What Should I Do If I Don’t Make a Top Youth Soccer League (MLS NEXT or ECNL
Not making MLS NEXT or ECNL doesn’t close the door to success in soccer.
Many players find success in alternative pathways. If you want to succeed, you’ll find a way.
You can improve your situation by consistently improving, working hard, and being open to new opportunities. It sounds cliche but don’t overcomplicate it!
No matter where you are in your journey, there’s a lot of soccer to be played. It just might not be on the team or in the league that you want it to be. And, that should be okay (for now).
Here are some ways you can “stay in the game” and continue on a positive trajectory
- Join a club team that plays in a more regional-based league like DPL, NPL, or ECNRL. Here are the levels in the U.S. soccer pyramid.
- Play for your middle or high school in the fall. Use winter, spring, and summer to get better.
- Play for your school and rejoin a club after the fall season.
- For middle school-aged players, join a local travel team to enjoy the game while you get better.
- Move to a place where there are more clubs and more opportunities. This would be bold of a family but an option.
What Should You Do If You REALLY Want to Play in a Top League?
Your game should speak for itself. You need to bring something to the table.
Just because you want to doesn’t mean you can. A coach won’t take a player only because they have the desire. You need to show them your talent on the field.
As a player, you need to get better. Improve your foot skills, speed, toughness, and game IQ. You will be competing against the best players in your area. You need to act and show that you belong.
Trust me, a lot can happen in one year. I’ve seen kids fall off and improve dramatically in 365 days.
If you feel like you are in a good position to make a team, do everything you can to trial with the club. This means that they will bring you into their practices to see how well you do. This typically happens in the spring. If they like you, they’ll offer you a spot for next fall.
During the entire process, remain optimistic. It’s never easy being the “outsider” trying to make a team but the effort you put in will be worth it.
Now, it’s time to get off Fortnite and work your butt off!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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