New Jersey youth soccer clubs have done a great job helping develop boys and girls of all ages. Legends are born here… Tim Howard, Carli Lloyd & Christie Rampone to name a few. The u7-u12 age group is completely different from u13-u19… Most of the technical development is coming from the younger age clubs, where then the MLS Next [ages 12-18] teams pick the best players from. So, when it comes to “the best” we have to think about player development, not just winning at the highest level. Of these clubs, most are located in North Jersey.
How to categorize “the best” New Jersey youth soccer clubs
The best are not necessarily who ranks highest on Top Drawer, Soccer Wire, Got Soccer or the league sites.
What has to be factored in is the development at all ages of both boys and girls…
3 things to consider:
- The most important aspect of a good academy is teaching, rather than just running drills without imparting knowledge.
- A good academy should not stack teams by bringing 15 players to a 7v7 game. There should only be about 10 players. Therefore, each player gets playing time.
- Good facilities… For cold regions like the East Coast and Midwest – bubbles/indoor fields, gym for futsal are important.
However, it’s important to note that no club is perfect…
Each club has weak points… Most parents have deduced that you must decide which pain point you are willing to work with. Examples: quality of facilities or big rosters.
Boys top soccer academies in New Jersey
1) Redbulls
Redbulls have great facilities and a focus on speed, counterattack and single player performance.
They have the most talented player pool. Therefore, practices are always at a high level.
Focus is on the individual players themselves, building confident players on the ball and successful kids off the field.
Leagues: U8 – U12 EDP and local leagues, then U13-U17 MLS Next
Main Locations: Harrison and Hanover, NJ
2) Cedar Stars Academy
Cedar Stars Academy has great facilities, good coaches and a solid program.
They do not allow players to practice with trainers outside of the club… This can be a turn off to many kids who want a different voice who’s not in the club scene.
Leagues: Local competitions for U8 – U12… Then for U13 – U17 is MLS Next, Girls Academy
Main Location: South Hackensack, NJ
3) The Football Academy
The Football Academy has excellent facilities, good coaching and a great A Team.
TFA NJ’s mission is to offer the highest level of developmental training in a professional and safe environment. To promote wellness, health and fitness.
Leagues: USYS
Main Location: Florham Park, NJ
4) AS Junior Elite
AS Junior Elite is a small club with only about 5 teams, with a focus on teaching. They have a great teacher in the area, and some of their teams are ranked #1 on gotsports.
A.S. stands for Academia of Soccer… A platform for young players aspiring to become smart soccer athlete’s through a unique approach. They bring a small roster of 8 players to their A Team games and have some of the best young players in the state.
Leagues: EDP
Main Location: Teaneck, New Jersey
5) Torpedoes
Founded 1974
Torpedoes have some really strong teams…
TFC’s mission is to promote the love of soccer for young athletes and instill the importance that sportsmanship and teamwork plays in an athlete’s life.
Leagues: Travel teams U8 – HS compete in NCSA, EDP
Main Location: Wyckoff, NJ
It’s important for clubs to have indoor facilities in the Midwest and East Coast due to cold weather…
Girls top soccer clubs in New Jersey
Some of the best players ever have come out of New Jersey… Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly
Here are some of the best female youth clubs in the state…
1) Torpedoes
Established 1974
Torpedoes have some really strong teams…
TFC’s mission is to promote the love of soccer for young athletes and instill the importance that sportsmanship and teamwork plays in an athlete’s life.
Leagues: Travel teams U8 – HS compete in NCSA, EDP
Main Location: Wyckoff, NJ
2) Match Fit
Established 2000
Match Fit has a great reputation for being a great girls academy.
College commits: About 20 girls per year committing
Leagues: ECNL
Main Location: Brick, NJ
3) STA
The STA mission is to inspire and educate our players to excel in athletics, academics and life, all the while, becoming contributing members of their community.
Ages range from U5 all the way to U19.
College commits: About 40 boys and girls per year
Leagues: Girls Academy, ECNL boys, USYS, National League
Main Location: Morristown, NJ
4) The Football Academy
The Football Academy is one of the best all around clubs around with great coaching and facilities.
TFA NJ’s mission is to offer the highest level of developmental training in a professional and safe environment. To promote wellness, health and fitness.
Leagues: USYS
Main Location: Florham Park, NJ
5) World Class
World Class FC is on the border of New York and New Jersey…
They are usually ranked top 2 in most age groups on the boys side of the ECNL Northeast division.
Leagues: ECNL boys and girls
Location: Orangeburg, NY [NJ / NY border]
6) PDA
Established 1998
PDA is one of the premier youth soccer clubs in America. They consistently are ranked top 20 in America and help produce several college and pro players. They do a great job representing New Jersey youth soccer.
Leagues: ECNL, NJYSA, Age groups include Under-9 through Under-19
Main location: Somerset, NJ
Best soccer clubs by state
- Best youth soccer in America
- North Texas [Dallas/Fort Worth]
- Southern California [L.A. & San Diego]
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Florida
- Massachusetts
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