Comparing ECNL, ECNL Regional League,
MLS NEXT, and USL Academy
Youth soccer in the U.S. offers several top-tier leagues for competitive players. Each pathway offers different experiences, goals, and benefits. Here’s a detailed comparison to help families understand the differences and choose what fits best:
League Overviews
ECNL
A national league focused on player development and college exposure through elite-level club competition.
ECNL RL
A second-tier league within the ECNL platform, offering a strong competitive environment and a pathway into the ECNL.
MLS NEXT
A league run by Major League Soccer, designed as a direct path to professional soccer with pro-style training and national competition.
USL Academy
A league operated by United Soccer League (USL), blending high-level youth development with a pathway to professional USL teams while maintaining college options.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ECNL | ECNL RL | MLS NEXT | USL Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Play | Elite National | High Regional | Elite National | High Regional/National |
| Age Groups | U13-U19 | U13-U19 | U13-U19 | U13-U20+ |
| Club Selection | Club-based, selective | Club-based, developmental | Team-based, MLS-affiliated or independent | Club-based, USL-affiliated or independent |
| Pathway Focus | College & ID exposure | Development & College exposure | Direct to Pro (MLS) | Hybrid: Pro & College |
| Showcases & Exposure | Strong (national events, college scouts) | Regional events, some crossover | National showcases (less college access) | National/Regional events, growing college presence |
| Travel Commitments | Moderate to High | Lower (regional only) | High (frequent national travel) | Moderate (varies by team) |
| Cost | Mid to High | Mid | Often free (if MLS-funded) | Varies (some free if affiliated) |
| Player Selection | Top players at top clubs | Competitive players on pathway to ECNL | Recruited elite-level players | Mix of elite & high-potential players |
| College Recruitment | Excellent | Good | Limited (more pro-focus) | Growing reputation |
| Pro Pathway | Indirect | Indirect | Direct pipeline to MLS | Direct pipeline to USL teams |
College Commitments Snapshot (Recent Trends)
| League | % of Players Advancing to College |
|---|---|
| ECNL | 90% of graduating players (many D1) |
| ECNL RL | 65%-75% (mix of D1, D2, D3, NAIA) |
| MLS NEXT | Lower %; more direct-to-pro pathways |
| USL Academy | Increasing numbers each year |
Which Path Is Right for Your Player?
- ECNL: Best for players aiming for college soccer, who want elite competition and exposure while maintaining school-life balance.
- ECNL RL: Great for players developing toward ECNL level or looking for high-level soccer without as much travel or cost.
- MLS NEXT: Ideal for players fully focused on a professional soccer career, especially those identified early by scouts or MLS clubs.
- USL Academy: A flexible option for serious players who want to keep both college and professional doors open, especially in communities with strong USL teams.
