How Player Cards Work in Florida.

(Including ECNL, MLS NEXT, USL Academy) 

If your child plays competitive youth soccer in Florida, understanding how player cards work is essential—especially if you’re considering clubs that participate in ECNL, MLS NEXT, or USL Academy. These leagues often operate outside traditional sanctioning bodies like FYSA or US Club Soccer and have unique registration rules.

What Is a Player Card? 

A player card is a form of registration that connects your child to a club under a specific league or governing body. Once carded:


  • Your child is tied to that club for the entire seasonal year (typically August 1 to July 31).
  • Switching clubs mid-season becomes complicated or even impossible without release or special approval.


When Am I Officially Committed? 

You’re typically committed when:


  • You sign a commitment letter or pay a deposit.
  • The club registers you with the league and the player card is processed.



Once this happens, you are financially and competitively tied to that club, even if the player stops participating.



Differences Between Leagues

01

ECNL (Elite Clubs National League)

  • Governed under US Club Soccer.
  • Once a player is carded to an ECNL club, they are locked in for the season.
  • You may not switch to another ECNL team mid-season.
  • Players can play in other US Club competitions, but cannot guest play for another ECNL team unless officially transferred.


02

MLS NEXT

  • Run directly by MLS, not US Youth Soccer or US Club.
  • Player registration is handled by the MLS NEXT platform, and player movement is tightly controlled.
  • Transfers mid-season are rare and require approval from MLS NEXT headquarters.
  • Even if you leave the club, you may not be able to join another MLS NEXT club until the following year.


03

USL Academy

  • Run by the United Soccer League.
  • Has its own registration system, separate from FYSA or US Club.
  • Rules vary by team, but in general, player movement is strictly controlled during the season.
  • Players may also be registered under US Club Soccer or USYS if they play in local leagues too.


04

FYSA (Florida Youth Soccer Association)

  • Traditional league in Florida under US Youth Soccer.
  • Once carded, your child can’t switch clubs without a formal release.
  • Many local clubs (outside of ECNL, MLS NEXT) operate under FYSA.


04

US Club Soccer (non-ECNL teams)

  • More flexible than FYSA.
  • Switching clubs may be easier if not in ECNL, especially between seasons.
  • Less paperwork for releases, but still controlled by club policy.


Do You Have to Pay the Full Year?

  • Yes, usually. Once carded, most clubs in Florida consider it a season-long financial commitment.
  • If you switch clubs or stop playing, refunds are rare.
  • Always ask before registering: When am I financially committed? When will the card be processed?


Switching Clubs Between Leagues

  • FYSA to ECNL or US Club Soccer: Usually allowed but requires a new player card. No formal release needed, but league schedules may overlap.
  • ECNL to ECNL or MLS NEXT to MLS NEXT: Transfers are tightly controlled. You’ll need league approval and can’t always move mid-season.
  • USL Academy to another USL team: Depends on the club and league; mid-season moves are rare.


Tips for Parents in Florida

  • Ask which league your child’s team will compete in.
  • Get clarity on carding date and financial obligations.
  • Understand your child’s mobility options if you’re not 100% committed.
  • Remember: elite leagues have stricter rules. Once you’re in, you’re likely in for the season.