How Much Does Travel Soccer Really Cost in New England? (2026 Breakdown)

TL;DR: Travel soccer in New England costs $2,500 to $5,000/year for most competitive families, $5,000 to $8,000 at the premier level, and $8,000 to $15,000+ for top-tier ECNL, Girls Academy, and independent MLS NEXT programs. But here's something most parents don't know: MLS Homegrown Division academies (like the New England Revolution) are free to play. MLS mandates $0 tuition for its club-affiliated academies. That's only the Homegrown Division — independent MLS NEXT clubs in the Academy Division still charge $3,000 to $7,000/year. Either way, the club fee is only 50-65% of your actual spend. Tournaments, winter training, gear, and the "optional" extras that aren't really optional add 40-60% on top. Rec programs run $90 to $500/season. The biggest budget mistake parents make is looking at the club fee and thinking that's the number.

Youth Soccer Costs at a Glance: What to Expect by Level

*MLS Homegrown Division academies (like the New England Revolution) are mandated to be free to play. This does not apply to all MLS NEXT clubs — independent clubs in the Academy Division still charge tuition. Families at free academies still pay for travel, gear, and incidentals.

The jump from rec to competitive is the biggest shock. You go from $90-$500 to $2,500+ in a single registration cycle. But the jump from competitive to premier is where the hidden costs pile up: more tournaments, longer travel, mandatory winter futsal, and private training that's technically "optional" but that every other kid on the roster is doing. Top-tier programs are their own financial category. If your child is at the ECNL or independent MLS NEXT level, budget like it's a second car payment. If they're at an MLS-affiliated academy, the tuition is covered, but national travel costs still add up.

What Most Parents Get Wrong About Youth Soccer Costs

When parents show up at tryouts, most have budgeted for the club fee and maybe a new pair of cleats. That's like budgeting for a car payment and forgetting about gas, insurance, and maintenance. The club fee is typically 50-65% of your actual annual cost. Tournaments, travel, winter indoor training, gear replacement, and the extras that aren't really extras account for the rest.

The second myth: spending more automatically buys better coaching. We've seen $4,500-a-year clubs where the head coach runs disorganized sessions, and $2,000-a-year clubs with licensed coaches who run outstanding training. Price reflects facility costs, league fees, and overhead. It does not automatically reflect coaching quality. Watch a practice before you write the check. That's free.

The third myth: financial aid doesn't exist in youth soccer. It does. More clubs offer it than you'd think. But almost none advertise it. You have to ask, and most families never do. We'll cover this in detail below.

Where Your Money Actually Goes

Club Fees and Registration

This is the number the club quotes you. It covers coaching, league registration, and field use. Sometimes it includes a uniform kit. Sometimes it doesn't. Ask.

What the ranges actually look like across New England:

The range is massive. At the low end, community-based programs like Soccer Unity Project (MA) and Shock Sports Vermont charge nothing at all. Town rec programs typically run $90 to $250/season. Competitive clubs (NECSL-level) generally fall in the $1,500 to $3,000 range, though some smaller clubs come in lower and Boston-area clubs can push higher. Premier and EDP-level clubs typically charge $2,500 to $4,500/season. MLS Homegrown academies are $0. Independent top-tier programs (MLS NEXT Academy Division, ECNL, Girls Academy) range from $3,000 to $6,000+.

A few things make this hard to compare directly: some clubs bundle tournaments and winter training into the season fee while others charge separately. A club quoting $1,800 with tournament fees on top may actually cost more than one quoting $2,500 all-in. Always ask for the total cost, not just the registration number.

As we collect more verified fee data from clubs claiming their ClubScout profiles, we'll be able to publish specific club-by-club comparisons. For now, these ranges reflect what we've seen across the region through our research.

What to ask before you register: "What exactly does the club fee cover? Are tournament entry fees included? Is the uniform kit included or separate? Is winter training included or an add-on?"

Some clubs bundle everything into one fee. Others nickel-and-dime you with add-ons all season. Get the all-in number in writing before you commit.

Equipment and Gear

Budget $300 to $600 for year one. $150 to $300 for subsequent years.

The uniform kit tip that saves you real money. Most clubs run on a 2-year uniform cycle. Before you order, ask: is this year 1 or year 2 of the cycle? In year 1, order what fits now. Don't go crazy over-sizing, thinking they'll "grow into it." In year 2, you can order individual replacement pieces if your child outgrew something rather than buying the full kit again. This alone saves $150 to $300 if you plan ahead.

Gear-buying rule for kids under 12: Their feet grow every six months. There is zero reason to buy $200 top-tier cleats for a 10-year-old. Buy clearance models from last year. A $180 cleat from 2025 works just as well in 2026, and your kid's foot will be two sizes bigger by fall anyway.

Tournament Travel: The Budget Killer

This is where costs spiral. Budget $1,000 to $4,000/year for competitive-and-above players.

How far you're traveling depends on your league. NECSL clubs mostly play within their state or a neighboring state. EDP and NEP clubs travel across New England. MLS NEXT and ECNL travel nationally, including Florida, North Carolina, and California showcases. A NECSL tournament weekend in Rhode Island costs your family $500. An ECNL showcase in Florida costs $2,000+. Factor the league into your budget, not just the club fee.

The "optional" tournament problem. When the coach says the team is going to a tournament in Connecticut and "it's optional," your child is the one sitting out if they don't go. If the rest of the team is there and your kid isn't, they miss the team bonding and potentially lose their starting spot. Budget for all of them. Because they're all going to feel mandatory.

Winter Training: The New England Tax

Budget $400 to $1,500 for November through March. This is a cost that families in Texas, Florida, and California never pay.

In Massachusetts, you're renting a fieldhouse at $250/hour that the club splits across teams. In Vermont, indoor options are scarce and the drive to a turf facility might be 45 minutes. In Connecticut, you might have three indoor options within 20 minutes. The winter training experience, and cost, varies dramatically by where you live.

Critical question before you sign up: Is winter training included in the annual fee, or is it charged separately? Some clubs include it. Others treat it as a separate program with its own registration and fee. This single question can change your annual total by $500 to $1,200.

The "Optional" Costs Everyone Ends Up Paying

A note on private training, because parents ask us about this constantly. Private training helps, but only if the trainer is actually good and your child is engaged. A kid who plays pickup soccer four times a week will often improve more than a kid doing $100/hour sessions standing in line waiting for a turn. If you're going to spend the money, find a trainer who works in small groups of 3-4 and focuses on game situations, not cone drills.

5 Costs Nobody Warns You About

1. Fundraising obligations. Many clubs require each family to sell $200 to $500 in fundraising per season, or pay the difference out of pocket. That "cookie dough sale" isn't optional. If your family doesn't sell, you owe the club the shortfall.

2. Social pressure spending. End-of-season coach gifts ($25 to $50 per player), team bonding events ($50 to $100), extra team gear beyond the required uniform ($50 to $150), team photos ($30 to $60). None of these are in the registration fee. All of them show up.

3. The sibling multiplier. Two kids in travel soccer is not 2x the cost. It's about 1.7x to 1.9x because of overlapping tournament travel. But it IS 2x the time commitment. Two different practice schedules, two different game days, two different parent WhatsApp groups. Budget accordingly for both dollars and sanity.

4. Opportunity cost. When your child commits to year-round soccer, they often drop other sports. That $500 baseball season or swim league your family used to do? It's gone. Some families don't count this, but it's a real shift in how your family spends time and money. Before U13, we'd strongly encourage keeping your child multi-sport. Any club that demands soccer exclusivity for a 10-year-old is prioritizing their roster over your child's development.

5. Mid-season surprises. Extra tournaments added after registration. A coaching change requiring new uniform pieces. Facility fees passed through mid-season because the club's field deal fell through. These don't happen at every club, but they happen at enough clubs that you should keep a $300 to $500 buffer.

Total Annual Cost by Level: What Real Families Pay

Recreational: $200 - $700/Year

What it looks like:

• 1-2 practices per week (volunteer parent coach)
• 8-10 games per season, all within your town or neighboring town
• Club provides uniform
• Spring and fall seasons. Weekends free in summer and winter.

What you pay for: Registration ($90 - $500), cleats ($50 - $100), shin guards ($15 - $30), a ball ($25)

What you don't pay for: Travel, tournaments, winter training, private coaching

Best for: Kids U6-U10 exploring the sport. Families who want low commitment. Kids playing multiple sports. There is nothing wrong with rec. It's a legitimate choice for a lot of kids, not just a stepping stone.

Competitive (NECSL, state leagues): $2,500 - $5,000/Year

What it looks like:

• 2-3 practices per week with a licensed coach
• 12-18 league games per season
• 1-2 tournaments per season
• Travel within your state or neighboring states
• Some clubs offer winter futsal or indoor program (often extra)

A realistic family scenario: Your child plays NECSL in Massachusetts. Club fee is $2,200. Uniform kit: $175. Gear for the year: $250. Two tournament weekends: $1,000. Winter futsal: $350. One pair of replacement cleats mid-season: $80. Team gift and photos: $75. Total: approximately $4,130.

Best for: Kids U9 to U16 who want more than rec but aren't ready for, or interested in, premier-level commitment.

Premier (EDP, NEP): $5,000 - $8,000/Year

What it looks like:

• 3 practices per week with a USSF-licensed coaching staff
• 16-24 league games per season
• 3-4 tournaments per season, some out of region
• Year-round commitment with winter indoor training
• Team bonding events, skills clinics

A realistic family scenario: Your child plays EDP in Rhode Island. Club fee is $3,800. Uniform kit: $250. Gear: $350. Three tournament weekends (one in New Jersey): $2,200. Winter training (included in fee). Private training, twice a month: $800/year. College ID camp: $350. Total: approximately $7,750.

Best for: Committed players U11+ who want top regional competition and a pathway toward top-tier leagues.

Top Tier (MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy): $1,000 - $15,000+/Year

This tier has two very different cost realities, and most parents don't know about the free one.

MLS-Affiliated Academies: $0 Tuition

MLS mandates that its club academies are free to play. In New England, that means the New England Revolution Academy in Foxborough charges $0 in tuition. No club fees. No training fees. The league requires it.

Starting with the 2025-26 season, MLS NEXT also requires every member club to provide at least one fully funded scholarship per season. The trend nationally is moving toward more free and subsidized academy programs.

MLS NEXT now operates in two divisions: the Homegrown Division (the elite tier, populated by MLS-affiliated clubs) and the Academy Division (newer, designed for broader access). Both are legitimate pathways, but the Homegrown Division is the one most closely tied to MLS professional pipelines.

What it costs anyway: Even with $0 tuition, families still spend $1,000 to $4,000/year on national travel (flights, hotels for showcases in Florida, Texas, California), gear, and incidentals. The coaching is free. Getting to the events is not.

The catch: These academies are extremely selective. Your child needs to be identified through tryouts or scouting. There are limited roster spots per age group. But if your child has the talent, this is the best development pathway at the lowest cost in youth soccer.

Independent MLS NEXT, ECNL, and Girls Academy Clubs: $8,000 - $15,000+/Year

Independent clubs competing in MLS NEXT (like Boston Bolts and Valeo FC), plus ECNL and Girls Academy programs, still charge tuition. Club fees run $3,000 to $7,000/year for independent MLS NEXT clubs and $3,500 to $6,000 for ECNL and Girls Academy.

What it looks like at either type of top-tier club:

• 4-5 training sessions per week with top-tier coaching staff
• National league play with regional and national showcases
• Travel to Florida, North Carolina, California, and other national events
• Year-round, full commitment. This IS the primary sport.
• College exposure events, ID camps, film sessions

A realistic family scenario (independent club): Your child plays ECNL in Connecticut. Club fee is $5,200. Gear and uniform: $450. National travel (flights, hotels for 3 events including Florida and North Carolina): $4,500. Regional travel: $1,200. Private training: $1,500/year. ID camps and showcases: $800. Total: approximately $13,650.

A realistic family scenario (MLS academy): Your child plays for the Revolution Academy. Club fee: $0. Gear and uniform: $300. National travel (flights, hotels for 3-4 events): $3,000. Regional travel: $600. Total: approximately $3,900. That's less than some premier programs.

Best for: Players U13+ with aspirations for college soccer at the D1/D2 level, or a professional pathway. Only pursue this tier if your child has the talent, the desire, and your family has the bandwidth. Playing meaningful minutes at a competitive or premier club is almost always better for development than riding the bench at a top-tier program "for the exposure."

How to Spend Less Without Sacrificing Development

1. Ask About Financial Aid Before You Need It

Most competitive clubs have scholarship or financial aid programs. Many families don't know because clubs don't advertise it. Ask during tryouts. It's not awkward. Clubs would rather have your child on the team with aid than lose them to another club. Typical aid covers 25-50% of the club fee. Full scholarships are rare but they exist.

2. Choose Regional Leagues Over National Ones

The difference between a strong NECSL team and a mid-level EDP team may be smaller than you think on the field, but the travel cost difference is significant. A good coach in a regional league develops players just as well as a mediocre coach in a national league. If your family can't sustain national-level travel costs for 3-4 years, a regional program is the smarter financial play.

3. Cap Tournament Travel

You don't need to attend every optional tournament. Pick 2-3 well-run events and skip the rest. Quality over quantity applies to tournaments, too. One well-organized tournament with strong competition is worth more than three poorly run ones that cost $400 each in hotel rooms.

4. Buy Gear Smart

End-of-season clearance for cleats. Facebook Marketplace and parent gear swaps for gently used equipment. Your U10 does not need $200 cleats. And for goalkeepers, buy gloves in bulk online. The $18 pair from a soccer direct retailer works just as well for training as the $65 pair from the pro shop.

5. Share Tournament Travel Costs

Carpool. Share hotel rooms between families. Cook breakfast at the hotel instead of eating out. Bring a cooler with lunches. A tournament weekend can cost $400 or $1,000 depending entirely on how you approach it. The families who've been doing this for years all say the same thing: the carpooling and room-sharing becomes part of the culture.

6. Evaluate the Total Picture, Not Just the Club Fee

A $3,500/year club with strong coaching and minimal extra travel may deliver better development than a $2,000/year club where you end up spending $3,500 on tournaments and private training to compensate for weak coaching. Before you pick the cheapest club, map out the total cost including everything you'll actually pay. The lowest fee is not always the lowest total cost.

7. Look Into MLS Academy Pathways

If your child is talented enough, an MLS-affiliated academy is the best deal in youth soccer: elite coaching, national competition, $0 tuition. The New England Revolution holds open tryouts. It's worth knowing about even if your child isn't ready today, because it changes the math completely if they are ready down the road.

Financial Aid Options for Youth Soccer Families

Nobody should have to pull their kid from soccer because of money. Here's where to look for help.

Club-level aid. Most competitive and premier clubs offer some form of financial aid. Coverage varies from 25% to 100% of club fees. The application is usually confidential. Five questions to ask:

1. "Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?" Just ask directly.
2. "What percentage of families receive some form of aid?" This tells you whether it's a real program or a token gesture.
3. "Is the application process confidential?" It should be.
4. "Are there payment plan options?" Even if you don't qualify for aid, spreading payments over 3-4 installments helps.
5. "Does financial aid cover just club fees, or also tournaments and uniforms?" If aid covers your $3,000 registration but not the $1,500 in tournament and travel costs, you need to know that before you sign up.

League and federation programs:

• US Soccer Foundation grants
• State association scholarship programs (Mass Youth Soccer, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, etc.)
• Starting 2025-26, every MLS NEXT member club must provide at least one fully funded scholarship per season
• Some ECNL and Girls Academy clubs have their own aid programs funded by club fundraising

Community resources:

• Town recreation department subsidies
• Local service organizations (Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis)
• Corporate sponsorship programs through your employer

Programs that are completely free. They exist. Soccer Unity Project and Shock Sports Vermont run free programs. MLS-affiliated academies like the New England Revolution charge $0 tuition. Your town rec department may offer fee waivers for families that qualify. If cost is a barrier, start there.

State-by-State: How Costs Vary Across New England

Cost isn't uniform across the region. Where you live shapes what you pay.

The geography trap. Vermont and Maine may have the lowest club fees, but if you're driving 45 minutes each way to practice three times a week, your gas bill erases the savings. Factor the commute into your total cost. Map the drive at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, not on a Sunday morning.

Are you a club director? If your club is listed on ClubScout, you can claim your profile to update fees, programs, and contact info. Parents tell us that cost transparency is the number one thing they look for when comparing clubs. Make sure your information is accurate and complete. Claim your club page at myclubscout.com/claim

Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Soccer Costs

These are the cost questions parents ask us most often. If yours isn't here, it probably means the answer depends on your specific club and region. Search clubs on ClubScout to find fee data for programs near you.

How much does travel soccer cost per year in New England?

$2,500 to $5,000 for most competitive families (NECSL-level). $5,000 to $8,000 at the premier level (EDP, NEP). $8,000 to $15,000+ for top-tier programs (independent MLS NEXT clubs, ECNL, Girls Academy). These are total annual costs, not just club fees. The club fee alone is typically 50-65% of your actual spend. One major exception: MLS-affiliated academies (like the New England Revolution) charge $0 in tuition. If your child is at that level, the total annual cost drops to $1,000 to $4,000, mostly travel.

Is travel soccer worth the money?

That depends on three things: the child, the club, and the family. A well-coached competitive program with good player development is worth paying for. A fancy league name with mediocre coaching and a long commute is not. Watch a practice, talk to current families, and be honest about whether the cost and time commitment are sustainable for your household. Not just for September, but for the full season and the ones after it.

Can I negotiate club fees?

Not typically. Club fees are set for the whole team. But financial aid achieves the same result. Ask early, ideally at tryouts or during registration. Directors expect the question more than you think.

What's the cheapest competitive option that still provides good development?

A well-run NECSL or state league club with licensed coaches. Club fees in the $1,500 to $3,000 range with minimal out-of-state travel. We track 77 NECSL clubs across New England on ClubScout. Several of them have excellent coaching at a fraction of what top-tier programs charge.

How much should I budget for my child's first year of travel soccer?

Take the club fee, add 50%, and you'll be close. If the club quotes $2,500, budget $3,750 total for the year. Your first year also tends to be the most expensive because you're buying everything from scratch (cleats, gear, uniform kit, bag). Subsequent years cost less as long as you're not replacing everything.

Are there free or very low-cost youth soccer programs in New England?

Yes, and there are more than most parents realize. Town rec is the most accessible option, typically $90 to $500 per season. Soccer Unity Project in Massachusetts and Shock Sports Vermont run completely free programs. Western New England Soccer Academy starts at $20/season. MLS-affiliated academies like the New England Revolution are free to play ($0 tuition) for players who make the roster. Starting 2025-26, every MLS NEXT club must also offer at least one fully funded scholarship. Beyond that, many competitive clubs offer financial aid that can reduce fees by 25-50%. Check your town's recreation department first, then ask clubs directly about aid. More help exists than you'd expect.

Does it cost more for older players (U14+) than younger players (U8-U10)?

Almost always yes. Older age groups play in higher-level leagues with more travel, more tournaments, and longer seasons. The coaching is more specialized. College ID camps and showcases add costs that don't exist at younger ages. A U10 competitive season might run $2,500 total. A U15 premier season can easily hit $7,000 to $8,000.

Should I factor in the cost of dropping other sports?

Yes. When your child commits to year-round soccer, especially at the premier or top-tier level, other sports often get squeezed out. That $500 baseball season or swim league disappears from the calendar. Before U13, we'd strongly encourage keeping kids multi-sport. The research on multi-sport participation and long-term athletic development is overwhelming. Any club demanding soccer exclusivity for an 11-year-old is prioritizing their roster over your child.

What is the difference between MLS NEXT Homegrown Division and Academy Division?

MLS NEXT now has two divisions. The Homegrown Division is the elite tier, made up of MLS-affiliated club academies (like the Revolution). These are the free-to-play programs with the most direct pathway to professional soccer. The Academy Division is newer and designed for broader access, allowing more independent clubs to participate in MLS NEXT competition. Independent Academy Division clubs typically charge tuition ($3,000 to $7,000/year). Both divisions offer high-level competition, but the Homegrown Division is more selective and more directly connected to MLS professional pipelines.

Find a Club That Fits Your Budget

The cost of youth soccer in New England is real. But it doesn't have to be a black box. Now you know the actual numbers, where the hidden costs live, and how to ask the right questions before you sign up.

Browse 290+ youth soccer clubs across all six New England states at myclubscout.com. Filter by competitive level and compare estimated costs before you commit. Search by your town, your child's age group, and the league level that fits your family. Because the right club isn't just the one with the best coaching. It's the one your family can sustain, financially and logistically, for the next few years.

If you're heading into tryout season and staring at a club fee that gave you sticker shock, start there. At least you'll know what the real number looks like before you write the check.