Youth Soccer Guides & Tools

These free guides and tools are designed to help parents and players navigate the youth soccer landscape in the USA.

2024 Competitive Pathway Guide

This 2024 pathway guide was designed to help parents and players navigate the girls' youth competitive soccer landscape in the USA.

We explore various pathways for female soccer players to achieve their goals, covering options like the GA, ECNL, DPL, and ODP, alongside NCAA divisions. We discuss the college placement process and the importance of skill development. Learn how players navigate their careers in women's football, even through unconventional paths, to reach professional levels.

NOTE: Since 2024, U.S. youth soccer has undergone very significant changes, and some of the information in our guide is outdated.

We are updating the guide and will be releasing a 2026 youth boys & girls version. If you want to be notified when we release our updated guide, join our mailing list.

2026 U.S. Youth Soccer Guide - COMING SOON!

Join our mailing list to be notified when we release our updated 2026 U.S. youth soccer guide for boys & girls.

blue and grey soccer ball on green field under white and blue sky during daytime
blue and grey soccer ball on green field under white and blue sky during daytime
Youtube application screengrab
Youtube application screengrab
VIDEO PRESENTATION: 2024 Competitive Pathway Guide

Watch the video presentation of our 2024 pathway guide. You can follow along after downloading the written version.

2026 Youth Soccer Guide

Development Environment Checklist

Deciding whether to stay or move to another club can cause a lot of anxiety for youth soccer parents and players. To help you assess your current environment and restore clarity to your decision-making process, we’ve put together this 12-question “Development Environment Checklist.” Players can use the checklist as a self-assessment tool, and parents can use it to help guide their children.

Individual Tracker Template – Player Development Zone (PDZ)

This individual tracker will guide you on exactly HOW TO TRACK your training with clarity and confidence. Tracking your training is a prerequisite on the pathway to excellence.

7-Day Sample Training Plan – Complete Player Development

This sample 7-day training plan will guide you on exactly WHAT TO DO in a simple, balanced, and repeatable entry-level system. At ASU, we believe that development doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing the right things consistently.

Individual Development Tools Package: 7-Day Plan & Individual Tracker

Use the "7-Day Plan" & the "Individual Tracker" tools together. The 7-Day Plan will show you WHAT to do in training. The Individual Tracker will show you HOW to track training. Together, these 2 development tools will empower players/parents to take ownership by creating Structure, Accountability, and Progress Measurement.

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