Play — Cal South

PLAY

From a first rec match on Saturday morning to the road through PRO+ ODP — find your place in Southern California soccer.

Two ways to play

Both run through Cal South-affiliated clubs. Most players start in one lane; some move between them as they grow. If you're not sure which fits, start with a rec club near you — moving up later is normal.

Recreational & community

Local, seasonal, built for kids playing for the first time.

Competitive & pathway

Club soccer, sanctioned tournaments, the national pathway.

Common questions

My child has never played. Where do we start?

Start with a recreational club near you — no tryout, open registration, and built for first-time players. Use "Find a club or league" above and filter by your child's birth year.

What's the difference between rec and competitive?

Rec is local, low-commitment and seasonal. Competitive involves tryouts, more travel, and a longer season, and generally costs more. Many families start in rec and move up if their child wants more.

What does registration cost?

Cost is set by the individual club, not by Cal South, so it varies by location and level. Contact the club directly for their current fees.

We're moving from another state. Do we need to re-register?

Yes — your player registers with a new club here, and in most cases a same-season transfer is straightforward. Your new club's registrar can walk you through it.

More for players & families