competitiveGirls

Development Player League

Organized state-level travel league with regular season play.

47Clubs

12States

U11–U19Ages

What is DPL?

The Development Player League (DPL) is a competitive youth soccer league operating in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The league provides a structured competitive platform for clubs seeking organized, quality competition for boys and girls teams at a level that bridges recreational club soccer and the top national platforms.

DPL focuses on creating balanced competitive environments through a divisional structure that places teams against appropriately matched opponents. The league serves clubs in states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and neighboring areas. DPL is part of the broader competitive landscape in one of the most dense youth soccer regions in the country.

For parents, DPL offers an organized competitive experience with manageable regional travel. It is a solid option for players who want meaningful competition beyond recreational leagues but may not yet be ready for or interested in the commitments of national-level platforms. The league provides a development environment where players can grow and potentially advance to higher competitive tiers.

Key Features

Competitive league serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region
Divisional structure for balanced, level-appropriate competition
Accessible entry point into organized competitive soccer
Manageable regional travel for families
Pathway for player development toward higher competitive tiers
Serves a wide range of age groups from U11 through U19

Read our DPL parent guide DPL vs ECNL: What Northeast Parents Need to Know Girls Academy vs DPL: A Parent's Guide to the GA Pathway

At a Glance

Age Range

U11–U19

Season

Fall (September–November), Spring (March–June)

Cost Range

$1,500–$3,000 per season (club-dependent)

Travel

Regional travel within the Northeast, typically within 1–2 hours

Tryout Window

April–June

Coverage

Regional — Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (NY, NJ, CT, PA and neighboring states)

Not sure if DPL is the right fit?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with clubs in your area.

Take the Quiz

Clubs in DPL

47 results

Albion SC Atlanta

Atlanta, GA

Development

CompetitiveDPL

Boston Bolts

Newton, MA

U7, U12, U19

EliteMLS NEXTMLSNAD+6

Carolina Velocity FC

Raleigh, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteNPLMLS NEXT+1

CFC North

Newtown, CT

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

CompetitiveDPLEDP+1

Charleston Soccer Club

Charleston, SC

Development

CompetitiveDPL

Charlotte Development Academy

Charlotte, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteGADPL

Charlotte Independence SC

Charlotte, NC

Development, Competitive

EliteGAMLS NEXT+1

Cheshire Soccer Academy

Cheshire, CT

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

CompetitiveDPLEDP+1

Clay County SC United Soccer Alliance

Jacksonville, FL

CompetitiveDPL

FC Dutchmen Premier

Schenectady, NY

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

CompetitiveEDPDPL

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

CompetitiveDPL

Rhode Island Surf

Narragansett, RI

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

EliteGADPL+1

Roswell Santos Soccer Club

Roswell, GA

Development

CompetitiveDPL

Roswell Soccer Club

Roswell, GA

First Kicks, Recreational, Development, Competi...

EliteNALMLS NEXT+1

Rush NY - Albany

Albany, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

CompetitiveDPL

Seacoast United Maine SC

Scarborough, ME

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

PremierDPLNAL+1

Seacoast United Massachusetts

Amesbury, MA

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

PremierGA ASPIREDPL+2

Southern Soccer Academy

Atlanta, GA

Development, Competitive

EliteNALGA+2

Sporting CT

Middletown, CT

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

PremierDPLNAL+1

Syracuse Development Academy (SDA)

Syracuse, NY

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteMLS NEXTGA+1

Raleigh, NC

Recreational, Development, Competitive, High Sc...

EliteNALGA+2

West Florida Flames

Pensacola, FL

EliteNALNPL+3

Western New York Flash

Elma, NY

U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18...

CompetitiveDPL

Weston FC

Weston, FL

Development, Competitive, High School & Elite

EliteNALMLS NEXT+2

Parent Questions About DPL

What is the Development Player League?

The Development Player League (DPL) is a competitive youth soccer league in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. It provides organized league play with a divisional structure that ensures teams compete against similarly skilled opponents, offering quality competition at an accessible level.

How much does DPL cost?

Club fees for teams in the DPL typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 per season depending on the club and age group. Travel costs are manageable since games are regional, usually within one to two hours driving distance.

How does DPL compare to other leagues?

DPL operates at a competitive level that is generally below ECNL and MLS NEXT but provides quality, organized competition in the Northeast region. It is comparable to other regional competitive leagues like EDP and NECSL. Many clubs compete in multiple leagues across different teams and age groups.

Is DPL good for player development?

Yes, DPL provides a structured competitive environment that supports player development. The divisional placement system means players compete against appropriate competition, which is important for growth. Players who excel in DPL may advance to higher competitive tiers through their club.

When are DPL tryouts?

Most clubs competing in the DPL hold tryouts between April and June. Specific dates vary by club. Check individual club pages on ClubScout for tryout dates and registration information.

Compare Similar Leagues

premier

Is your club in DPL?

Claim your listing to manage your profile, post tryout dates, and reach more families searching for Development Player League clubs.

Claim Your Club Browse Directory

Development Player League

What is DPL?

Key Features

At a Glance

Not sure if DPL is the right fit?

Clubs in DPL

Albion SC Atlanta

Boston Bolts

Carolina Velocity FC

CFC North

Charleston Soccer Club

Charlotte Development Academy

Charlotte Independence SC

Cheshire Soccer Academy

Clay County SC United Soccer Alliance

FC Dutchmen Premier

FC Sarasota

FC Sarasota Inc

Florida Celtic

Florida Prime Soccer

Fox Soccer Academy of the Carolinas

Georgia Impact SC

Ginga FC

Harford FC United

IdeaSport Soccer Academy

IFA

Inter Atlanta FC

Inter Connecticut FC

Ironbound SC

James Island Youth SC

Keystone FC

Lanier Soccer Academy

Naples United FC

NEFC

NJ14 Soccer Club

NY Rush

Palm Beach Kicks

Rhode Island Surf

Roswell Santos Soccer Club

Roswell Soccer Club

Rush NY - Albany

Seacoast United Maine SC

Seacoast United Massachusetts

Southern Soccer Academy

Sporting CT

Syracuse Development Academy (SDA)

TopHat

Tormenta FC

Triangle United

Wake FC

West Florida Flames

Western New York Flash

Weston FC

Parent Questions About DPL

Compare Similar Leagues

National Academy League

EDP Soccer

ECNL RL Boys

New England Club Soccer League

Is your club in DPL?