Travel soccer cost breakdown
Travel soccer costs $1,500-$4,000 per year at typical US club level and $5,000-$10,000+ at elite MLS NEXT, ECNL, or Girls Academy programs once uniforms, tournaments, travel, and private training are included.
Typical annual cost by level (2026)
| Level | Club fees | Uniform | Tournaments | Travel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec-plus / Academy U8-U9 | $300-$600 | $100 | $0-$200 | Local | $400-$900 |
| Local club U10-U12 | $1,200-$1,800 | $250 | $300-$600 | $200-$500 | $1,950-$3,150 |
| Regional club U13-U14 | $1,800-$2,500 | $350 | $600-$1,200 | $500-$1,500 | $3,250-$5,550 |
| ECNL / MLS NEXT / GA | $2,500-$3,500 | $400-$600 | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $6,400-$12,100 |
Hidden costs parents forget
- Uniform kit: home + away jersey, shorts, socks, training top, warm-up jacket, backpack.
- Cleats: $50-$180 every 6-9 months as feet grow.
- Player fee / state registration: $30-$75 per year on top of club dues.
- Private training: $60-$120 per hour; many club families budget $2,000+ per year.
- Time: 100-250 hours of driving per year at club level.
How to reduce cost
- Ask the director of coaching about need-based scholarships in writing.
- Buy last-year's uniform kit at swap events - most clubs run one every August.
- Skip elite out-of-state tournaments before U14; regional play develops the same skills.
- Carpool - 3 families sharing driving saves ~$800/year in gas alone.
- Sign up for cleat trade-in programs (Play It Again Sports, ClubOutfitter).
Frequently asked questions
How much does travel soccer cost per year?+
Travel soccer costs $1,500-$4,000 per year at typical club level, and $5,000-$10,000+ at elite programs like ECNL, MLS NEXT, or Girls Academy once tournaments, hotels, uniforms, and private training are included.
What is included in club soccer fees?+
Club fees usually cover coaching, field rental, league registration, referee costs, and admin. They do NOT usually cover uniforms ($200-$400), tournaments ($150-$500 per event), team travel, hotels, or private training.
Why is travel soccer so expensive?+
Licensed coaches (USSF C or higher) are paid salaries or per-team stipends, fields are rented, referees are paid per game, and the season runs 9-10 months. Elite programs also fly teams to national showcases.
Are there scholarships for travel soccer?+
Yes. Most reputable clubs offer need-based scholarships covering 25-100% of club fees. Ask the director of coaching directly - the process is usually confidential.
How much do tournaments cost?+
A typical youth tournament costs $150-$300 in team-fee share plus $200-$800 per family in hotel, gas, and food. Elite showcases (Disney, Surf Cup, GA Cup) cost $500-$1,500+ per family per event.
Is elite travel soccer worth the money?+
For most families, no. The developmental gap between a good regional club and an elite national league is smaller than the price tag suggests. Elite programs make sense only for players targeting U15+ national ID and a small subset of college recruiting paths.