New York youth soccer is electric, alive, and full of possibility.
For parents, it’s about more than picking a team, it’s about choosing a second home for your child. A place where they’re challenged, mentored, and inspired. A place that helps them grow not just as athletes, but as people.
For players, it’s a proving ground. A place to test your touch, your vision, your heart. Maybe you’re chasing a college scholarship. Maybe you’ve got pro dreams. Or maybe, you just want to play the game you love in a space that pushes you to be better every single day.
Whatever your reason, New York has something for you.
The state is packed with top-tier youth soccer academies and clubs that open doors, clubs that teach discipline, grit, and the joy of team spirit.
Whether you’re on the rise or just getting started, these are the programs where futures take root.
1. New York City FC Academy — Orangeburg, Southeastern NY
If your kiddo dreams of wearing sky blue and running onto a Major League Soccer field, NYCFC Academy is where dreams get serious. This is the official youth development wing of New York City FC—and it’s as elite as it sounds.
What makes them special?
They play in MLS NEXT, the absolute top tier of youth soccer in the U.S. Their players are handpicked through scouting and tryouts. The training curriculum is no joke: technical skills, tactical awareness, physical readiness, and a healthy, competitive mindset are all part of the package.
Who it’s for: Young boys with serious ambition, discipline, and drive. If your child eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer—and wants a pathway to the pros—this is it.
Address: 175 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Website: newyorkcityfc.com/youth/programs
Contact: Through online forms (scouting based)
2. New York Red Bulls Academy — Harrison, NJ (Serving NY Metro)
Just over the river in New Jersey, but deeply rooted in New York’s soccer ecosystem, the Red Bulls Academy is another direct pathway to professional soccer. Like their city rivals, they’re in the MLS NEXT ecosystem, and their reputation is built on intensity, development, and identity.
What makes them special?
Red Bulls operate under a philosophy they call the “Red Bulls Way” ; a high-pressing, aggressive style that’s become their trademark. It’s more than drills; they teach young players how to compete, think, and thrive. Their Regional Development School (RDS) is a great intro for younger kids and feeds directly into their top academy teams.
Who it’s for: Serious boys who are ready to dedicate themselves to soccer and embrace a fast, technical style of play. The expectations are high—but so are the rewards.
Address: 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029
Website: newyorkredbulls.com/youth
Email: training@newyorkredbulls.com or rds@newyorkredbulls.com
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3. New York Soccer Club (NYSC) — Westchester County, NY
NYSC is one of the few clubs in the state to offer elite opportunities for both boys and girls. With MLS NEXT teams for boys and Girls Academy (GA) squads for girls, they’re doing serious work in the development space.
What makes them special?
This club is all about character. Their six core values; respect, teamwork, ambition, effort, excellence, and enjoyment aren’t just poster slogans. They build players up with technical training and tough competition, yes, but they also teach leadership, respect, and responsibility.
Who it’s for: Families in Westchester and surrounding areas looking for an elite, values-driven soccer experience for either boys or girls.
Address: Ophir Field, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577
Website: newyorksoccerclub.org
Email: info@newyorksoccerclub.org
4. East Meadow SC — Long Island, NY
If you’re from the Island, chances are you’ve heard of East Meadow. This club has a strong reputation, especially on the girls’ side, where they compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) a huge platform for players heading toward college and beyond.
What makes them special?
EMSC develops players of all levels; from recreational to national competitions. Their programs are organized, their coaching is high-caliber, and their focus on technical and personal development makes them a reliable choice for Long Island families.
Who it’s for: Players (especially girls) who want to test themselves against the best, and families looking for college recruitment opportunities.
Address: Multiple fields across East Meadow & Uniondale
Website: eastmeadowsoccer.com
Email: info@eastmeadowsoccer.com
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5. SUSA FC — Central Islip, NY (Long Island)
SUSA is a soccer giant on Long Island. With year-round indoor and outdoor facilities and teams in both boys’ and girls’ ECNL, they offer serious competition with serious structure.
What makes them special?
The SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex is one of the best on the East Coast. The coaching is top-shelf, the player pathway is defined, and they treat soccer like a lifestyle, not just a weekend hobby. Their teams are known for being technical, sharp, and hungry.
Who it’s for: Families looking for a professional-grade soccer environment on Long Island, with elite training, modern facilities, and high-level league placement.
Address: 271 Carleton Ave, Central Islip, NY 11722
Website: susa.net
Email: info@susa.net
6. BW Gottschee — Queens, NY
A club that carries legacy like a badge of honor. BW Gottschee was founded in 1951 and has been quietly producing pros and college stars for generations. In a city as fast-paced as New York, their old-school commitment to development stands out.
What makes them special?
BW Gottschee is MLS NEXT-certified and known for technical excellence. Their alumni list is impressive, and their reputation is built on getting players into high-level college and pro environments. Their philosophy is simple: teach the game right, from the ground up.
Who it’s for: Serious boys looking for quality coaching, consistency, and a club with heritage. Families in Queens and nearby boroughs will love the balance of tradition and competitive opportunity.
Address: Multiple fields, including Juniper Valley Park, Queens, NY
Website: bwgottschee.org
Email: info@bwgottschee.org
7. World Class FC — Rockland County, NY
This is one of the top options for families in the Lower Hudson Valley. World Class FC is known for their high-level coaching and long-standing presence in regional elite competitions.
What makes them special?
They’ve sent a long list of players to NCAA Division I programs, and they pride themselves on preparing kids for college soccer. Their focus is balanced: strong technical training, team chemistry, and player character all matter.
Who it’s for: Boys and girls who want to play college soccer and need a club that understands both the athletic and academic journey.
Address: Fields in Orangeburg, NY
Website: worldclassfc.org
Email: info@worldclassfc.org
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8. Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) — Manhattan, NY
For families in the city, DUSC is the real deal. They’re rooted in community, play across public parks and school fields, and still manage to compete at the highest levels—including MLS NEXT for boys.
What makes them special?
DUSC blends accessibility with elite training. They offer programming for all levels, but their top teams are no joke. They’ve got a long-standing reputation for fostering a love of the game, especially in urban youth. It’s as much about growth and belonging as it is about competition.
Who it’s for: City kids who want to play hard, learn a lot, and be part of a club that values every player. From grassroots to elite, DUSC handles it all.
Address: Varies across Manhattan
Website: dusc.net
Email: info@dusc.net
9. Empire United Soccer Academy — Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse
Upstate New York’s answer to elite youth soccer. Empire United has a strong presence in Western and Central NY, and they play at the top level: MLS NEXT.
What makes them special?
They’re more than a club, they’re a network. Empire United develops talent across multiple cities and feeds players into college programs across the country. They care about the whole player: attitude, academics, and athletic performance.
Who it’s for: Families in Rochester, Buffalo, or Syracuse looking for serious soccer without having to trek downstate. Especially good for boys looking for MLS NEXT exposure.
Address: TSE Sports Complex (Rochester), plus others
Website: empireunited.soccer
Email: info@empireunited.soccer
10. STA Soccer — Morris County, NJ (Serving Northern NY Metro)
Though based across the state line, STA draws heavily from New York—and for good reason. Their ECNL teams for both boys and girls are among the region’s strongest.
What makes them special?
STA does things right. Their coaching is licensed and experienced. Their style of play is sharp. Their kids don’t just “kick and run” they play with purpose. They also have one of the most organized college recruitment pipelines in the region.
Who it’s for: Families near Rockland, Westchester, or North Jersey who want a polished, proven ECNL program for either boys or girls.
Address: Morris County, NJ (see site for field locations)
Website: stasoccer.org
Email: info@stasoccer.org
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