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January 3, 2023
Finding The Right Soccer Level
Finding the right level of soccer for your child is crucial in his or her development.
Soccer in the US is growing fast, and there are more options than ever for players to find a team that is right for them. For parents though, this is a very important decision to make. Finding the right level of soccer for your child is critical in ensuring that they have a positive experience and just as important for you to have a positive experience as well. Your decision needs to be based on a number of factors and we can discuss them below.
When deciding on the right level of soccer, it is important to take the following into consideration before making the final decision:
1. Goals for playing soccer
– When a player is very young and just starting the game, the decision is easy to make as you just want a player to get experience. But as they get older, it’s important to figure out why your child is playing the sport. You need to ask the following questions:
These are all important questions to ask when making a decision on the level of soccer to play in as it’s important to match up their goals with the experience to keep players motivated.
2. Budget
– The highest levels of youth soccer can get quite expensive with annual fees potentially ranging between $5,000 and $10,000. Therefore, it’s important to consider this when deciding on the next step for your kid. There are more and more opportunities for scholarships within some of the top soccer academies in the US, but just like any other scholarship, these will be selective and tough to get.
3. Time
– Just like any other activity, it’s important to evaluate the amount of time you and your child are willing to spend on soccer. Time commitment can range anywhere from an hour or two a day once or twice a week at the lowest levels to two hours or more a day 6 times a week. Finding the right balance of time with your schedule (and school) based on the goals for your child is important to make sure that other things in life do not suffer.
Based on these factors, here is a short summary of the levels of leagues in the US that teams participate in that you can choose from. As noted, there is a place for every player to play.
1. Recreational Soccer
– This is the entry level for almost every soccer player and often a level that players continue to play in if their interest levels are just to stay active and make friends. This is a perfect place for players who are not overly competitive but enjoy the social experiences of the sport. There are many recreational options locally as every city typically has an option.
2. Travel Soccer
– This is a very broad category with a wide range of leagues and competition levels, but this is ultimately for the player that would like to have a more competitive experience and still want social experiences as well. These players will typically play in high school but maybe not pursue any soccer further once they get to college. United States Youth Soccer Association (https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/) offers a number of options that fall into this category.
3. Travel Soccer with plans for College
– There are a number of newer leagues that have formed for these players. Players looking to play in college at the different options there with or without a scholarship should pursue playing with clubs that fall into this category. Some of the leagues include Elite 64 (
https://www.usysnationalleague.com/elite-64/
), ECNL (
https://www.theecnl.com/
), Elite Academy (
https://eliteacademyleague.com/
), and GA (
https://girlsacademyleague.com/
). In addition to regular games in a league during the season, these programs offer different college showcases and national tournaments that help get players visibility.
4. Plans to play professionally
– This is another area that is relatively new and still forming within the US, but professional teams have begun to develop their own academies to identify and develop players for the top stages of soccer. Programs like MLS Next (
https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/
) and USL Academy (
https://www.usl-academy.com/
) give players a stage to showcase themselves to professional scouts.
Soccer continues to expand in the US with the ultimate mission of getting more and more players into the game while offering options for all levels of players. Additionally, players can independently train outside of their regular team training to help them with their goals whether it is to stay fit or progress to the next level. This is where training solutions like Sogility
offer opportunities for players to achieve their goals.
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As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s training directly enhances their performance on the field. At Sogility, every session is intentionally designed to replicate real-game situations, ensuring that players develop the technical, physical, and mental skills necessary to compete at their highest level. Each Sogility training facet builds specific skills that translate into improved decision-making, sharper reflexes, and better execution under pressure. Here’s how our training directly connects to game-day performance. Technical Soccer Zone (TSZ) → Precision Passing & Ball Control Under Pressure Game-Day Connection: The ability to pass and receive accurately under pressure can determine whether a team maintains possession or loses control of the game. A well-timed pass can break through the opposition’s defense, while poor ball control can disrupt the flow of play. How TSZ Helps: The high repetition passing and receiving drills in TSZ help players develop faster decision-making, improved ball control, and precision. These drills simulate real-match pressure, ensuring players are ready to execute quick, accurate passes in tight spaces. TechTouch → Reacting to Unpredictable Situations Game-Day Connection: In a match, players rarely receive perfect passes. The ball may come at unexpected speeds, heights, and angles, and the ability to adjust instantly is crucial to maintaining possession and transitioning into the next play. How TechTouch Helps: Using advanced ball-launching technology, TechTouch sessions challenge players to control passes at varying speeds, heights, and angles, improving their first touch, reaction speed, and ability to adjust on the fly. This training ensures that players remain composed and in control, even in chaotic game situations. Circuit Training → Quick Footwork & Smart Decision-Making Game-Day Connection: Whether dribbling through traffic or adjusting defensive positioning, players need quick feet and sharp decision-making to react effectively. A split-second delay can mean the difference between breaking through a defense or losing possession. How Circuit Training Helps: This training builds speed, agility, and visual processing skills, helping players recognize patterns, read the game faster, and execute precise movements in tight spaces. Players become more efficient at navigating high-pressure situations, gaining a competitive edge on the field. On The Ball → Confidence in 1v1 Battles Game-Day Connection: Players frequently find themselves in one-on-one situations, whether trying to beat a defender, protect the ball, or execute a key pass. Confidence and control in these moments can open up scoring opportunities and shift the momentum of the game. How On The Ball Helps: Focused technical drills improve ball mastery, dribbling confidence, and passing accuracy, ensuring that players can navigate defenders, create space, and maintain possession under pressure. This training is essential for developing the skills needed to dominate one-on-one matchups. Athlete Development → Strength, Speed, & Injury Prevention Game-Day Connection: Soccer demands explosiveness, endurance, and physical resilience. A player who is strong and conditioned can compete at a higher level, outlasting opponents and reducing the risk of injury. How Athlete Development Helps: Built on proven Olympic training methods, this program focuses on soccer-specific strength, agility, and conditioning, ensuring players can perform at their peak for an entire match. Additionally, injury prevention techniques help reduce common soccer-related injuries, keeping players on the field and in top shape. Neuro Training → Faster Decision-Making & Situational Awareness Game-Day Connection: The best players don’t just react to the game—they anticipate what’s going to happen next. Quick thinking and the ability to process information rapidly give players an edge in reading plays, positioning, and making split-second decisions. How Neuro Training Helps: By using cognitive training tools and expert coaching, players improve their reaction time, spatial awareness, and ability to process in-game situations more efficiently. This training helps players stay ahead of the play, anticipate movements, and make smarter decisions under pressure. Why This Matters for Players & Parents Sogility isn’t just another soccer training program, it’s a comprehensive development system designed to prepare players for the realities of competitive soccer. Every drill, session, and repetition are built with real-game application in mind, helping players: Develop technical precision for passing, receiving, and ball control Enhance decision-making and reaction speed under game-like pressure Increase physical strength, agility, and endurance to compete at a higher level Improve cognitive awareness to anticipate plays and react faster If you’re ready to see how Sogility training can elevate your child’s game, schedule a free trial today and experience the difference for yourself. Schedule Your Free Trial
The spring season is here, and now is the time to set yourself apart. Success on the field comes from consistent training, and a Sogility Membership gives athletes the flexibility to train seven days a week. Whether it’s an extra session before or after team practice or a focused workout on an off day, our technology-driven training helps players stay sharp and game-ready. Each session lasts just 30 minutes, making it easy to integrate high-quality training into your routine without disrupting other commitments. With the right training, players can enhance their technical skills, improve decision-making, and build the physical strength needed to perform at their best. Our 6 Training Facets: Technical Soccer Zone (TSZ) – Focuses on passing accuracy, ball control, and receiving through high-repetition drills for all skill levels. TechTouch – Enhances first touch, passing, and receiving skills through advanced ball-launching technology and game-like drills. Circuit Training – Develops dribbling, visual decision-making, and reaction speed using cutting-edge training systems and drills. On The Ball – Builds ball mastery, dribbling, and passing confidence with focused technical drills for players of all levels. Athlete Development – Strengthens soccer-specific physical performance, explosiveness, and movement efficiency through Sogility Athlete Development methods. Neuro Training – Improves cognitive skills like decision-making, reaction time, and situational awareness to enhance in-game performance. With a Sogility Membership, athletes have the opportunity to focus on individual development beyond team practices. Our technology-driven training provides a structured approach to enhancing technical skills, cognitive decision-making, and physical performance, ensuring players gain a competitive edge when it matters most. Membership Options: Memberships start at just $95 per month. Already a member? Continue maximizing your training by utilizing all six facets of development. New to Sogility? Experience the benefits firsthand with a free trial session. Take Your Training Further Join a community dedicated to player growth and performance excellence. Whether refining your touch, improving reaction speed, or increasing endurance, Sogility provides the tools to help athletes reach their full potential. Join today #Sogility #TechnologyDrivenSoccerTraining #TrainDifferentGetBetter #Soccer #Football #SoccerTraining #FootballTraining
Sogility, a leader in Technology-Driven Soccer Training, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest facility in St. Louis. The celebration will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at 1735 S River Road in St. Charles, MO. Sogility St. Louis will showcase a state-of-the-art training environment designed to empower players of all ages and skill levels. By combining advanced technology with expert guidance, Sogility offers a revolutionary approach to soccer training that enhances performance, reduces injuries, and fosters a lifelong love for the game. Grand Opening Highlights: Explore Sogility’s Six Training Facets: Guests can try out Sogility’s cutting-edge systems, designed to enhance technical skills, decision-making, and overall gameplay. Facility Tours with Membership Introductions: Discover what makes Sogility unique and learn about membership options tailored to meet the needs of every player. VIP Meet & Greet: Meet soccer professionals, take photos, and enjoy an autograph signing session with special guests. Live Technology Demonstrations: Watch live demos of Sogility’s innovative training technology, delivering real-time feedback to help players improve their game. “Sogility St. Louis represents a new era of soccer training, where passion meets innovation,” said Sara Gladstein, Co-Owner Sogility St Louis. “We’re excited to share this incredible space with the community and show how we help players unlock their true potential.” Event Details: Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Location: 1735 S River Road, St. Charles, MO 63303 This event is open to the public, and all soccer enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. For more information about Sogility and to RSVP to the grand opening event, visit https://mailchi.mp/86cbd9bb467f/ggzcr7rpfm About Sogility Sogility specializes in Technology-Driven Soccer Training designed to improve performance, reduce injuries, and foster a love for the game. With facilities expanding nationwide, Sogility is committed to empowering soccer players at every level to Train Different and Get Better.