Club Soccer Clubs in Providence, RI: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)
TL;DR: The greater Providence area has roughly 25+ club soccer programs across every level. Bayside FC (East Providence) competes in MLS NEXT (boys), Girls Academy (girls), and DPL (girls). Rhode Island Surf (multiple locations) plays in MLS NEXT Academy Division (boys) and Girls Academy (girls), and offers a free Junior Academy for young players. Scorpions SC (Wrentham, MA) is the closest ECNL club, with a dedicated RI training site. OSNK United (North Kingstown) competes in EDP and bridges rec-to-competitive play. The Rhode Island Youth Super Liga is the state's primary travel league with 34 organizations and roughly 800 teams. And Project GOAL provides free soccer to 2,000+ kids in Providence. This guide covers every club within roughly 30-40 minutes of Providence with factual information from each club's own website.
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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, and 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.
Providence-Area Clubs at a Glance
| Club | Location | Top League(s) | Gender | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayside FC | East Providence | MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, DPL | Both | U7-U19 |
| Rhode Island Surf | Multiple RI locations | MLS NEXT Academy Div., Girls Academy, DPL | Both | U4-U19 |
| Scorpions SC | Wrentham, MA (+ RI training site) | ECNL Boys, ECNL Girls | Both | U8-U19 |
| OSNK United | North Kingstown | EDP, RAL, NECSL | Both | U3-U19 |
| CLCF Soccer | Cranston | Super Liga, NE Revolution Academy | Both | U8-U17 |
| Higher Level Select Soccer Academy | East Greenwich | EDP, NECSL, TNL | Both | Youth |
| RI Strikers FC | Providence | NECSL, TNL | Both | Youth |
| Warwick Fire Fighters SC | Warwick | Super Liga | Both | Youth-U19 |
| Barrington YSA | Barrington | Super Liga | Both | Youth |
| Smithfield YSA | Smithfield | Super Liga | Both | Youth |
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 the Rhode Island Youth Super Liga. They generally draw players from across the state and offer structured development pathways.
Bayside FC
Location: East Providence, RI (Providence Country Day School, 660 Waterman Ave) Website: baysidefc.com Leagues: MLS NEXT (boys), Girls Academy (girls), DPL (girls), NAL, NECSL Ages: U7-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls Founded: 1997
Bayside FC is the only club based in Rhode Island with MLS NEXT (boys), Girls Academy (girls), and DPL (girls) affiliations. The club built a state-of-the-art turf field in 2020 at its Providence Country Day campus.
In their words: Bayside qualified for the Girls Academy playoffs in their first year of membership.
Programs: MLS NEXT boys pathway, Girls Academy and DPL girls pathway, NAL and NECSL competition. Ages U7 through U19.
View Bayside FC on ClubScout →
Rhode Island Surf
Location: Multiple RI locations (Narragansett HQ) Website: rhodeislandsurfsoccer.com Leagues: MLS NEXT Academy Division (boys), Girls Academy (girls), DPL (girls), RAL (boys), NECSL Ages: U4-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls Founded: 2020 (Surf Nation affiliate)
Rhode Island Surf is a Surf Nation affiliate with 1,000+ competitive players. The club runs four tiers: Junior Academy (U5-U10), Select (U7-U8), Regional (U9-U19), and a top tier for U13-U19 players.
In their words: RI Surf offers a free Junior Academy program in fall and spring, giving young players an entry point at no cost.
Programs: MLS NEXT Academy Division for boys, Girls Academy and DPL for girls, RAL boys competition, NECSL. Free Junior Academy (fall/spring) for younger ages.
View Rhode Island Surf on ClubScout →
Scorpions SC (Cross-Border, MA-Based)
Location: Wrentham, MA (with dedicated RI training location) Website: scorpionssoccer.org Leagues: ECNL Boys, ECNL Girls, ECNL RL, NECSL Ages: U8-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls Founded: 1998
Scorpions SC is the closest ECNL club to Providence, with both boys and girls ECNL programs. The club actively markets to Rhode Island families and maintains a dedicated RI training site in addition to their Wrentham, MA headquarters.
In their words: Scorpions is a dual-gender ECNL member, one of a handful of clubs in the Northeast with both boys and girls ECNL affiliation.
Programs: ECNL Boys, ECNL Girls, ECNL Regional League, NECSL. For families considering whether ECNL is the right fit, see our ECNL overview and MLS NEXT vs ECNL comparison.
View Scorpions SC on ClubScout →
OSNK United (Ocean State North Kingstown United)
Location: North Kingstown, RI (650 Stony Lane) Website: osnkunited.com Leagues: EDP, RAL, NECSL, Super Liga Ages: U3-U19 Gender: Boys and Girls Founded: 2020 (merger of Ocean State Soccer School, est. 1983, and NK Soccer Association, est. 1976)
OSNK United was formed from the merger of two established organizations with combined roots dating back to 1976. The club has 1,000+ players across 600+ families.
In their words: OSNK United runs a Bridge Academy program designed to help players transition from recreational to competitive play.
Programs: EDP, RAL, NECSL, Super Liga, Bridge Academy (rec-to-competitive transition). The club spans the full age range from U3 introduction programs through U19 competitive teams.
CLCF Soccer
Location: Cranston, RI (Senator John Chafee Sports Complex, 450 Hope Road) Website: clcfsoccer.net Leagues: Super Liga (RIYSL), New England Revolution Academy Teams Ages: U8-U17 Gender: Boys and Girls
CLCF operates out of the Senator John Chafee Sports Complex, which has five full-size fields. The club runs three tiers: Developmental, Select, and Academy, with a New England Revolution Academy partnership for top players.
In their words: CLCF's Revolution Academy partnership provides a pathway into the professional club's development system.
Programs: Developmental, Select, and Academy tiers. Revolution Academy Teams. Super Liga competition.
Higher Level Select Soccer Academy
Location: East Greenwich, RI Leagues: EDP, NECSL, TNL Gender: Boys and Girls
Higher Level Select competes in EDP, NECSL, and TNL, offering a competitive pathway for players in the southern Providence metro area.
View Higher Level Select on ClubScout →
RI Strikers FC
Location: Providence, RI Leagues: NECSL, TNL Gender: Boys and Girls
RI Strikers FC competes in NECSL and TNL, providing competitive options for Providence-based players.
View RI Strikers FC on ClubScout →
Cross-Border: Southeastern Massachusetts Clubs
Rhode Island is a small state, and families in the Providence area frequently look across the Massachusetts border. These clubs are within 25-40 minutes of Providence.
NEFC South (New England FC)
Location: Taunton / Mansfield, MA Leagues: ECNL, NECSL Players: 3,000+ across the NEFC organization Gender: Boys and Girls
NEFC is one of the largest clubs in the Northeast with a dedicated South region serving the Taunton/Mansfield area. NEFC South is an ECNL member and draws RI families looking for the ECNL pathway. The club has a dedicated Rhode Island region. For how ECNL compares to other top-tier leagues, see our DPL vs ECNL comparison.
New England Navigators
Location: East Taunton, MA (~25 minutes from Providence) Leagues: NECSL
The Navigators compete in NECSL and are one of the closer Massachusetts-based options for northern RI families.
SouthCoast United
Location: New Bedford, MA Leagues: NECSL
SouthCoast United plays in NECSL and serves the southeastern MA corridor accessible to families in East Providence and the east side of the metro.
Fall River Warriors FC
Location: Fall River, MA Leagues: NECSL
Fall River is roughly 20 minutes from Providence and the Warriors compete in NECSL.
Town Travel Clubs (Super Liga)
The Rhode Island Youth Super Liga is the state's primary travel league, sanctioned by Soccer RI. It includes roughly 800 teams across 34 organizations. Super Liga is organized into four competitive divisions:
- Anchor (highest)
- Classic Gold
- Classic Blue
- Rhody
For parents new to competitive soccer, town travel through Super Liga is often the first step up from recreational play. Costs are generally lower than multi-league clubs. See our rec vs travel soccer guide for how to decide if your child is ready.
Warwick Fire Fighters SC (WFFSC)
Website: wffsc.org Location: Warwick, RI Founded: 1984 Gender: Boys and Girls
WFFSC is the largest club in Rhode Island and one of the oldest, operating since 1984. The club fields teams across multiple Super Liga divisions.
Barrington YSA
Location: Barrington, RI Gender: Boys and Girls
Barrington competes in Super Liga and draws from one of the more competitive towns in the state. Located about 15 minutes east of Providence.
Smithfield YSA
Location: Smithfield, RI Gender: Boys and Girls
Smithfield fields teams in Super Liga and serves the communities northwest of Providence.
Cumberland YSA
Location: Cumberland, RI Gender: Boys and Girls
Cumberland is located just north of Providence and competes across Super Liga divisions.
East Greenwich SA
Location: East Greenwich, RI Gender: Boys and Girls
East Greenwich competes in Super Liga and serves the suburban corridor south of Warwick.
Pawtucket YS
Location: Pawtucket, RI Gender: Boys and Girls
Pawtucket is immediately north of Providence and fields teams in Super Liga.
Additional Town Travel Clubs
| Club | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol YS | Bristol | East Bay community |
| East Providence YSA | East Providence | Adjacent to Providence |
| North Smithfield YS | North Smithfield | Northern RI |
| Warwick SA / Bruno United | Warwick | Second Warwick-area travel org |
| West Warwick SA | West Warwick | Central RI |
| Coventry SA | Coventry | Western suburban RI |
| Middletown YSC | Middletown | Newport County |
| Portsmouth YSA | Portsmouth | Aquidneck Island |
| Tiverton YS | Tiverton | East Bay, near MA border |
| South County YSC | South Kingstown area | Southern RI |
| Exeter-West Greenwich YS | Exeter / West Greenwich | Rural western RI |
Community and Mission-Driven Programs
Project GOAL
Location: Providence, RI (expanding to Pawtucket and Woonsocket) Website: projectgoal.org Ages: Youth Gender: Boys and Girls Cost: FREE Founded: 2004
Project GOAL is a free soccer program serving Providence's urban communities, with expansion underway into Pawtucket and Woonsocket. The program has served 2,000+ youth since its founding.
In their words: Project GOAL has a 96% high school graduation rate among participants and has been a FIFA Foundation grant recipient for 14 consecutive years.
Programs: Free year-round soccer programming with a focus on both athletic and academic development. No cost to families.
Rhode Island FC Youth Partnerships
Rhode Island FC, the USL Championship professional team based in Pawtucket, has youth partnerships in the area. RIFC provides a connection between the professional game and the local youth soccer community. As the state's professional club (joining the USL Championship), RIFC youth initiatives are worth watching as they develop.
Training Providers and Academies
These organizations offer development programs, camps, and supplemental training but are not traditional competitive clubs with full league schedules.
| Provider | Location | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Resendes Soccer Academy | Smithfield, RI | Run by Bryant University's head coach. Individual and small-group training. |
| RI Surf Junior Academy | Multiple RI locations | Free fall and spring sessions for young players (U5-U10). |
| CLCF Revolution Academy Teams | Cranston, RI | New England Revolution-affiliated player development at the Chafee Sports Complex. |
The Providence Club Soccer Landscape
The greater Providence 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 | Providence-Area Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | MLS NEXT | Bayside FC, RI Surf (Academy Division) |
| Tier 1 | Girls Academy | Bayside FC, RI Surf |
| Tier 1 | ECNL | Scorpions SC (Wrentham, MA), NEFC South (Taunton, MA) |
| Tier 2 | DPL (Girls) | Bayside FC, RI Surf |
| Tier 2 | ECNL RL | Scorpions SC |
| Tier 3 | EDP | OSNK United, Higher Level Select |
| Tier 3 | NECSL | Bayside FC, RI Surf, Scorpions SC, OSNK United, Higher Level Select, RI Strikers, NEFC South, Navigators, SouthCoast United, Fall River Warriors |
| Town travel | Super Liga (RIYSL) | 17+ clubs (see above) |
| Community | Various | Project GOAL (free) |
Rhode Island's top-tier access requires some flexibility. Unlike larger states, RI doesn't have a standalone ECNL club within its borders. Scorpions SC (Wrentham, MA) and NEFC South (Taunton, MA) are the closest ECNL options, both about 25-35 minutes from Providence. However, Bayside FC and RI Surf provide MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, and DPL pathways without leaving the state. For how these leagues compare, see our DPL vs ECNL comparison, Girls Academy vs DPL breakdown, or ECNL vs Girls Academy comparison.
What to Know Before You Choose
A few practical points for Providence-area families:
Rhode Island is small, and that's an advantage. Most Super Liga games are within 20-30 minutes. Even the farthest clubs in the state (South County, Newport County) are under 45 minutes from Providence. For multi-league clubs like Bayside FC or RI Surf, training sites are spread across the state but still manageable. Our guide on how to choose a club covers what to evaluate beyond geography.
The Massachusetts border opens doors. Families in northern Providence, Pawtucket, or Cumberland are 20-30 minutes from Scorpions SC (ECNL, Wrentham), NEFC South (ECNL, Taunton), and several NECSL clubs. Don't limit your search to Rhode Island if a top-tier pathway is the goal.
Cost varies dramatically. Super Liga town travel clubs may cost $200-$600 per season. Project GOAL is free. At the other end, MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, or ECNL programs can run $5,000-$10,000+ per year including showcase travel. See our travel soccer cost breakdown for what to budget at each level, and our budget guide for ways to keep costs down.
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. RI Surf's free Junior Academy is a strong entry point for young players. 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 April through June for most clubs. MLS NEXT and ECNL clubs may start as early as April, with most other clubs running May through June. See our tryout guide for what to expect and how to prepare. Check the ClubScout tryout calendar for specific dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-tier clubs near Providence?
Bayside FC (East Providence) has MLS NEXT for boys and Girls Academy for girls. Rhode Island Surf competes in MLS NEXT Academy Division and Girls Academy. For ECNL, Scorpions SC (Wrentham, MA) is the closest option with a dedicated RI training site. The right club depends on your child's age, gender, and current level.
How much does club soccer cost in the Providence area?
It ranges from free (Project GOAL) and $200-$600/season (Super Liga town travel) to $5,000-$10,000+ per year (MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, ECNL including showcase travel). EDP-level clubs fall in the $2,500-$5,000 range. See our cost breakdown.
Are there free or low-cost soccer programs in Providence?
Yes. Project GOAL provides free year-round soccer in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket, and has served 2,000+ youth since 2004. RI Surf Junior Academy offers free fall and spring sessions for young players. Super Liga town travel programs are the most affordable competitive option.
What is Super Liga?
Super Liga is the Rhode Island Youth Soccer League's primary travel competition, sanctioned by Soccer RI. It has roughly 800 teams across 34 organizations, with four competitive divisions: Anchor (highest), Classic Gold, Classic Blue, and Rhody. It's the most common entry point into competitive soccer in Rhode Island. See our rec vs travel soccer guide for more on making the transition.
When are tryouts?
Most clubs hold tryouts between April and June for the following fall season. MLS NEXT and ECNL clubs tend to start earliest (April-May). Super Liga town clubs typically hold evaluations in May-June. Check the ClubScout tryout calendar and individual club websites for specific dates. Our tryout guide covers how to prepare.
My child is new to competitive soccer. Where should we start?
Start with your town's Super Liga travel program or RI Surf's free Junior Academy for younger players. These provide a lower-cost, lower-commitment introduction to competitive play. If your child outgrows that level, look at EDP or NECSL clubs. OSNK United's Bridge Academy is specifically designed for the rec-to-competitive transition. See our rec vs travel soccer guide.
Find Clubs Near You
- Browse all clubs in Rhode Island
- Browse all leagues
- 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.