Iowa’s not just cornfields and college football; there’s a quiet heartfelt soccer movement growing here, fueled by family drive, Midwest grit, and community soul.
Iowa youth soccer clubs are home for hundreds of young players chasing their first goal, their next big save, or just the pure joy of the ball at their feet.
For parents, choosing a soccer club isn’t just picking a team; it’s choosing a place where your kid can feel safe testing limits, learning discipline, making lifelong friends, and maybe even dreaming college or pro.
And for players, it’s stepping into a culture that challenges you to be better, smarter, stronger on and off the pitch.
Iowa leans into that culture hard.
From underdog clubs in Dubuque to elite programs in Ames, the state is bursting with organizations that know how to nurture talent, build character, and hold onto Midwest values.
1. Iowa Rush Soccer Club
Iowa Rush is not just one club, it’s a statewide movement backed by Rush Soccer’s massive global network. That means structure, consistency, and opportunities that reach far beyond Iowa’s borders.
What makes them stand out?
From U7 to U19, players experience a clear and progressive curriculum backed by global best practices. “Rush Select” teams gather top players regionally, college showcases and international opportunities add a rare path forward, and the coaching philosophy is modern, consistent, and player-centered.
Who might it be for: Be it you are introducing your kid to soccer or training a high‑level athlete targeting NCAA Division I and beyond, Iowa Rush delivers.
Location: 209 E 1st Street, Suite 160 Ankeny, Iowa 50021
Website: iowarushsoccerclub.com
Email: info@iowarush.com
2. Des Moines Soccer Club (DMSC)
If you’re in or around Iowa’s capital, DMSC is the local cornerstone of youth soccer, offering programs from fundamental rec to highly competitive academy and select teams
What makes them stand out?
They cover the full spectrum. U7‑U8 beginners, academy programs for skill-builders, and U11‑U19 select teams for top-level players. DMSC fields train at James W. Cownie Soccer Park—one of the best-equipped venues in the region.
Who might it be for? : Any player in the Des Moines area seeking in-town convenience, clarity in progression, and quality coaching. Excellent for players planning to rise through academy or select levels.
Location: 5171 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States
Website: desmoinessoccerclub.org
Email: membership@desmoinessoccerclub.org
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3. Iowa City Kickers Soccer Club
Proudly rooted in eastern Iowa, Iowa City Kickers offers foundational and competitive soccer in a tightly-knit community environment
What makes them stand out?
This is a true grassroots club, established by passionate volunteers, creating a fun, supportive space from kindergarten through high school. They offer rec leagues and select teams, plus financial assistance to make soccer accessible.
Who might it be for?: Ideal for soccer youths in Johnson County wanting both grassroots community and competitive pathways. A great starting place that grows with your child.
Location: 4400 Soccer Park Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States
Website: ickickers.org
Email: administrator@ickickers.org (+1 319-351-7927)
4. Cedar Valley Soccer Club (CVSC)
Serving northeast Iowa, CVSC marries community values with high-performance ambition.
What makes them stand out?
The “United” program spans U5‑U19 with age-specific coaching. A standout is the integration of video analysis (like Veo cameras) for older teams and a college advisory system for high schoolers. They also participate in regional leagues like EIYSL and CDL, giving players access to strong competition.
Who might it be for?: Kids in Black Hawk County looking to support competitive development—from grassroots to college prep—in a well-run system.
Location: 303 Jefferson St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United
Website: cedarvalleysoccerclub.org
Email: cedarvalleysc@gmail.com (+1 319-504-2825)
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5. Ames Soccer Club (ASC)
ASC serves Ames-area youth with a strong community-first soccer culture
What makes them stand out?
Ames SC offers rec programs for U5s and development-focused teams up to U10, then select for older players. They emphasize fundamentals, transparency with parents, and seamless progression across levels. It’s a thoughtful, well-managed setup.
Who might it be for? : Players in Story County who want quality, structure, and community in a club that treats soccer development with respect and clarity.
Location: 800 Billy Sunday Rd, Ames, IA 50010, United
Website: amessoccer.org
Email: gary at amesdoc@gmail.com (Technical Director) +1 515-360-5117
6. Vision Soccer Academy / VSA Rush
A distinct elite program under the Iowa Rush umbrella, VSA Rush specializes in ECNL-level play.
What makes them stand out?
They run Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) boys and girls teams, some of the highest tiers in youth soccer nationally. It’s intense, travel-heavy, and performance-minded. For players serious about college or pro-level soccer, especially U14–U19, this is a gold-standard option.
Who might it be for?: Talented, committed players willing to invest time, effort, and travel. For families focused on national exposure and advanced tactical/technical development.
Location: 2655 SE LA Grant Pkwy, Waukee, IA 50263, United States
Website: visionsocceracademy.com
Contact: info@visionsocceracademy.com (515-978-1099)
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7. Sporting Iowa
Sporting Iowa brings passion and high-level ambition to the Des Moines soccer scene.
What makes them stand out?
They offer tiers from introduction to competitive, with skill-focused academy and youth select teams competing in state leagues. Sporting Iowa emphasizes well-rounded development—technical, tactical, physical, and mental with a coach-first approach.
Who might it be for?: Players in Polk County seeking a tough but supportive environment—especially excellent for those transitioning to high school or state-level play.
Location: 4685 Merle Hay Rd Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States
Website: sportingiowasoccer.org
Contact: info@sportingiowasoccer.org
8. Dubuque Soccer Club
A pillar of the Tri-State community, Dubuque SC mixes inclusion and development seamlessly.
What makes them stand out?
They keep soccer fun, inclusive, and accessible for rec players, though they offer earnest competitive options too. Their ethos centers on sportsmanship, confidence-building, and community. Practices are local, playing fields are shared with schools, and everyone plays.
Who might it be for?: Families wanting their child to grow on local fields, build character, and fall in love with soccer, no matter their initial skill.
Location: 12896 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002, United States
Website: dubuquesoccer.org
Email: DubuqueSoccerClubinfo@gmail.com | (563) 590‑7430
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9. Johnston Urbandale SC (JUSC)
JUSC brings soccer to west-side suburbs with quality and heart.
What makes them stand out?
Mixing rec and competitive teams, JUSC focuses on fun and fundamentals for younger ages and sharper development for older kids. Clubs connect via online tools and community events, and they promote a balanced, positive atmosphere.
Who might it be for?: Aspiring soccer kids in Polk County’s west side wanting convenience, community, and the option to compete without travelling into central Des Moines.
Location: 4685 Merle Hay Rd Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50322, United States
Website: juscsoccer.org
Contact: Check site
10. West Des Moines SC (WDM SC)
Rounding out the metro, WDM SC offers classes, rec teams, and competitive programs—centered on player growth.
What makes them stand out?
Their goal is character plus skill; creating respectful, confident players in a spirited environment. Competitive teams play top opponents statewide. Coaches emphasize sportsmanship, tactical IQ, and consistency.
Who might it be for?: Soccer kids in West Des Moines seeking a home-base club with room for rec or competitive play as players grow.
Location: West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Website: desmoinessoccerclub.org
Contact: Send message via site
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Final Whistle – Finding the Right Club
No one club is the “real best.” The right one fits your child’s heart, your family’s schedule, and your goals.
- Start With a Visit: Sneak into a practice. Feel the energy. Picture your kid in that setting—challenged, supported, seen.
- Mind the Commitment: Competitive programs (ECNL, select, academy) mean trips, fees, training intensity. Keep it fun and sustainable for the long haul.
- Listen to Other Parents: They’ll tell you the small stuff; coach accountability, communication habits, how storm days are handled.
- Factor in Location & Travel: Two-hour drives three times a week? That adds up fast. Choose a club you can live with.
- Ask the Big Questions: Coach-to-player ratio? College placement success? Mental health support? Injury prevention?
- Reassess Year by Year: Kids change. Go through tryouts, adjust paths when needed. All players evolve—and so do clubs.
