Club Soccer in the NYC Metro Area: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)
TL;DR: The NYC metro area has 100+ club soccer programs across every level. Two MLS academies anchor the region: NYCFC Academy (Orangeburg, NY) competes in MLS NEXT and runs a network of affiliate clubs plus the City Select League scouting pipeline. New York Red Bulls Academy (Whippany, NJ) fields MLS NEXT teams from U10 through U19 — fully funded — with affiliate clubs including BW Gottschee, TSF Academy, Ironbound SC, and Brooklyn Italians. Beyond the academies, clubs like Cedar Stars Academy (Carlstadt, NJ) compete in Girls Academy and USL Youth, Downtown United SC (Manhattan) plays in MLS NEXT, and Manhattan SC fields USL Academy teams for boys and girls. This guide covers clubs across all five NYC boroughs and nearby NJ with factual information only.
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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, and gender. 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 families new to club soccer, our recreational vs. travel soccer guide explains the differences, and our age-by-age guide covers what to expect at each stage. If cost is a factor, see our club soccer budget guide.
NYC Metro Clubs at a Glance
| Club | Location | Top League(s) | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYCFC Academy | Orangeburg, NY | MLS NEXT | Boys |
| NY Red Bulls Academy | Whippany, NJ | MLS NEXT | Boys |
| TSF Academy | Lincoln Park, NJ | MLS NEXT | Coed |
| Downtown United SC | Manhattan, NY | MLS NEXT | Coed |
| Cedar Stars Academy | Carlstadt, NJ | Girls Academy, USL Youth, EDP | Coed |
| New York SC | Manhattan, NY | Girls Academy | Girls |
| DUSC | Manhattan, NY | Girls Academy | Girls |
| Sporting Athletic Club | Newark, NJ | Girls Academy, EDP | Girls |
| NYCFC Girls | New York, NY | Girls Academy ASPIRE | Girls |
| Atlantic United SB/LGN SC | New York, NY | Girls Academy ASPIRE | Girls |
| Ironbound SC | Newark, NJ | DPL, USL Academy, EDP | Coed |
| Manhattan SC | Manhattan, NY | NPL, USL Academy Boys/Girls | Coed |
| Brooklyn FC | Brooklyn, NY | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| Brooklyn Italians | Brooklyn, NY | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| Staten Island Athletic | Staten Island, NY | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| Westchester Flames | New Rochelle, NY | USL Academy Boys, National League | Coed |
| Westchester SC | White Plains, NY | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| Morris Elite SC | Madison, NJ | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| FC Motown STA | Morristown, NJ | USL Academy Boys | Boys |
| The Football Academy NJ | Parsippany, NJ | Girls Academy ASPIRE | Girls |
For a primer on what these league names mean, see our guides to ECNL, MLS NEXT, DPL, EDP, and NPL. For how the leagues compare head-to-head, see our MLS NEXT vs ECNL breakdown and DPL vs ECNL comparison.
MLS Academy Programs
These are the professional pathway programs operated by MLS clubs. Both academies scout talent from across the metro area and run structured feeder networks with local clubs.
NYCFC Academy
Location: Etihad City Football Academy, Orangeburg, NY Website: newyorkcityfc.com Leagues: MLS NEXT (boys, U13-U17); younger age groups compete in NYCSL/EDP Gender: Boys (academy); Girls program based at World Class FC Cost: Fully funded for academy players
NYCFC's academy is operated by City Football Group (which also runs Manchester City's academy). The 17-acre Etihad City Football Academy in Orangeburg, NY opened in 2018 and serves as the training base. Academy graduates can advance to NYCFC II (MLS NEXT Pro) and the NYCFC first team.
NYCFC Affiliate Clubs: NYCFC runs a formal Youth Affiliate Program. These clubs receive coaching support, curriculum guidance, and their players get direct scouting exposure to NYCFC's academy staff:
- Downtown United SC (Manhattan)
- Manhattan SC (Manhattan)
- World Class FC (Orangeburg, NY — hosts NYCFC Girls Academy)
- Metropolitan Oval (Brooklyn/Queens/Long Island)
- SUSA FC (Long Island)
- TSF Academy (Northern NJ)
- Long Island Rough Riders (Long Island)
- Beachside CT Soccer Club (Southern Connecticut)
City Select League: NYCFC also operates the City Select League for U9-U12 players. It runs under the NYCSL structure across NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Connecticut, and New Jersey. This league serves as a scouting pipeline — standout players may be invited to NYCFC Academy tryouts.
Talent Centers: NYCFC runs supplemental training programs for U8-U11 players at locations including Massapequa (Long Island) and New Rochelle (Westchester). For a full breakdown of Long Island clubs including SUSA, Long Island SC, and the LI Slammers, see our Long Island club soccer guide.
New York Red Bulls Academy
Location: Whippany, NJ (primary); new Morris Township facility expected 2025-26 Website: newyorkredbulls.com/youth Leagues: MLS NEXT (U13-U19); foundation phase teams at U10-U12 Gender: Boys Cost: Fully funded for academy players
The Red Bulls Academy operates a 6-tier development pyramid from grassroots Youth Partners up through the academy, RBNY II (MLS NEXT Pro), and the first team. The academy is fully funded — no cost to accepted players.
Red Bulls Academy Affiliates: These clubs have the closest relationship with the academy. Selected players train at Red Bulls facilities weekly, and coaches receive Red Bulls curriculum support:
- BW Gottschee (Queens, NY) — one of the oldest clubs in the tri-state area
- TSF Academy (Northern NJ) — also an NYCFC affiliate; competes independently in MLS NEXT
- Ironbound SC (Newark, NJ) — located near Red Bull Arena
- Brooklyn Italians (Brooklyn, NY) — named the sole Red Bulls affiliate for Brooklyn
- PDA / Players Development Academy (Central NJ)
Regional Development Schools (RDS): The Red Bulls run tryout-based supplemental training across NJ and NY for ages 7-14. Top performers advance to the Select level, then into the academy. RDS Talent Centers are hosted at affiliate club facilities.
Youth Partner Clubs (~44 clubs): A broader network of clubs implementing the Red Bulls curriculum. NJ partners include Cranford SC, Hoboken United, Kearny Thistle United FC, and Westfield SA. NY partners include Eastchester, City of Yonkers, NYC Parks, and others across Westchester, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.
Girls Academy & DPL Clubs
These clubs participate in national girls-focused leagues. For background on these leagues, see our guides to Girls Academy and DPL, plus our Girls Academy vs DPL comparison.
Cedar Stars Academy
Location: Carlstadt, NJ (headquarters); additional locations at Staten Island and Wayne Website: cedarstars.com Leagues: Girls Academy, USL Youth, EDP, National League Gender: Coed Competitive Level: Ranges from competitive to top-tier nationally
Cedar Stars is one of the largest multi-location clubs in the NYC metro area. The Carlstadt headquarters houses the primary Girls Academy and USL Youth teams. The club also operates locations at Staten Island (EDP) and Wayne, NJ.
View Cedar Stars Academy on ClubScout →
New York SC
Location: New York, NY Leagues: Girls Academy Gender: Girls Competitive Level: Top-tier nationally
New York SC competes at the full Girls Academy level, the highest tier of the GA pathway.
View New York SC on ClubScout →
DUSC (Downtown United Soccer Club — Girls)
Location: Manhattan, NY Leagues: Girls Academy Gender: Girls Competitive Level: Top-tier nationally
DUSC's girls program competes in the Girls Academy. The club is also an NYCFC Youth Affiliate (see above). Note: Downtown United SC's boys program competes separately in MLS NEXT.
Sporting Athletic Club
Location: Newark, NJ Leagues: Girls Academy, EDP, National League Gender: Girls Competitive Level: Top-tier nationally
Sporting Athletic Club fields teams in the full Girls Academy league as well as EDP and the National League.
View Sporting Athletic Club on ClubScout →
Ironbound SC
Location: Newark, NJ Leagues: DPL (girls), USL Academy Boys, EDP, USL Youth Gender: Coed Competitive Level: Premier to top-tier
Ironbound SC is based in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, near Red Bull Arena. The club's girls program competes in the Development Player League (DPL), while boys teams play in USL Academy and EDP. Ironbound is also a Red Bulls Academy Affiliate (see above).
View Ironbound SC on ClubScout →
Girls Academy ASPIRE Clubs
These clubs compete in the Girls Academy ASPIRE tier, one level below the full GA:
| Club | Location | Other Leagues |
|---|---|---|
| NYCFC Girls | New York, NY | National League |
| Atlantic United SB/LGN SC | New York, NY | National League |
| The Football Academy NJ | Parsippany, NJ | — |
For an explanation of the ASPIRE tier, see our Girls Academy guide.
USL Academy Clubs
These clubs field teams in the USL Academy system (boys and/or girls).
| Club | Location | Slug | USL Level | Other Leagues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan SC | Manhattan, NY | manhattan-sc | Boys, Girls, USL Youth | NPL |
| Brooklyn FC | Brooklyn, NY | brooklyn-fc | Boys | — |
| Brooklyn Italians | Brooklyn, NY | brooklyn-italians | Boys | — |
| Staten Island Athletic | Staten Island, NY | staten-island-athletic | Boys | — |
| Westchester Flames | New Rochelle, NY | westchester-flames | Boys | National League |
| Westchester SC | White Plains, NY | westchester-sc | Boys | — |
| Morris Elite SC | Madison, NJ | morris-elite-sc | Boys | — |
| FC Motown STA | Morristown, NJ | fc-motown-sta | Boys | — |
MLS NEXT Independent Clubs
These clubs compete in MLS NEXT independently (not as an MLS academy):
TSF Academy
Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Leagues: MLS NEXT Gender: Coed
TSF Academy is one of the few independent (non-MLS-affiliated) clubs competing in MLS NEXT. The club is also an affiliate of both NYCFC and the NY Red Bulls (see above).
View TSF Academy on ClubScout →
Downtown United SC
Location: Manhattan, NY Leagues: MLS NEXT Gender: Coed
Downtown United SC (DUSC) fields boys teams in MLS NEXT. The club is also an NYCFC Youth Affiliate. Founded in 1982, DUSC operates across lower Manhattan.
View Downtown United SC on ClubScout →
EDP & National League Clubs by Area
EDP Soccer is the primary competitive league across the NYC metro area. The National League provides another tier of regional competition. Here are the EDP and National League clubs organized by location.
Manhattan
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| DV7 NY | National League | Coed |
| French Football Academy | National League | Coed |
| Empire State Youth SC | National League | Coed |
| East Coast Surf | National League | Coed |
| Success Academy Soccer | National League | Coed |
Brooklyn
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| ALBION SC Brooklyn | National League | Coed |
| New York Titans FC | EDP, USL Youth, CJSL | Coed |
| CSB Youth Soccer Club | EDP | Coed |
| Kids United NY | EDP | Coed |
| Juventus Academy NY | EDP | Coed |
| Barcelona SC NYC | EDP | Coed |
| VIP Soccer Academy | CJSL | Coed |
| Park Slope United SC | — | Coed |
| Free Kickers NYC | — | Coed |
Queens
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Danubia SC | EDP | Coed |
| Long Island City Youth SA | NYCSL | Coed |
| Queensborough United SC | — | Coed |
| Astoria Stars SA | — | Coed |
| Triboro United SC | National League | Coed |
Bronx
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| South Bronx United | National League | Coed |
| Alba Soccer Bronx | NYCSL | Coed |
Staten Island
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| South Shore Futbol Club | National League | Coed |
| Cedar Stars Academy SI | EDP | Coed |
Yonkers / Westchester Border
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Lansdowne Yonkers FC | EDP | Coed |
| Westchester Rush | National League | Coed |
| New Rochelle | National League | Coed |
For the full picture of clubs north of Yonkers — including MLS NEXT, ECNL, and 50+ programs across six counties — see our Westchester and Hudson Valley guide.
Hudson County, NJ (Jersey City / Hoboken)
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey City SA | EDP | Coed |
| Hoboken United | EDP | Coed |
| Harrison SC | National League, EDP | Coed |
Bergen County, NJ
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| HEX FC | EDP, National League | Coed |
| Bergenfield United SC | EDP | Coed |
| Fort Lee Soccer League | EDP | Coed |
| Ridgefield FC | EDP | Coed |
| FC Berna Legacy | EDP, National League | Coed |
| New Jersey Copa FC | USL Youth | Coed |
Essex / Passaic / Union Counties, NJ
| Club | Leagues | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield SC | EDP, National League | Coed |
| Sporting AC NJ | EDP, National League | Coed |
| Springfield SC | EDP, National League | Coed |
| Parsippany SC | EDP, National League | Coed |
| PASCO Soccer Club | EDP, NPL, USL Youth | Coed |
This is not an exhaustive list. Dozens of additional clubs compete in EDP across northern NJ — see our Club Soccer in Northern New Jersey guide for the full breakdown by county.
Understanding the NYC Metro Soccer Landscape
The NYC metro area is one of the most densely populated soccer markets in the country, and the club landscape reflects that. Here's what parents should know:
Two MLS Academies, Two Feeder Networks
Unlike most US cities with a single MLS academy, the NYC metro has two: NYCFC and the Red Bulls. Each has built its own network of affiliate and partner clubs. Some clubs (like TSF Academy) are affiliates of both. If your child is on a pathway toward professional development, understanding which clubs feed into which academy is important — though academy scouts watch players across the entire region regardless of club affiliation.
League Landscape
The NYC metro's competitive league structure looks different from the rest of the Northeast:
- MLS NEXT: The two MLS academies plus independent clubs (TSF Academy, Downtown United SC)
- Girls Academy / DPL: The primary national girls pathways (Cedar Stars, New York SC, DUSC, Ironbound SC, Sporting AC)
- USL Academy: Growing presence with Brooklyn FC, Brooklyn Italians, Manhattan SC, Staten Island Athletic, and others
- EDP Soccer: The dominant regional competitive league across NJ and the NYC boroughs
- National League: A step above standard EDP for qualifying clubs
- NYCSL / CJSL: NYC-specific leagues for local competition
- NPL: Some NJ clubs compete in the National Premier Leagues pathway
Note that ECNL — the largest national competitive league — does not have a strong NYC-proper presence. The nearest ECNL clubs are in Connecticut, Westchester, and central NJ. See our ECNL guide and ECNL vs Girls Academy comparison for more on that league.
Geography Matters
NYC families should factor in commute time. A club in Staten Island is a very different commitment than one in the Bronx if you live in Manhattan. Many families cross state lines — NJ clubs draw from NYC, and vice versa. The nearby NJ clubs in Hudson and Bergen counties are often closer to Manhattan than clubs in the outer boroughs.
What to Do Next
- Narrow by location and level. Use the tables above to find clubs in your borough or nearby area that match your child's competitive level.
- Check ClubScout profiles. Each linked club has a full profile on ClubScout with reviews from other parents, contact info, and more detail.
- Attend tryouts. Most clubs hold tryouts in May-June for the following fall season. See our tryout guide for what to expect.
- Talk to current families. Ask about practice schedules, travel expectations, and the actual costs beyond published fees. Our cost guide covers what to budget for.
- Read reviews. Parent reviews on ClubScout give you an unfiltered look at what it's actually like to be part of a club.
If you're new to club soccer entirely, start with our guide on recreational vs. travel soccer and our age-by-age breakdown to understand when and whether to make the move.
More Resources
- How to Choose a Club Soccer Club
- How to Evaluate a Youth Soccer Coach
- When to Switch Clubs
- Club Soccer Budget Guide
- Managing Multiple Kids in Club Soccer
- College Soccer Recruiting Guide
- Club Soccer on Long Island
- Club Soccer in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
- Club Soccer in New York: A Complete Guide
- Club Soccer in New Jersey: A Complete Guide
- Club Soccer in Northern New Jersey
- Club Soccer in Central New Jersey
- Browse all NYC-area clubs on ClubScout →
- Browse all NJ clubs on ClubScout →