If you’re a parent trying to help your kid reach the highest levels in youth soccer, chances are you’ve already heard all of the buzzwords. MLS Next, ECNL, ECRL, Development Academy... it’s a lot, and it can be confusing.
We’ve talked to a ton of families at Spark Player Development who’ve felt overwhelmed by the options. Everyone wants what’s best for their kid, but when you are dealing with clubs that are built around selling the dream for profit, how do you know what’s real? And more importantly, what’s right for your player?
Let’s break it all down in plain English because at SPD, we are all about the real talk parents deserve when they’re trying to help their kids grow through the game.
What Exactly Is the “Youth Soccer Pyramid”?
When people talk about the pyramid, they’re usually referring to the levels of competitive soccer in the U.S. It’s not a perfect system, but here’s the general shape of it:
- Recreational soccer — community-based, for fun, minimal travel
- Travel or club soccer — more competitive, usually town or region-based
- Regional and national leagues — ECNL, ECRL, USYS, NPL, and others
- Elite academy platforms — things like MLS Next and Girls Academy
- College or professional pathways — for the few who reach that level
Now, here’s the important part. Just because a program is “higher” on the pyramid doesn’t always mean it’s better for your kid. And moving up isn’t always the goal. For most families, the priority should be finding a place where your child is developing well, staying motivated, and actually enjoying the process.
Understanding the Big Names: MLS Next, ECNL, and ECRL
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top leagues families hear about.
MLS Next
This is the highest level of competition for boys in the U.S., created and run by Major League Soccer, and designed to feed into pro academies and college programs.
- How to get in: Tryouts are usually invite-only. Some clubs hold open tryouts, but many players are scouted or recruited.
- What to expect: Serious travel, top-tier training, and very high competition. But also pressure, politics, and not always the most personal environment.
- Is it right for your kid? Only if they’re ready for the demands and truly love the grind. Development should still be the goal — not just status.
ECNL (Elite Clubs National League)
Originally started on the girls' side, ECNL now offers both boys and girls leagues. It’s known for strong competition and heavy college recruitment.
- How to play ECNL: Tryouts at ECNL clubs. These teams train hard and play in showcase events.
- What to expect: High-level coaching and visibility, but also a big commitment. For some clubs, the ECNL label is used more as a selling point than a true development platform. Beware of this and make sure that the coach and program are a good fit for your child.
ECRL (ECNL Regional League)
This is one tier below ECNL, but still very competitive.
- Why it matters: Great for players still developing or those who want a strong environment without the full ECNL travel load. Some players bounce between ECRL and ECNL based on their progress or team needs.
There are other leagues too — like USYS National League, NPL, and more — but these three are the ones most families ask us about.
A Hard Truth? Prestige Doesn’t Equal Development
At Spark, we’ve heard this story too many times. A family spends thousands to get into a “top” program, only to realize their child isn’t growing, isn’t excited, and doesn’t feel seen.
Here’s what we tell every parent:
A big-name league can’t develop your child. A great coach can.
“It’s easy to get lost chasing levels,” says Spark CEO Jack Van Schoick. “But the players who go the furthest are the ones who fall in love with the process — who enjoy the hell out of training, learning, and competing. That doesn’t come from a patch on the jersey. It comes from the people around them.”
There are amazing coaches in every league, and there are also programs that are more interested in collecting checks than building players. And it’s on you as the parent to look deeper than the league and club logos.
What Actually Moves the Needle in Your Child’s Growth
Let’s forget the pyramid all together for a second and talk about what really matters:
- A coach who cares about your kid as a person
- A club that teaches the game the right way — with intention and consistency
- A team culture that supports growth, not just results
- And most of all, a player who wakes up wanting to train
That’s the energy we build everything around at Spark. Because if your child isn’t having fun, if they’re not developing confidence and ownership, none of the other stuff matters.
Know the Pyramid, but Don’t Lose the Plot
If your child wants to play ECNL or MLS Next, it’s good to understand what that path involves. And don’t get us wrong, playing at these levels definitely will give your kid more opportunity to get seen by college and professional coaches.
But don’t fall into the trap of chasing names. Chase growth. Chase good people. Chase the kind of environment where your kid lights up when they hit the field.
That’s the stuff that lasts.
And if you're looking for a place where joy, discipline, and development come first — Spark Player Development is here. We work with serious players who want to level up, not just as athletes, but as people. One session at a time.