When Does the Soccer Season Start?
The official youth soccer season starts in September but each level is different.
Here is when each season starts:
- Youth Soccer Fall Season: September through November
- Youth Soccer Spring Season: March through June
- Major League Soccer: End of February through December
- Premier League: August through May
In this article, you’ll learn more about the timing of different soccer seasons including the Major League Soccer (MLS), youth, and European leagues.
When is the Major League Soccer (MLS) Season?
The MLS season begins at the end of February and usually wraps up in December.
Two conferences are in play between February and October.
Afterward, the MLS clubs participate in the MLS Cup playoffs from October to December, culminating in the MLS Cup final.
Considering that basketball season runs from October to June and football season runs from September to February, the MLS benefits from playing games during the summer to increase attendance.
When is the Season for Youth Soccer?
There isn’t a governing body that dictates when a soccer season starts but typically the fall season runs from September to November.
Spring season normally starts in March and ends in June.
Most soccer clubs in the U.S. will run from late-August to late-June with a brief winter break.
At the older and more competitive levels, it has been normalized to play 10 months out of the year.
Even though many youth soccer leagues and tournaments are affiliated with US Youth Soccer, each league and tournament has considerable freedom when planning its soccer season.
Because of this flexibility, a youth soccer season’s start and end dates might change based on different factors, including the league’s location and the group in charge of setting the timetable.
What About the Soccer Season in Europe?
European soccer leagues such as the Premier League start at the end of August and finishes in May of the following year.
This gives fans in the U.S. some time during the winter months to watch quality soccer!
Final Thoughts
The soccer season’s opener and end date vary from country to country, including the United States. In the U.S., it can vary by age, league, and location.
Although the seasons start and end at different times, most soccer players continue to hone their skills and compete throughout the year.
So, whether you are enrolling your kid in soccer or searching for a club to play for, make sure you are informed of the team’s season.
Luckily for most soccer fans, the game can be enjoyed every month!
