What Does “Play to Stay” Mean in Youth Soccer?
“Play to Stay” is a tournament policy that requires teams to book their accommodations through specific hotel partners chosen by the event organizer in order to be eligible to compete. This is common in national and regional tournaments across US Club Soccer, ECNL, MLS NEXT, FYSA, and others.
Why Do Tournaments Use
“Play to Stay”?
- Tournaments get financial incentives or discounts from partnering hotels in exchange for guaranteeing bookings.
- This helps organizers track rooming and justify facility use and tourism funding.
- It’s often mandatory — teams not complying may be disqualified or fined.
Does Every League or Tournament Require It?
| League/Tournament | Play to Stay Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Club Soccer | USYS National Series | Some flexibility for teams that live within driving range. |
| ECNL / ECNL-R | Yes, strictly enforced | Required booking through tournament portal. |
| MLS NEXT | Depends on event | Many showcase events have Play to Stay rules. |
| FYSA / State Cup | Sometimes, depending on host | Regional flexibility, but check per event. |
| USYS National Series | Yes | Highly regulated. |
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
- Team disqualification or removal from schedule
- Fines or lost registration fees
- Denial of future event entry
Some events allow exceptions (e.g., teams within 75 miles or with religious exemptions), but you must submit forms ahead of time.
Workarounds & Cost-Saving Tips for Parents
Even when some players are required to book through the “Play to Stay” system, there are usually loopholes and flexible options:
1. Airbnb & Shared Houses (For Non-Mandatory Players or Staff)
If only a minimum number of rooms need to be booked to fulfill the requirement, the rest of the families can:
- Rent Airbnbs or VRBO homes
- Share large homes with other families
- Organize team dinners and bonding nights in the home
Tip: Ask your team manager how many rooms need to be booked officially. Anything extra can usually be handled privately.
2. Van & Car Rental Sharing
- Coordinate van or SUV rentals among families
- Use apps like Turo for cheaper options
- Split gas and tolls among riders
- Avoid airport surcharges by renting in town
3. Grocery Runs Instead of Eating Out
- Stock up on groceries for breakfast & snacks
- Use Instacart or Amazon Fresh to deliver to hotel or Airbnb
- Team meal preps save money and keep kids healthy
4. Travel Apps & Group Discounts
- Use Group Travel apps (like HotelPlanner, GroupTravel.org)
- Book with AAA or travel team discounts
- Sign up for hotel rewards if not required to use a specific portal
5. Confirm Requirements Early
- Read the fine print of the tournament’s lodging rules
- Document everything — if you get approval for a waiver or partial stay, save it
- Ask the tournament director directly if you’re unsure — many are flexible if communicated early
Summary
Understanding “Play to Stay” helps you avoid costly mistakes — but also opens the door to planning smartly and saving money:
✔ Know the league/tournament rules
✔ Book only what’s required
✔ Coordinate as a team to reduce costs
✔ Use workarounds like Airbnbs and shared vans when possible
