Club Soccer Clubs in Hartford, CT: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)
TL;DR: The greater Hartford area has roughly 40 club soccer programs spanning every level from ECNL and MLS NEXT down to town travel and free community programs. Oakwood Soccer Club (Glastonbury) is the only club in the area with MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, and ECNL affiliation. FSA FC (Farmington) and Connecticut Football Club (Rocky Hill/Manchester) are ECNL members. Sporting CT (Middletown) plays in DPL for girls. Hartford Athletic Youth Academy connects to the USL Championship professional team. And there are 20+ town travel clubs within CJSA that offer competitive soccer at a fraction of the cost. This guide lists every club within roughly 30-40 minutes of Hartford with factual information pulled from each club's own website.
Are you a club director in the Hartford area? Make sure parents can find accurate information about your program. Claim your free ClubScout profile to verify your details, update costs, and respond to parent reviews.
How This Guide Works
We're not ranking these clubs or making subjective judgments about quality. Every family's situation is different — what matters is finding the right fit based on your location, your child's age and competitive level, and your family's budget and schedule.
For each club, we list factual information: location, leagues, age groups, and direct quotes from the club's own website describing their program. Use this as a starting point, then visit clubs, watch practices, and talk to other parents. Our guide on how to choose a club covers what to look for, and our coach evaluation guide has specific questions to ask. For a statewide overview of every affiliated club and league in Connecticut, see our Club Soccer in Connecticut state guide.
Hartford-Area Clubs at a Glance
| Club | Location | Top League(s) | Gender | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakwood Soccer Club | Glastonbury | MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, ECNL | Both | 6-19 |
| FSA FC | Farmington | ECNL | Both | U9-U19 |
| Connecticut Football Club | Rocky Hill / Manchester | ECNL, ECNL RL, EDP | Both | U8-U19 |
| Sporting CT | Middletown | DPL, EDP, NECSL | Both | U8-U19 |
| Hartford Athletic Youth Academy | Hartford | EDP | Both | U8-U19 |
| Vale Sports Club | Middletown | EDP | Both | 3-Adult |
| Cheshire Soccer Academy | Cheshire | DPL | Girls | U13+ |
| Revolution United FC | Hartford / E. Hartford / Glastonbury | EDP | Both | Youth |
| CT Rush Central | Central CT | EDP | Both | U8-U19 |
| Williams Soccer Academy | Windsor / Hartford | EDP | Both | U9-U15 |
For a primer on what these league names mean, see our guides to ECNL, MLS NEXT, DPL, EDP, and NECSL. For how the leagues compare, see our league comparison breakdown.
Multi-League Clubs
These clubs participate in regional or national competitive leagues beyond CJSA town travel. They generally draw players from a wider geographic area and offer more structured development pathways.
Oakwood Soccer Club
Location: Glastonbury, CT Website: oakwoodsoccer.com Leagues: MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, ECNL, ECNL RL, Pre-ECNL, EDP, NECSL Ages: 6-19 (~500 members) Gender: Boys and Girls
Oakwood is the only club in the Hartford area with affiliations across MLS NEXT (boys), Girls Academy (girls), and ECNL. Founded in 1980, the club describes itself as "a non-profit youth soccer club featuring year-round training for top-level players, both boys and girls."
Facilities: Indoor complex at 40 Oakwood Drive, Glastonbury — two 20,000 sq ft turf fields, 15,000 sq ft basketball/volleyball courts, 5,000 sq ft strength and conditioning space. Outdoor complex in Portland, CT with turf fields.
What the club says: Oakwood uses Veo video analysis technology and has a Nike partnership. The club underwent an ownership change in 2024 when National Sports Group acquired it and hired Adriano Allain as technical director.
FSA FC (Farmington Sports Arena FC)
Location: Farmington, CT Website: fsafc.com Leagues: ECNL Boys, ECNL Girls Ages: U9-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
FSA FC is an ECNL member for both boys and girls, making it one of a handful of dual-gender ECNL clubs in the Northeast.
In their words: "Your success is ours. FSA FC develops youth soccer players that embody our commitment to provide an unparalleled player environment led by the most talented and qualified coaches who embrace and inspire the talents of all players."
Facilities: 130,000 sq ft indoor sports facility at 11 Executive Drive, Farmington, plus 9 outdoor fields (turf and natural grass) on 75+ acres.
Programs: ECNL, FSA FC Juniors developmental program, Columbus Cup tournament, Northeast Spring College Showcase, U23 Program. Their U-15 boys captured the ECNL league title with a 12-1-1 record and qualified for ECNL National Playoffs.
Connecticut Football Club (CFC)
Location: Rocky Hill, Manchester, East Windsor (multiple branches) Website: connecticutfootballclub.org Leagues: ECNL (U15+ as CFC United), ECNL RL, Pre-ECNL, EDP Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
CFC is a statewide organization with multiple regional branches. The Hartford-area branches are CFC North, CFC Wolves (Rocky Hill/Windsor), and CFC Sportsworld (East Windsor). The branches merge at U15 to form CFC United for ECNL competition.
In their words: "What began as a premier club for only girls back in 1999 has grown into a full-service soccer club for boys and girls that offers programs to players of all ages and levels."
Facilities: Training at Maxwell Park and Moser School (Rocky Hill), Veteran's Park and Manchester High School (Manchester), SportsWorld facility (East Windsor). Main club facility at CFC Park, 667 Amity Road, Bethany, CT.
Programs: CFC United (ECNL), CFC Legacy, CFC United Academy, Little Kickers, Select Program (first competitive level), college recruiting pipeline.
Sporting CT
Location: Middletown, CT Website: sportingct.com Leagues: DPL (Girls U13-U19), EDP, NECSL, NAL (Boys) Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
Sporting CT is the premier branch of Middletown Youth Soccer and the primary DPL club in the Hartford area for girls.
In their words: The club describes itself as "the premier branch of Middletown Youth Soccer" focused on developing players "to compete fearlessly."
Facilities: Sporting CT Complex at 395 Country Club Road, Middletown — two 11v11 modern turf fields with lights (200,000+ sq ft) and one natural grass field.
Programs: DPL Girls, EDP boys and girls, WPSL women's teams (launching 2025), U-23 Men's summer program, goalkeeper training, international trips to Europe, college recruiting pathway, summer camps.
View Sporting CT on ClubScout →
Hartford Athletic Youth Academy
Location: Hartford, CT Website: hartfordathletic.com/academy Leagues: EDP (U8-U12), National League (U13-U15), UPSL (U19) Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
Hartford Athletic's youth academy is connected to the USL Championship professional team. This is the only club in the area with a direct pathway to a professional organization.
In their words: "Our mission is to develop exceptional soccer players and outstanding citizens through world-class youth development while building lasting community connections through the beautiful game of soccer."
Programs: Access to first-team coaches and players, season tickets to Hartford Athletic matches, partnership with Everson Maciel (20+ years CT youth soccer experience). Expanded to eight boys youth academy teams. U19 competes in UPSL.
View Hartford Athletic on ClubScout →
Vale Sports Club
Location: Middletown, CT Website: valesc.com Leagues: EDP, MLS GO League (in-house) Ages: 3 through Adult Gender: Boys and Girls
Vale runs programs from grassroots through senior men's and women's teams. Cheshire Soccer Club's competitive program (CSC United Juniors) transitioned to Vale starting fall 2025.
In their words: The club is "focused on developing motivated, disciplined athletes and building a strong community around them." Core values: "Always try your best, Do what is right, Love for life and sport, We over me."
Facilities: The Forge at 49 Randolph Road, Middletown. Vale Fieldhouse at 1280 Newfield Street, Middletown (200' x 100' indoor turf field).
Programs: Vale Rush United (competitive pathway), Grassroots Academy (Seedlings ages 3-4, Sprouts ages 5-8), indoor and outdoor tournaments, college showcase events, senior teams.
Cheshire Soccer Academy
Location: Cheshire, CT Website: cheshiresoccer.com Leagues: DPL Ages: U13+ (based on league participation) Gender: Girls
Cheshire Soccer Academy participates in the DPL for girls. This is a separate organization from Cheshire Soccer Club (the town recreational and travel program). Contact: info@cheshiresoccer.com, (973) 769-9707.
Revolution United FC
Location: Hartford, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Cromwell (multiple locations) Website: revolutionunitedfc.com Leagues: EDP, NEC (Northeast Conference) Gender: Boys and Girls
Revolution United is a statewide organization with a strong Hartford-area presence, training at facilities across Hartford, East Hartford, Glastonbury, and Cromwell.
In their words: "We are not just playing soccer — we are helping our players develop the skills to be successful on and off the field."
Programs: NYCFC Youth Partner, Premier Teams, Juniors Program, international trips, college recruiting assistance. Contact: Johnny Raj (College Advisor).
View Revolution United on ClubScout →
CT Rush Central
Location: Central CT Website: northeastrush.com/ct-central Leagues: EDP CT Championship, CJSA travel Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
Part of the national Rush Soccer organization, CT Central is one of five Connecticut regions.
In their words: "Connecticut Rush helps youth soccer players build confidence and develop their skills, both on an individual level and as part of a team, with age-appropriate coaching, an emphasis on safety best practices, and ongoing training."
Programs: CT Select program for top players across regions. Contact: Ryan Kinne at ryan.kinne@northeastrush.com.
Williams Soccer Academy
Location: Windsor / Hartford, CT Website: williamssocceracademy.com Leagues: EDP, CJSA travel Ages: U9-U15 Gender: Boys and Girls
Founded in 2018 by Kevin R. Williams, Williams Soccer Academy partners with Hartford Soccer Club for younger age groups.
In their words: "Williams Soccer Academy champions grassroots soccer, aiming to cultivate future premier, travel, academy, and recreational players by focusing on individual development and game improvement."
Programs: Individual, small group, and team training. EDP premier league participation. Affordable camps. Contact: number5911@yahoo.com.
Town Travel Clubs (CJSA)
These clubs compete in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) travel leagues. They typically serve their local town and surrounding communities, with games mostly within 30-45 minutes. Costs are generally lower than multi-league clubs — often $150-$500 per season.
For parents new to competitive soccer, these programs are often the first step up from recreational play. See our rec vs travel soccer guide for how to decide if your child is ready.
West Hartford (WHYSA / WHGSL)
Website: wehasoccer.org Ages: U8-U20 (travel), plus recreational Gender: Boys (WHYSA) and Girls (WHGSL — separate organizations)
Trains at 12+ fields including Beachland, Conard, Eisenhower, Hall HS, and Wolcott Park. Offers TOPSoccer adaptive program, coaching education, and referee certification.
Glastonbury Hartwell Soccer Club
Website: glastonburysoccer.org Ages: Pre-K through high school (travel starts at U9) Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: The club has "over 50 years of recreational, instructional and competitive soccer" with a Travel Program "focused on player development as a soccer player and on player character growth as a member of the community." Maintains a 3:1 practice-to-game ratio (U.S. Soccer recommended) and 50% minimum playing time guarantee for all travel players. Silent Sidelines policy.
Simsbury Soccer Club
Website: clubs.bluesombrero.com/simsburysoccerclub Leagues: CJSA travel, Farmington Valley League (U10-U15) Ages: U5-U18 Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Simsbury's Youth Travel program is geared toward kids in 3rd to 8th grade who enjoy playing competitive soccer. The program is designed to provide the more talented and hardworking players the best soccer experience possible." 2025 Boys State Champions. Travel costs $300-$450/year in team fees plus $295 club dues. Games mostly within Hartford County. Scholarship program available.
Manchester Soccer Club
Website: manchestersoccerclub.com Leagues: CJSA travel, CT Cup Ages: U7 through high school Gender: Boys and Girls
Trains at Veterans Field, 180 Hillstown Road. Everton Soccer School partnership camps, free goalkeeper and foot skills training, Friday night skill clinics. Out-of-town players accepted.
Southington Soccer Club
Website: southingtonsoccer.org Leagues: CJSA travel, EDP CT Championship Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: Travel teams "formed for both boys and girls from U-8 to U-19" competing in a "local league with home matches at recreation park and travel to away matches against other clubs in the CT area." Away games generally within 30-45 minute drive.
Cheshire Soccer Club
Website: cheshiresoccerclub.org Ages: U4-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Cheshire Soccer Club is a community-based, non-profit that provides opportunities to play soccer for children in Cheshire, CT and surrounding towns." Three tiers: recreational, travel, premier. Founded 1972. Note: CSC United Juniors competitive program transitioned to Vale Soccer Club starting fall 2025.
Avon Soccer Club
Website: avonsoccerclub.org Leagues: CJSA travel Gender: Boys and Girls
43+ years of youth soccer. Contact: (860) 673-8782.
Farmington Soccer Club
Website: farmingtonsoccerclub.org Leagues: CJSA travel (Central/Northern District) Ages: U9-U14/15 Gender: Boys and Girls
Evaluation-based team selection, practices twice per week, 1-2 games on weekends against neighboring towns. Games up to 45 minutes away. Tryouts May-June.
Canton Youth Soccer Association
Website: cantonsoccer.org Leagues: CJSA travel Ages: Pre-K through 8th grade Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Canton Youth Soccer is a private, non-profit association that offers soccer to Canton residents starting in Pre-K and going through 8th grade."
Enfield Soccer Association
Website: enfieldsoccer.net Ages: 4U-19U Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Our Community Built Through Soccer" — "committed to providing great experiences through youth soccer, in a safe, fun, and positive environment." Programs include Academy, Competitive (travel/select), Learn2Play, TOPSoccer (adaptive), and camps.
South Windsor Soccer Club
Website: southwindsorsoccer.org Ages: 8-14 (recreational), plus travel Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: The club has been "developing soccer all-stars and providing positive character-building experiences since 1987." Trains at Rye Street Park. Contact: Bobcats@southwindsorsoccer.org.
Vernon Soccer Club
Website: vernonsoccerclub.org Leagues: CJSA travel Ages: U9 through high school Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Vernon Travel Soccer is designed to provide the youth of Vernon with a positive athletic experience while learning, playing, and enjoying the game of soccer, but at a higher level versus other towns within the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association." Two weeknight practices plus weekend games, optional tournaments. Annual tryouts in June.
Windsor Soccer Club
Website: windsorsoccer.org Leagues: CJSA travel Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: The club's "mission is to provide soccer players, coaches and parents in the Windsor area with opportunities to learn, play and develop regardless of age, gender, diversity or ability." Travel teams practice twice weekly with twice-weekly games, 8-10 week seasons.
Additional Town Clubs
| Club | Location | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer Club of Newington | Newington | newingtonsoccer.org | Travel, TOPSoccer, camps |
| Wethersfield GDR Soccer | Wethersfield | wethersfieldsoccer.com | Nonprofit, est. 1995 merger. Ages 3-18 |
| Rocky Hill Soccer Club | Rocky Hill | rockyhillsoccer.com | Columbus Day Tournament host |
| Berlin Youth Soccer (BYSA) | Berlin | bysa.org | 5 state championships. Est. 1984, largest youth sports org in Berlin |
| Bristol Soccer Club | Bristol | bristolsoccer.org | Nonprofit, ages 5-19. Travel ages 9-19 |
| New Britain Soccer Club | New Britain | newbritainsoccer.org | Year-round grassroots and competitive |
| Plainville Soccer Club | Plainville | plainvillesoccer.com | Travel cost: $180/season. Games in-state |
| Cromwell Chill Soccer | Cromwell | bluesombrero.com | K-2 through U15 |
| Wallingford Soccer Club | Wallingford | wallingfordsoccer.net | Ages 2-15, est. 1973 |
| Meriden Soccer Club | Meriden | meridensoccerclub.org | 500-600 members, est. 1988 |
| Middletown Youth Soccer | Middletown | middletownsoccer.net | ~900 students yearly. Premier program is Sporting CT |
| East Hartford Soccer Club | East Hartford | bluesombrero.com/ehsc | All-volunteer, CJSA member |
Community and Mission-Driven Programs
These organizations serve Hartford's urban communities with accessible and affordable soccer programming.
Hartford Soccer Club (HSC)
Website: activecity.org Ages: 3-16 Gender: Boys and Girls (coed)
In their words: "HSC runs programs for ages 3 to 16 at four different levels" with the goal to "provide soccer for all levels of youth players in Hartford so they can enjoy and improve at their own level."
Cost: $50 recreational, $150 travel per season. Financial aid available for all programs.
Programs: Four levels — Soccer Basics (ages 3-4), Recreational (5-13), Rec+/Travel Intro, Travel (7-16). Partnership with Hartford Athletic for premier pathway. Trains at UConn Law School Field, Colt Park, and other Hartford locations.
Hartford Lions Soccer Academy (HLSA)
Website: hlsasoccer.org Ages: 3-14 Gender: Boys and Girls, plus Lioness League (girls-focused)
In their words: "In 2018, Kenniel Martin established the Hartford Lions Soccer Academy (HLSA) to offer local soccer opportunities for Hartford's youth, eliminating the need to travel to other towns for play." The club is "founded and designed to focus on the comprehensive development of athletes who are from under-served and underrepresented communities."
Programs: Lioness League, CommUnity Match events, Soccer Enrichment program, Parents Education resources. Contact: 860-922-0225.
Hartford Premier and Development League (HPDL)
Website: hpdlsoccer.org Ages: U7-U18 Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "HPDL is a Hartford-based non-profit organization that was formed to provide the City of Hartford with soccer excellence." Contact: 860-746-0442.
Martin Luther King Junior Soccer League
Website: mlksoccer.org Ages: 14-19 (high school) Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "Founded in 1980, the Martin Luther King Junior Soccer League aims to empower student-athletes by teaching fundamental soccer skills alongside crucial life lessons." Focused on conflict resolution, decision-making, and educational opportunities.
Bloomfield Soccer Club
Website: bloomfieldsoccer.club Ages: 4-14 (special needs program), plus general travel Gender: Boys and Girls
In their words: "BSC is one of the top soccer clubs in the state focusing on player development and creating athletes with an unbreakable competitive spirit, and for more than 50 years has helped develop thousands of soccer players." Open to all — not just Bloomfield residents. 20 weeks/year free special needs soccer (ages 4-14). 2025-2026 travel season: $269.
The Hartford Club Soccer Landscape
The greater Hartford area covers a wide range of competitive levels. Here's how the landscape breaks down by league tier. (For more on what these tiers mean, see our leagues hub.)
| Tier | League | Hartford-Area Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | ECNL | CFC United (U15+), FSA FC, Oakwood SC |
| Tier 1 | MLS NEXT | Oakwood SC |
| Tier 1 | Girls Academy | Oakwood SC |
| Tier 2 | ECNL RL | CFC, FSA FC, Oakwood SC |
| Tier 2 | DPL (Girls) | Sporting CT, Cheshire Soccer Academy |
| Tier 3 | EDP | Sporting CT, CFC, Hartford Athletic, Vale SC, Revolution United, CT Rush Central, Williams SA, Southington SC |
| Tier 3 | NECSL | Oakwood SC, Sporting CT |
| Town travel | CJSA | 20+ clubs (see above) |
| Community | Various | Hartford SC, HLSA, HPDL, MLK League, Bloomfield SC |
Connecticut is an ECNL and DPL state. Unlike some Northeast states with limited top-tier options, Hartford-area families have access to ECNL (FSA FC, CFC, Oakwood), MLS NEXT (Oakwood), Girls Academy (Oakwood), and DPL (Sporting CT, Cheshire SA) all within 30-40 minutes. That's more top-tier access than most cities in the region. For how these leagues compare, see our DPL vs ECNL comparison or our Girls Academy vs DPL breakdown.
What to Know Before You Choose
A few practical points for Hartford-area families:
Geography matters more than league name. Hartford traffic on I-84, I-91, and Route 9 at 5:30 PM is real. A club in Farmington might be 15 minutes on a Saturday but 40 minutes on a Tuesday at practice time. Map the drive at rush hour before committing to 3-4 practices per week. Our guide on how to choose a club covers this in detail.
Cost varies dramatically. Town travel clubs (CJSA) may cost $150-$500 per season. Hartford Soccer Club runs $50-$150. At the other end, ECNL or MLS NEXT programs can run $5,500-$12,000+ per year including showcase travel. See our travel soccer cost breakdown for what to budget at each level.
Your child's age changes the equation. At U8-U10, the emphasis should be on finding good coaching close to home, not chasing league names. The competitive leagues (ECNL, DPL, EDP) become more meaningful at U13+. See our age-by-age guide for what to prioritize at each stage.
Tryout season runs May through June for most clubs. See our tryout guide for what to expect and how to prepare. Check the ClubScout tryout calendar for specific dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most competitive club in the Hartford area?
Oakwood Soccer Club (Glastonbury) has the broadest range of top-tier affiliations — MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, and ECNL. FSA FC (Farmington) and Connecticut Football Club (Rocky Hill/Manchester) are also ECNL members. The "most competitive" club for your child depends on their age, gender, and current level.
How much does club soccer cost in the Hartford area?
It ranges from $50 per season (Hartford Soccer Club recreational) to $5,500-$12,000+ per year (ECNL, MLS NEXT, Girls Academy including showcase travel). CJSA town travel programs typically run $150-$500 per season. EDP-level clubs fall in the $2,500-$6,000 range. See our cost breakdown.
Are there free or low-cost soccer programs in Hartford?
Yes. Hartford Soccer Club offers recreational soccer for $50/season and travel for $150/season with financial aid available. Hartford Lions Soccer Academy focuses on underserved communities. Bloomfield Soccer Club runs 20 weeks/year of free special needs soccer.
What leagues are available in the Hartford area?
ECNL, MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, DPL, EDP, NECSL, CJSA travel, and several community leagues. See the league landscape table above for which clubs play in each league.
When are tryouts?
Most clubs hold tryouts in May and June for the following fall season. Some clubs offer mid-season tryouts or rolling evaluations. Check the ClubScout tryout calendar and individual club websites for specific dates. Our tryout guide covers how to prepare.
My child is brand new to competitive soccer. Where should we start?
Start with your town's CJSA travel program or one of the community programs (Hartford SC, Hartford Lions). These provide a lower-cost, lower-commitment introduction to competitive play. If your child outgrows that level, you can look at EDP clubs and beyond. See our rec vs travel soccer guide for how to know if they're ready.
Find Clubs Near You
- Browse all clubs in Connecticut
- Browse clubs in Hartford
- Browse clubs in Glastonbury
- Browse clubs in Farmington
- Browse clubs in Middletown
- Take the Club Finder quiz for personalized recommendations based on your child's age, location, and competitive level
- Check the tryout calendar for upcoming tryout dates
Not sure which league level is right? Start with our guides on how to choose a club and how to evaluate a coach. If your family is weighing the cost, our budget guide to club soccer covers how to keep it under $3,000 per year.