Long Island has one of the most competitive youth soccer ecosystems in the country. With 97 LIJSL member clubs, thousands of travel teams, and programs ranging from recreational to MLS NEXT, finding the right fit for your child can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before making a decision.
Before exploring travel clubs, make sure travel soccer is actually the right move. Recreational soccer is town-based, low-cost, and focused on fun and fundamentals. Games are local, schedules are manageable, and no tryout is required. It's the right choice for most kids under 10, new players at any age, and families with schedule or budget constraints.
Travel soccer is a significant step up in commitment. Your child will tryout for a team, train with a licensed coach multiple times per week, and compete against clubs from across Long Island and neighboring states. It's the right choice when your child is showing real passion for the game, has outgrown their rec program, and your family has the schedule and budget to support it.
Key signal: If your child is consistently the most advanced player in their rec program and is asking to play more, travel soccer is probably the right next step. If they're still learning to love the game, another season of rec may serve them better.
The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is the governing body for youth travel soccer on Long Island. Established in 1966, it now serves over 60,000 players across 97 member clubs and 3,500+ teams. Nearly every travel club on Long Island competes under LIJSL.
LIJSL is affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and US Youth Soccer. The league runs fall and spring travel seasons, InterLeague programs for intermediate players, and partners with the New York Red Bulls for elite player development pathways.
Within LIJSL, clubs compete in divisions based on skill level. The top teams compete in premier divisions and may also participate in ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) or MLS NEXT — the highest levels of youth soccer in the US.
Long Island travel soccer has distinct tiers. Understanding where your child fits saves frustration on both ends.
Cost is one of the biggest factors families underestimate. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Expense | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Club registration fee | $800 – $2,500/yr | Varies widely by club and level |
| Uniform kit | $150 – $300 | Usually required every 2 years |
| Cleats | $60 – $150 | Replace yearly as kids grow |
| Training gear | $100 – $200 | Balls, bags, shin guards, socks |
| Tournament fees | $200 – $600/yr | Some clubs include, others charge separately |
| Travel costs | $200 – $1,000+/yr | Hotels if out-of-state tournaments |
| Total (mid-level) | $1,500 – $3,500/yr | Plan for the upper end |
Find youth soccer cleats, training balls, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves, and bags on Amazon — everything your player needs at every price point.
Shop Soccer Gear on Amazon →Missing tryout season is one of the most common mistakes new travel families make. Here's the LI travel soccer calendar:
Pro tip: Register for tryouts in advance — most clubs require pre-registration and close the list early. Follow clubs on Instagram and check their websites starting in April. By the time tryout dates are posted publicly, spots fill up within days.
Once you've narrowed down a few clubs that match your child's level and your budget, here's how to evaluate them:
Most clubs allow parents to observe. Watch how coaches interact with players. Are they teaching, or just yelling? Is every player engaged, or are some standing around? Does the environment feel positive and developmental?
The best signal about a club is what current parents say when no one from the club is listening. Find parents at games or practice and ask directly: what do you love, what frustrates you, would you do it again?
One of the most common mistakes: parents push for the highest-level club when a slightly lower level would give their child more playing time, more confidence, and more actual development. A kid who plays 80 minutes per game at a mid-level club will often develop faster than one who sits the bench at an elite club.
🚩 No clear pricing up front. Legitimate clubs publish their fees. If a coach is vague about total cost, expect hidden charges.
🚩 Guaranteed roster spots before tryouts. Real clubs evaluate. Anyone promising your child a spot sight-unseen is collecting fees, not building a team.
🚩 Coaches who dismiss your questions. Good coaches welcome informed parents. Dismissiveness is a culture red flag.
🚩 No licensed coaching staff. Ask if coaches hold USSF licenses (E, D, or C License). Unlicensed coaching at the travel level is a concern.
🚩 High turnover in players or coaches. If the same club loses half its roster every year, ask why.
Long Island has dozens of excellent clubs across all levels. A few well-known names:
Browse the full list of Long Island soccer clubs on our Soccer Directory →
The best travel soccer club for your child is the one where they're challenged, growing, enjoying the game, and playing meaningful minutes. Level up when they're ready — not before. The journey from rec soccer to college is long, and burnout is real. Protect your child's love of the game first.
Have questions about a specific club or program on Long Island? Submit a listing or reach out at [email protected].