Los Angeles has a huge youth soccer scene—AYSO regions, city rec leagues, and top club pathways. Families use Griffith Park, Mar Vista Rec, and Balboa Sports Complex for practices. Short, at‑home ball‑mastery keeps confidence up between sessions.
West LA’s long‑running AYSO region with trained volunteers, balanced teams, and positive coaching.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Hollywood‑Wilshire region with divisions from early ages through teens and EPIC inclusive programs.
Ages: 4-18
Seasons: Fall & Spring
City‑run rec leagues and clinics at recreation centers across LA; beginner‑friendly and convenient.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Seasonal
ECNL and ECNL RL platforms with a development‑first pathway across greater LA.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: ECNL, ECNL RL, Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites
Westside LA club with college‑prep pathways and a strong girls program.
Ages: 7-19
Leagues: Girls Academy, NPL, Cal South
Fields: West LA / Santa Monica area fields
Technical development with multiple LA training hubs and tournament schedules.
Ages: 6-19
Leagues: SOCAL Soccer, Cal South
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griffith Park – Crystal Springs Soccer Fields | 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | multiple fields, parking, restrooms | Large field area in Griffith Park used for practices and weekend matches. |
| Mar Vista Recreation Center | 11430 Woodbine St, Los Angeles, CA 90066 | multi‑use fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Popular westside site for city rec programs and small‑group training. |
| Balboa Sports Complex (Encino) | 17015 Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA 91316 | soccer fields, lights, parking | Valley hub with multiple fields for practices, clinics, and rec games. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| LA Galaxy Youth Camps | Professional‑run camps across LA focusing on technical skills and gameplay. |
| LAFC Youth | Skills clinics and seasonal camps throughout the LA area. |
| UK International Soccer (LA) | Community camps partnering with local leagues; search by LA zip code. |
| Super Soccer Stars (LA) | Year‑round age‑based classes across Los Angeles neighborhoods. |
| Cal South State Cup (Regional) | Large SoCal tournament pathway for competitive teams. |
|---|
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
Find comprehensive youth sports guides for your area. Each guide includes local leagues, clubs, fields, camps, and resources to help your child succeed in their chosen sport.