How Do You Travel For Soccer Games?

Traveling for youth soccer games is getting pretty wild. For example, we can travel up to eight hours for a single game. Yes, one game!

My son is in the northeast division of the U16 MLS NEXT league. The teams are very competitive and, as such, we travel to play the best.

Not accounting for heavy traffic, here’s how long it will take us to travel for away games…

Toronto FC (10 hours)
Rochester NY FC (7 hours)
CF Montreal (4 hours 30 min.)
Cedar Stars – Bergen (4 hours 30 min.)
New York City FC (4 hours 30 min.)
Met Oval (4 hours 30 min.)
FC Westchester (3 hours 45 min.)
Connecticut United FC (3 hours 10 min.)
Beachside (3 hours 10 min.)
Oakwood Soccer Club (3 hours)
Bayside FC (2 hours)
New England Revs (1 hour 45 min.)
IFA (1 hour 30 min.)
NEFC (1 hour 30 min.)
Boston Bolts (1 hour 15 min.)
Valeo (1 hour 15 min.)

This doesn’t include showcases like MLS NEXT Fest.

As you can see, we have to put some miles on the car. Parents are responsible for shuttling players back and forth. It can be taxing on the time and wallet.

But, this is what youth soccer in America is like, right?

Due to the heavy travel schedule, we have to decide whether to drive, fly, stay at a hotel, or take day trips. Here’s what we usually do…

Drive or Fly To Games?

At this point, I feel like we have a good system. Here’s my general rule…

Over 9 hours: Fly
7-9 hours: Consider flying but sometimes a carpool situation makes the most sense
Under 7 hours: Drive

When To Stay at a Hotel?

I’ve seen some families take an RV down to games. That’s great and fun!

For the rest of us, here’s something to consider.

Stay at a hotel: Flying somewhere, morning game with a drive over 2 hours, two away games on a weekend, or a drive over 4 hours.
Day trip: Anything under 2 hours or if it’s an afternoon game (and under a 4-hour drive).

It’s Ultimately a Personal Decision

I hope my suggestions helped but, at the end of the day, it’s your decision.

You need to consider your family’s schedule, budget, and travel options.

If you have a busy schedule like we do, I suggest taking it week by week if you can. It will help you consider your weekly commitments. Things always come up!