In the United States, there are two main types of competitive youth soccer: select soccer and academy soccer. Both types of teams offer a high level of competition, but there are some key differences between the two.
Select Soccer teams are typically affiliated with a local club or recreation department. These teams typically compete in leagues that are organized by geographic region. Academy Soccer teams are typically affiliated with a professional soccer club. These teams often travel across the country to compete in tournaments and showcase events.
One key difference between select and academy soccer is the focus on player development. Academy programs place a greater emphasis on developing players for the professional ranks. As such, they often provide more opportunities for training and skill development. Select programs, on the other hand, tend to focus more on providing a fun and competitive environment for all players involved.
Another key difference between these two types of youth soccer is cost. Because academy programs require travel and often involve higher-level coaches, they can be quite expensive. Select programs, on the other hand, are typically much less expensive since they don't involve as many costs associated with travel and coaching expenses.