Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finding clubs, claiming listings, and getting the most out of ClubScout.
For Parents
How do I find a soccer club near me?
Use our club directory to browse by state and city, or try the Club Finder Quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your child's age, gender, and skill level. You can also search by zip code to find clubs within a specific radius.
What is the difference between recreational and competitive soccer?
Recreational (rec) soccer focuses on fun, skill-building, and participation — every kid plays. Competitive or "travel" soccer involves tryouts, selective teams, and league play against other clubs. Within competitive soccer, there are tiers from competitive through premier to elite. Check our league guide to understand how different leagues compare.
When are tryouts and how do I prepare?
Most clubs hold tryouts in May–June for the fall season, though some have winter or rolling evaluations. Visit our Tryout Calendar to see upcoming dates. To prepare, focus on fundamentals (passing, receiving, dribbling) and fitness. Coaches look for attitude and coachability as much as raw skill.
How much does club soccer cost?
Costs vary widely. Recreational programs might be $200–$500 per season, while competitive clubs typically range from $1,500–$5,000+ per year depending on the level and region. Elite programs (ECNL, MLS NEXT) can run $5,000–$10,000+ when you include travel. Many clubs offer payment plans or financial aid — check individual club profiles for fee details.
How do I choose the right club for my child?
Consider your child's age, skill level, and goals. Look at coaching credentials, training philosophy, team placement process, and parent reviews. Our directory shows ratings across coaching quality, development focus, communication, value, and organization so you can compare clubs side by side.
Can I trust the reviews on ClubScout?
Yes. All reviewers must create an account, and we moderate every review for guideline compliance. Reviews rate clubs across five specific dimensions (coaching, development, communication, value, and organization) rather than a single star rating, which makes feedback more actionable and harder to game.
How do I leave a review for a club?
Visit any club's profile page and click "Write a Review." You'll need to create a free account first. Be specific and constructive — the best reviews help other parents make informed decisions and help clubs improve.
For Club Owners
How do I claim my club's listing?
Visit our Claim Your Club page, search for your club, and submit a claim request. We verify ownership before granting access. Once approved, you get a dashboard to manage your profile, respond to reviews, and post tryout dates.
What are the different claim tiers?
ClubScout offers three tiers: Free (basic profile management and review responses), Verified (enhanced profile with badges, photos, and tryout management), and Premium (priority placement, analytics, and full feature access). You can start with Free and upgrade anytime.
How do I update my club's information?
After claiming your club, log in to your Club Dashboard to update your description, coaching staff, program details, fees, facilities, training locations, and more. Changes appear on your public profile immediately.
Can I respond to reviews?
Yes. Claimed clubs can respond to any review from the Club Dashboard. Responses are visible on your public profile. Thoughtful responses to both positive and negative reviews show parents you're engaged and care about feedback.
How do I post tryout dates?
Verified and Premium clubs can post tryout dates from the Club Dashboard. These appear on your club profile and in the Tryout Calendar, making it easy for parents to find your upcoming evaluations.
How does billing work?
Paid tiers (Verified and Premium) are billed monthly via Stripe. You can manage your subscription, update payment methods, or cancel anytime from the billing section of your dashboard. There are no long-term contracts.
General
What is ClubScout?
ClubScout is a directory that helps families find, compare, and review youth soccer clubs across the Northeast US. We were built by a club soccer coach who got tired of watching parents struggle through the same broken search process every tryout season. Learn more on our About page.
What states does ClubScout cover?
We currently cover 9 states in the Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We're expanding — if your state isn't listed yet, check back soon.
How do I report incorrect information about a club?
If you spot something wrong on a club listing, use our Contact page to let us know. Include the club name and what needs correcting. Club owners can also claim their listing and update information directly.
Is ClubScout free to use?
Yes. Browsing clubs, reading reviews, and using the Club Finder Quiz are completely free for parents. Club owners can also claim and manage their listing for free. Paid tiers unlock additional features for clubs that want enhanced profiles and analytics.
Still have questions?
Reach out directly or start exploring clubs in your area.
For Club Directors
Manage your club's online presence
Claim your listing, respond to reviews, and post tryout dates — all from one dashboard.