?

The questions every SoCal soccer parent asks

The independent guide to Southern California club soccer