It’s not easy to say who the best youth soccer clubs in Florida are because there are so many! After researching different leagues / rankings from all ages, both boys and girls I had to put 10 clubs instead of 5, like most of the other states. Another resource used was a local A license coach [Alvin] who’s been there for about 20 years and has coached D1 college. A few unique things about Florida is that the top clubs are spread out among all the major cities, from Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay. In addition, they have their own rec programs, which is different.
So many great soccer clubs in Florida
Just because these youth clubs listed below are ranked nationally, doesn’t mean every age/team is “the best”.
Therefore, some of the most talented teams/clubs [coaches & players] are not listed below.
For instance, some of the smaller clubs have fantastic teams and culture.
In addition, do your own research.
Florida Rush
Florida Rush is based in Orlando, but also has a branch in Miami… The Rush are arguably the largest club in America, initially starting in Colorado.
Cadet Training Academy (Ages U6-U8): pre-competitive professional skills training combined with recreational play
Boys and Girls Competitive (U9-U18)
Competitive / Leagues: MLS Next Elite Youth Soccer Academy (U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U19)
Main Locations: Orlando, FL [towns south, north and west of the downtown]
Florida Kraze Krush
FKK has become one of the most popular soccer clubs in Florida…
Competitive / Leagues: ECNL, FCL, GCF ages 7-10 and 11-19. Girls and Boys
Rec programs (ages 9 – 19) and skill based programs for ages 3-8.
Location: Oviedo, FL [20 miles northeast from Orlando]
Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC was established in 1981
Competitive / Leagues: (Girls and Boys) MLS Next, ECNL, ECRL, NAL, Florida Club League, Greater Central Florida League
Locations: Orlando and Sanford, FL
Jacksonville FC
Jacksonville FC was established in 2010 and they also have a very organized website.
Competitive / Leagues: (U9 – U19) Girls compete in ECNL, ECRL, NPL, Florida Club League… Boys compete in MLS Next, National Academy League, Florida Academy League, Florida Club League
College commits: 20 – 30 per year
Rec opportunity is for U7-U19 and U5-U6
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Tampa Bay United Rowdies
Tampa Bay United Rowdies offers opportunity for youth, adult and semi-pro players.
Competitive / Leagues: (U8 – U19) Girls compete in ECNL, ECRL Boys compete in MLS Next,
Rec: Ages U5-U10 will play in-house league while, TBUR North and South U12-U19 age groups play in the Tampa Area Recreational Soccer Association (TARSA).
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
IMG
IMG was founded in 1978 primarily for tennis and then grew into many sports. The athletes live and go to school on campus.
Known for being the world’s most advanced sports and educational institution with ten month holistic individual and team development. Both the boys and girls do well in national competitions.
Girls: GA and DPL… GA invited IMG Academy to be one of 14 elite clubs in the Champions League. (U13-U19)
Boys: MLS Next and USYS Sunshine Academy Conference. (U13-U19)
Location: Bradenton, FL [45 miles south of Tampa]
Florida Elite Soccer Academy
Florida Elite Soccer Academy mission is ‘the relentless pursuit of excellence’.
Competitive / Leagues: (ages 9 – 19 girls and boys) who compete in state, regional and national leagues. It isn’t clear which leagues…
Rec ages 4 – 19
Location: Jacksonville, FL
West Florida Flames
West Florida Flames was founded in 1975.
A big organization with over 5,000 players.
Competitive / Leagues: MLS Next for boys, Girls Academy (GA)
Rec program is for ages 4 – 19… Volunteer coach with 1-2 practices per week. Younger ages play games within the club, while older ages play other associations.
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Weston FC
Weston FC was Established in 1998
Approximately 1,100 players range in ages from 7-19 from all over South Florida. Weston FC has approximately 70 teams that play a ten month season in the area, nationwide and internationally.
The Boys were invited to be a founding Member of the new MLS Elite Program.
The Girls program was similarly recognized by being a founding member of top women’s league in the US, the DPL. Both programs replace the DA as the top youth programs in America.
Main Location: 20 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale and 30 minutes north of Miami
Chargers SC
Chargers SC was established in 1975 with a very well organized website – easy to get info.
Massive club with approximately 70 competitive teams, Development Academy Program, three recreational programs totaling about 2,500 players utilizing 50 soccer fields.
Competitive / Leagues: MLS Next, ECNL, USYS, Florida Academy League (boys and girls)
Location: Clearwater, FL [near Tampa Bay]
In conclusion, as I’ve said before… Make sure you don’t buy into the bigger is better mindset.
Some of the best teachers of the game are with small academies. Especially at younger ages.
Best soccer clubs by state
- Best youth soccer in America
- North Texas [Dallas/Fort Worth]
- Southern California [L.A. & San Diego]
- Ohio
- New Jersey
- Michigan
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