TL;DR: Vermont has the smallest organized club soccer footprint of any state we cover. Almost everything is concentrated in Chittenden County — Burlington, Essex Junction, Colchester, South Burlington, and Shelburne. Far Post Soccer (Essex Junction) and Nordic Soccer Club (Colchester) are the two strongest competitive programs in the state, both offering year-round programming for U10–U19. Burlington FC is the go-to community nonprofit for U6–U19 in the greater Burlington area. In southern Vermont, Bennington Sports Center (Vermont Voltage) provides structured training with professional-level coaching. Vermont's competitive clubs primarily play in Vermont state leagues and the Alliance League — there are no confirmed MLS NEXT, ECNL, DPL, EDP, or NECSL clubs in our Vermont database. Families whose players are targeting national league competition will eventually need to evaluate programs in New Hampshire or New York. Annual costs at Vermont's competitive clubs run approximately $1,300–$2,100/year for Chittenden County programs.
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Vermont Club Soccer at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Vermont |
| Primary hub | Burlington / Chittenden County |
| Strongest competitive clubs | Far Post Soccer (Essex Junction), Nordic Soccer Club (Colchester) |
| National league affiliations | None confirmed in our database |
| Primary competitive leagues | Vermont Premier League, Alliance League, Vermont state leagues |
| Annual cost range | ~$500 (developmental programs) to $2,100 (competitive) |
| Tryout season | Late April through July |
| Primary regions | Chittenden County, Rutland/Central VT, Southern VT, Northeast Kingdom |
For a full cost breakdown by tier, see our travel soccer cost guide and our budget guide for under $3,000/year.
What Makes Vermont Different
Vermont is the most rural state we cover — and its club soccer landscape reflects that honestly.
Burlington is the center of everything. More than 40% of Vermont's population lives in Chittenden County and the surrounding communities. The competitive club infrastructure is almost entirely located here: Burlington, Essex Junction, Colchester, South Burlington, Williston, and Shelburne. If you live in this corridor, you have real options. The further you are from Burlington, the fewer choices you have within a reasonable drive.
Vermont competes at state and regional league levels. Unlike Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New Jersey, Vermont does not have confirmed clubs in the major national competitive leagues — no MLS NEXT, no ECNL, no DPL, no EDP, no NECSL. The competitive structure in Vermont centers on the Vermont Premier League, the Alliance League, and Vermont state-level competition. For many families — especially at younger ages — this is the right environment. The kids are developing, the travel is manageable, and the costs are lower. For players targeting national league pathways later in their career, Vermont clubs can serve as a strong development foundation before the family makes a decision about cross-state programs.
No Vermont club equals no Vermont pathway — which can be a feature, not just a limitation. We've talked to Vermont coaches who believe this forces a better focus on player development than chasing national showcase circuits. The state also has active relationships with New Hampshire and upstate New York competitive programs that serve as logical next steps for players who outgrow what Vermont offers.
Winter training is a real logistical issue. Vermont winters are not a joke. Ask every club you evaluate what winter training actually looks like — not just what the website says. Nordic Soccer Club runs its own indoor facility (the Nordic Indoor Soccer Center at CVE Expo in Essex Junction), which is a genuine differentiator. Burlington FC uses the Shelburne Field House. Far Post Soccer runs indoor programming as well. Clubs without dedicated indoor access may have significantly reduced winter training, which matters for year-round development.
Cross-state options are normal for competitive Vermont families. Vermont families near the New Hampshire border (particularly in the Windsor and Windham County areas) regularly evaluate Seacoast United's New Hampshire programs. Families in the Burlington area sometimes look at clubs in upstate New York. This is expected and reasonable — see the New Hampshire guide and the New York guide for what's available across those borders.
Competitive Leagues Active in Vermont
Vermont's competitive clubs primarily play in state and regional leagues:
Vermont Premier League — The primary competitive league for Vermont clubs. Burlington FC competes here. Games are regional and travel is mostly in-state, with occasional travel to neighboring states. This is the primary mid-tier competitive environment for serious club players in Vermont.
Alliance League — A multi-state regional competitive league that Vermont clubs including Burlington FC participate in. The Alliance League extends competition beyond Vermont state borders, providing a higher level of competition and exposure to out-of-state clubs while keeping travel manageable.
Vermont State Leagues — A range of state-organized competitive leagues for clubs across the age groups. The Vermont Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) sanctions competition at various levels. These serve as entry points into organized competitive play and are the framework for clubs outside Chittenden County.
What's not in Vermont: Vermont does not currently have clubs with confirmed membership in MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy, DPL, EDP, or NECSL. Families whose players are working toward national league competition — either now or in the future — should understand this landscape clearly. Vermont competitive clubs provide strong development foundations; the national league pathway will likely require a decision about cross-state programs at some point, particularly at U13 and above.
For a complete comparison of how these leagues stack up against each other nationally, see our Complete League Comparison Table and Youth Soccer Glossary.
Soccer Clubs by Region in Vermont
Chittenden County / Burlington Area
This is where organized competitive club soccer in Vermont lives. Burlington, Essex Junction, Colchester, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston — this corridor holds the three strongest competitive clubs in the state.
Far Post Soccer (Essex Junction) is arguably Vermont's most established competitive club. Operating out of their base at 105 Pearl St. in Essex Junction, Far Post has been running competitive programs since 2001 under Club Director Todd Kingsbury. The club serves players U10 through U19 — boys and girls — with competitive travel teams, goalkeeper training, a futsal program, and multiple annual tournaments including the Alliance Cup and College Showcases. Far Post also runs spring, summer, fall, and winter camps, offers private lessons, and has organized international trip opportunities. The club's stated mission is developing a love of the game through a progressive curriculum with an emphasis on individual player development. They have their own indoor training facilities, which matters in a Vermont winter. Contact: admin@farpostsoccerclub.com. View Far Post Soccer on ClubScout →
Nordic Soccer Club (Colchester) is the other major competitive option in Chittenden County and has a differentiator that matters a lot in Vermont: their own dedicated indoor facility. The Nordic Indoor Soccer Center (NISC) at CVE Expo in Essex Junction runs three winter indoor sessions, meaning Nordic players get structured training when many Vermont programs are limited by facility access. Nordic runs outdoor training at the Tree Farm Soccer Complex in Essex Junction. Club Director Jim Goudie has led the program since at least 2001. Nordic serves players U8 through U19, with the U8 Development Academy using a play-based approach and U9+ moving into full competitive travel programming. Fees (2025-2026 season): U8 Development Academy $165/session (6–7 week sessions), U9–U10 $1,780/year, U11–U12 $2,040/year. These fees include league fees and most tournament entry fees. Multi-family discounts are available. Tryouts are held in early July for the upcoming season. Contact Jim Goudie directly at jim@nordicsoccer.org. View Nordic Soccer Club on ClubScout →
Burlington FC (Burlington) is the community-focused club for Greater Burlington and the most accessible entry point for families across the age spectrum. Burlington FC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized around three values: Community, Character, and Commitment. They offer programming from U6 through U19 with year-round options including Fall Academy, Winter/Spring Team Programs, a Middle School Performance Academy, and a Summer Performance Academy. Training locations include Shelburne Field House, UVM Centennial Field, UVM Livak Track, Calahan Park in Burlington, Dorset Park in South Burlington, and Airport Park in Colchester — one of the most distributed training footprints of any Vermont club. Burlington FC competes in the Vermont Premier League and Alliance League. Fee range: $95–$1,295 depending on program, with uniform costs ($160) and winter league fees ($90–$100) additional. Tournament fees run $75–$175 per tournament. View Burlington FC on ClubScout →
802 Soccer Lab (Shelburne) is a Burlington-area club serving the Shelburne/South Burlington corridor. Enrichment data in our database is limited — contact them directly for current programs, age groups, and costs. View 802 Soccer Lab on ClubScout →
GPS Vermont (South Burlington) is part of the GPS (Global Premier Soccer) network, which operates clubs across New England and beyond. GPS has strong infrastructure across the region. Our Vermont database has limited enrichment data for this location — contact GPS Vermont directly for current programs and tryout information. View GPS Vermont on ClubScout →
Queen City FC (South Burlington) serves the South Burlington area. Limited enrichment data in our database — contact directly for programs, ages, and costs. View Queen City FC on ClubScout →
Note on Vermont Green FC: Vermont Green FC (Burlington) is a professional semi-pro club competing in USL League One — an adult professional league. It is not a youth club soccer program. We mention it here because families sometimes encounter it when searching for Vermont soccer, and it can create confusion. Vermont Green FC is unrelated to the youth development clubs listed here.
Rutland County and Central Vermont
The Rutland area and the stretch of Vermont through Woodstock, White River Junction, and into the upper Connecticut River Valley.
VT Fusion Soccer (Rutland) is the primary competitive club for Central Vermont. Our database has limited enrichment data for VT Fusion — contact them directly for current programs, age groups, league participation, and fees. View VT Fusion Soccer on ClubScout →
Capital Soccer Camp (Montpelier) has operated for over twenty years in Central Vermont, running summer camps and training programs from their location at 4 North Park Drive in Montpelier. Their programs include full-day camps, half-day camps, Jr Dragon programs, a Striker School, and a Goalkeeper Academy. Capital Soccer is primarily a summer/camp program rather than a year-round travel club — worth knowing for families looking for summer skill development rather than competitive travel programs. View Capital Soccer Camp on ClubScout →
Families in the Rutland and Upper Valley areas seeking competitive travel soccer at a higher tier than what's locally available will typically look toward Chittenden County programs (90 minutes or less to Burlington) or, for the eastern side of the state, toward New Hampshire clubs. Families near White River Junction are within reasonable distance of Seacoast United's NH programs and other upper valley options.
Southern Vermont
The Bennington, Brattleboro, and Manchester corridor. Southern Vermont is geographically removed from Burlington and serves as its own micro-market.
Bennington Sports Center / Vermont Voltage (Bennington) is the strongest training program in southern Vermont. The club operates out of the Bennington Sports and Wellness Center under Academy/Camp Director Bo Vuckovic, a former MLS player (Montreal Impact, New England Revolution) with FIFA/UEFA A Pro license and experience as Head Coach of the Serbian Women's National Team. Head Soccer Coach Branko Vuckovic is a former European first-division professional player with B-license credentials. The quality of coaching leadership at Bennington Sports Center is notable — Vermont Voltage boasts a 108-47-26 competitive record since Bo Vuckovic took over in 1999. Programs include day and residential soccer camps, indoor leagues through the World Cup Indoor Soccer League, year-round skills training, and the Vermont Voltage Premier Soccer Club. For serious players in Bennington County and surrounding areas, this is the strongest local option. View Bennington Sports Center on ClubScout →
SVMFusion Soccer / Southern Vermont Mountain Soccer Club (Weston) and Southshire Youth Soccer (Woodford) serve communities in the southern Vermont hills. Our database has limited data on both programs — contact them directly for current programs, age groups, and levels.
Families in Brattleboro, Windham County, and the southeastern Vermont corridor are within 30–60 minutes of competitive programs in Keene, NH and within 90 minutes of Seacoast United's programs in Hampton and Bedford, NH. For serious competitive soccer at EDP, NECSL, or higher levels, the New Hampshire cross-state evaluation is worth doing. See our New Hampshire guide for what's available there.
Northeast Kingdom
Caledonia County, Orleans County, Essex County — the most rural corner of Vermont, stretching from St. Johnsbury to the Canadian border.
Caledonia Flood Soccer Club (Lyndonville) is the primary organized soccer program in the Northeast Kingdom. Our database has limited enrichment data — contact them directly for current programs and ages. View Caledonia Flood Soccer Club on ClubScout →
Families in St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Newport, and the surrounding communities have limited local competitive options. Organized competitive club soccer — particularly at travel or state league levels — requires a commute. The Burlington programs are 90 minutes or more from the Northeast Kingdom. Families with serious competitive players will eventually face a hard conversation about whether Burlington or cross-state New Hampshire programs are realistic given driving distances and time commitments.
Key Vermont Clubs at a Glance
| Club | City | Age Groups | Key Feature | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Far Post Soccer | Essex Junction | U10–U19 | Indoor training, Alliance Cup, College Showcases | View → |
| Nordic Soccer Club | Colchester | U8–U19 | Own indoor facility (NISC), $1,780–$2,040/yr | View → |
| Burlington FC | Burlington | U6–U19 | 501c3 nonprofit, $95–$1,295, Vermont Premier League | View → |
| Bennington Sports Center | Bennington | All ages | Pro coaching staff, camps + competitive teams | View → |
| GPS Vermont | South Burlington | Varies | GPS national network | View → |
| VT Fusion Soccer | Rutland | Varies | Central Vermont | View → |
| Capital Soccer Camp | Montpelier | All ages | 20+ years, summer camps | View → |
Cost Overview by Program Type
Vermont's costs are generally lower than southern New England states, partly because Vermont clubs compete at regional and state levels rather than national leagues with extensive travel requirements.
| Program Type | Typical Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive clubs (Far Post, Nordic) | $1,300 – $2,100 | Includes league fees and most tournament fees |
| Community clubs (Burlington FC) | $95 – $1,295 | Varies by program level and age group |
| Summer camps / skill training | $100 – $600/session | Capital Soccer Camp, Vermont Voltage camps |
| Cross-state national leagues (EDP, NECSL via NH) | $2,000 – $4,000+ | Add NH commute time and mileage to total cost |
| Cross-state top tier (MLS NEXT, ECNL via NH/MA) | $4,500 – $6,500+ | Significant travel and time commitment |
These figures cover club fees only. Add uniform kits ($200–$400 — ask if it's year one or year two of the kit cycle before ordering), individual tournament fees where applicable, and winter training costs for clubs without included indoor programming. See our full cost breakdown and budget guide.
Tryout Season in Vermont
Vermont clubs generally follow a modified version of the New England competitive calendar:
- Early April – May: Some clubs post early interest forms or run open training sessions; reach out directly to Far Post, Nordic, and Burlington FC to get on their radar
- May – June: Main tryout window for competitive programs
- Early July: Nordic Soccer Club holds their primary tryouts; players meet coaching staff and learn about the club philosophy
- June – July: Late tryouts, roster finalization, waitlist movement
Note for 2026: US Youth Soccer is transitioning from January 1 birth-year cutoffs to August 1 school-year cutoffs starting August 1, 2026. This may affect your child's age group placement at tryouts. See our age group change explainer for what it means in practice.
Check the ClubScout tryout calendar for current dates. For what to expect at your first competitive tryout, see our tryout prep guide.
When Should Vermont Families Consider Cross-State Programs?
This is the honest question many Vermont soccer families eventually face. Here's a straightforward framework:
Stay in Vermont if:
- Your player is U8–U12 and focused on development and enjoyment. Vermont's competitive clubs provide excellent age-appropriate environments. Don't add a long commute to a 9-year-old's schedule.
- The time commitment matters as much as the competitive level. Vermont's programs have more manageable schedules than national league clubs elsewhere.
- Budget is a significant consideration. Vermont competitive programs are meaningfully less expensive than national league programs even before factoring in cross-state commute costs.
Evaluate cross-state programs if:
- Your player is U13+ and targeting college recruiting visibility. National league affiliations (ECNL, MLS NEXT, DPL, EDP) provide exposure that Vermont state leagues currently do not.
- Your player has been identified as a strong talent and your local coaches are pointing toward higher competition.
- You live in southern Vermont or the upper Connecticut River Valley and NH programs are geographically comparable to Burlington options.
Cross-state paths worth evaluating:
- New Hampshire clubs — For families in Windsor County, Windham County, and southeastern Vermont, Seacoast United NH programs (Hampton and Bedford) are within 45–75 minutes. They compete in DPL, NAL, and NECSL. See our New Hampshire guide.
- Upstate New York clubs — Families in the Lake Champlain corridor may find western NY programs accessible. See our New York guide for the broader New York landscape.
How to Choose the Right Club in Vermont
With a limited number of established competitive clubs, the decision in Vermont comes down to geography, age, and honesty about your family's bandwidth.
By age:
- U6–U10: Burlington FC and Nordic's U8 program are excellent starting points. At these ages, quality coaching and a good environment matter far more than league tier. Focus on whether practices are well-organized and kids are having fun. See our age-by-age guide.
- U11–U13: This is where the competitive path branches. Strong players in this age group should attend a Far Post or Nordic tryout to understand where they stand. Burlington FC's Vermont Premier League and Alliance League programs are the right tier for many families. Players showing standout ability can begin evaluating the reality of NH programs at this stage — not to rush, but to understand the landscape.
- U14+: National league visibility starts to matter for players with college aspirations. At this stage, Vermont families with serious players need an honest conversation about what's available in-state versus what committing to a cross-state program looks like in practice — in terms of cost, driving, and weekly schedule. See our college recruiting guide for the full picture.
By location:
- Burlington / Chittenden County: You have three strong options — Far Post, Nordic, and Burlington FC. Visit practices if possible at Far Post and Nordic before the tryout window. Burlington FC is the right starting point for younger players or families who want a lower-commitment first year.
- Rutland / Central Vermont: VT Fusion Soccer is the local option. Chittenden County programs (60–90 minutes) are accessible if your player is serious and you can make the commute.
- Southern Vermont (Bennington): Bennington Sports Center/Vermont Voltage is the local answer. The coaching quality (Bo Vuckovic and staff) is significantly above what you'd expect in a market this size.
- Southern Vermont (Brattleboro / Windham County): You're equidistant between Burlington and NH. Compare Chittenden County programs and New Hampshire programs by drive time before committing.
- Northeast Kingdom: Caledonia Flood Soccer Club is the local option. For competitive travel soccer beyond state-league level, the commute to Burlington (90+ minutes) or NH programs requires a genuine commitment.
For a full framework on how to evaluate any club you're considering, see our How to Choose a Club Soccer Club guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many soccer clubs are there in Vermont? ClubScout lists clubs across Vermont, with the strongest competitive programs concentrated in Chittenden County. The broader directory includes training facilities, summer camps, and clubs whose competitive details we haven't fully verified yet. Browse all Vermont clubs →
What are the best soccer clubs in Vermont? For competitive travel programming, Far Post Soccer (Essex Junction) and Nordic Soccer Club (Colchester) are the two most established clubs in the state. Burlington FC (Burlington) is the strongest community nonprofit for U6–U19. In southern Vermont, Bennington Sports Center (Vermont Voltage) stands out for its professional coaching staff.
Does Vermont have MLS NEXT or ECNL clubs? No. ClubScout does not have confirmed MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy, DPL, EDP, or NECSL affiliations for Vermont clubs in our database. Vermont competitive clubs primarily play in the Vermont Premier League, Alliance League, and Vermont state leagues. Families targeting national league competition will need to evaluate programs in New Hampshire or New York. See our New Hampshire guide for the NH competitive landscape.
What soccer leagues are active in Vermont? Vermont clubs compete in the Vermont Premier League, Alliance League, and various Vermont Youth Soccer Association state leagues. For a full comparison of national leagues and where Vermont fits in the national competitive hierarchy, see our Complete League Comparison Table.
How much does club soccer cost in Vermont? Competitive programs run approximately $1,300–$2,100/year (Far Post, Nordic). Burlington FC ranges from $95–$1,295 depending on program level. Add uniform costs ($160–$400) and tournament fees. These costs are generally lower than equivalent programs in southern New England because Vermont clubs compete at regional and state levels without the national travel requirements of ECNL or MLS NEXT programs. See our full cost breakdown.
When are soccer tryouts in Vermont? Most competitive clubs hold tryouts May through early July. Nordic Soccer Club specifically holds tryouts in early July. Burlington FC and Far Post Soccer may begin registration or open training in April. Check the ClubScout tryout calendar for current dates and our tryout guide for how to prepare.
My family is in Burlington — which club should we start with? Burlington FC is the natural starting point for U6–U10 and families new to travel soccer. For U10+ players ready for competitive travel, attend open sessions at both Far Post Soccer and Nordic Soccer Club before tryouts if possible — both clubs allow prospective players to observe practices and meet coaches. At competitive ages (U11+), tryout at more than one program to see where your player fits and which environment feels right.
What about the Northeast Kingdom — what are our options? Caledonia Flood Soccer Club (Lyndonville) is the local option. For state-league-level competition, check with them directly for current programs. Families targeting higher competitive levels face significant driving to reach Chittenden County programs (90+ minutes to Burlington). This is a real constraint to evaluate honestly — the weekly driving commitment at that distance for 2–3 training sessions plus weekend games adds up quickly.
Can my child play club soccer and high school soccer in Vermont? Vermont's competitive clubs primarily compete in state and regional leagues that do not impose the same restrictions as MLS NEXT or ECNL. Most Vermont clubs are compatible with high school soccer participation. Confirm with any club you're evaluating, especially if you're looking at cross-state programs with national league affiliations.
What's the difference between rec soccer and club soccer? Rec soccer is seasonal, low-cost, and focused on participation. Club soccer involves tryouts, licensed coaching, higher costs, and competitive league play. For a full comparison, see our Recreational vs. Travel Soccer guide.
Is Vermont worth evaluating if we're planning to move to a more competitive state soon? Yes — Vermont's competitive clubs (particularly Far Post and Nordic) provide strong player development foundations. Players who develop technical skills and tactical understanding in Vermont's programs are well-positioned to step into EDP, NECSL, or higher-tier programs when the family relocates. Development quality matters more than league name at younger ages.
Find Your Club
Use these tools to narrow down the right fit in Vermont:
- Browse all Vermont clubs → — Filter by city, league, and level
- Club Finder quiz → — Answer a few questions and get personalized recommendations
- Tryout calendar → — See upcoming tryout dates in Vermont and neighboring states
- New Hampshire club guide → — Cross-state evaluation for southeastern Vermont families
- New York club guide → — Cross-state context for western Vermont families
- Claim your club → — Club directors: verify your profile and connect with families
Data on this page comes from ClubScout's database of club profiles and verified league affiliations. Vermont is one of the states where our data is still growing — if your club's information is missing or incorrect, contact us or claim your profile to update it directly.