In the United States, high school soccer season stands out as one of the most thrilling periods for players and fans alike.
It shares a certain excitement with the enthusiasm seen in other countries for professional leagues.
Much like the widespread awareness of the start date and anticipation for initial matches in those leagues, high school soccer enthusiasts eagerly await the beginning of the season and keep a keen eye on the upcoming key games in the soccer schedule.
High school players eagerly look forward to the approaching soccer season with great excitement.
In many high schools nowadays, the soccer team takes center stage in various school activities, and for the students involved, soccer is everything—much like a global phenomenon.
The seriousness with which soccer is taken at this level in America is evident as players begin their preparations well in advance of the season kick-off. Moreover, it doesn’t just captivate the players; it provides excellent entertainment for fellow students and staff.
It even sparks the aspirations of those dreaming of being ‘Cheerleaders,’ who enthusiastically grab their pom-poms and start coordinating dance routines.
Without a doubt, high school soccer is a significant event in the United States, drawing crowds that could rival some lower-league professional games worldwide.
Understanding when the season starts becomes crucial in appreciating the magnitude of this cultural phenomenon.
In this article, I aim to share with you:
- The starting point of a high school soccer season
- Three exceptions among southern states – California, Texas, and Florida
- The duration of a high school soccer season
- States with different schedules
- A comparison between the high school soccer season and a professional soccer season
- Tips on preparing for the upcoming season
When Does High School Soccer Season Start In the USA?
In most US states, high school soccer season happens in the ‘Fall,’ which corresponds to ‘autumn’ for international readers. Although the specific dates can change each year, it generally spans from September through December.
For our readers seeking detailed information on ‘Fall’ in the US for 2022, we recommend checking out this helpful article.
Interestingly, the high school soccer season in the United States often starts in August, even before the official fall period.
It normally kicks off in tandem with the beginning of the school year, and this date can vary widely across the 50+ states.
While the majority of states commence their high school soccer season in August/September and wrap it up in November, some states have unique schedules, commencing their soccer season in winter or spring.
High School Soccer Season & Its Popularity
Even though soccer’s roots are in Europe, the game is gaining immense popularity in the United States, especially among the younger generation.
At the youth level, the U.S. boasts over 4 million players, surpassing any other country globally.
Let’s go deeper into the significance of the high school soccer season in the United States.
High school soccer season and how it is organized
High school sporting events in the United States are managed with great seriousness. The scheduling falls under the purview of high school athletics associations, and each association holds the responsibility of determining the season’s schedule.
What decides the schedule for the high school soccer season?
The high school athletic association considers several factors when scheduling the high school soccer season:
- Historical tradition.
- Weather conditions (with southern states being more flexible in this regard).
- The popularity of various sports in each state.
- A balanced utilization of sports facilities.
When does the high school soccer season occur during the year?
The high school soccer season typically takes place in the fall. In the majority of states in the United States, the season begins in late summer or early fall, aligning with the academic school year.
The specific months can vary, but they commonly span from September through November.
However, it’s important to note that variations exist, and some states may have exceptions, with high school soccer seasons starting in winter or spring instead.
High schools, across the 50 states, divide their school year and the soccer season into three different periods:
- The Fall high school soccer season starts at the beginning of the school year, normally in late August or early September, and concludes in November.
- The Winter high school soccer season spans from November to February.
- The Spring high school soccer season extends from early March to the end of the school year, which is typically late May or early June.
This scheduling allows for more even distribution of the sporting calendar based on the weather conditions in respective states.
It also facilitates schools in achieving a balanced utilization of their sports facilities.
While the high school soccer season is mostly associated with fall or autumn, ending before the colder winter conditions, exceptions do exist.
States With Different Schedules
High school soccer in certain southern states shifts to the winter season, mainly influenced by their climate.
The following states adopt this arrangement:
- California – The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) also designates soccer games for the winter season. The high school soccer season in California begins in November, with playoffs concluding in March. This timeline applies to both North and South California.
- Texas – Similar to Florida, soccer in Texas is categorized as a winter sport, but the playing dates differ. As per the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the Texas high school soccer season is slated to commence in early January, with the state finals scheduled for April.
- Florida – According to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the regular high school soccer season kicks off in November, aligning with the winter season, and concluding by the penultimate week of January. This schedule applies to both boys and girls.
Note: In certain states, variations can occur between boys’ and girls’ high school soccer seasons, with each played during different times of the year.
Boys usually play during the regular ‘Fall’ schedule, whereas the girls’ soccer season might be in the spring, starting from early March until late May or early June.
No matter when the high school soccer season begins, the games maintain a consistent duration: the last 80 minutes, divided into two equal halves of 40 minutes each, with a 10-minute halftime break.
How Long is High School Soccer Season?
High school soccer seasons generally span four months, corresponding to the particular season in which they take place, usually in the Fall.
Spring high school soccer season can be a bit shorter, mainly due to the summer holidays. While this is somewhat uncommon in boys’ soccer, it’s more prevalent in girls’ soccer.
The fixed duration of American high school seasons is linked to the length of the school year, divided into three distinct periods: Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
What to Do to Prepare for High School Soccer Season?
Let’s look into practical ways to get ready for the upcoming soccer season, whether you’re a parent assisting your child or a high school student looking to get a head start. Here are three helpful tips:
- Train and Prepare: The fundamental and crucial step is to engage in training and preparation. Running to maintain fitness and incorporating drills that enhance your form can be immensely beneficial. While long-distance running may not be ideal (as explained here), cycling proves to be an excellent alternative.Supplement your soccer training with other physical activities to create a well-rounded fitness routine.
Consider signing up for a personalized online fitness course, to receive tailored workouts that keep you in peak physical condition.
- Technical Soccer Drills: Depending on your position on the field, it’s essential to include technical drills into your routine. Soccer drills can improve your skills, and I’ve simplified your choices by compiling a list of some of the best soccer drills here.To gain a competitive edge, think about participating in an online soccer course. Such courses not only accelerate skill development but also instill the confidence needed to excel in the field.
- Psychological Preparation: Psychological preparation is equally crucial for the new season. Stay informed about your team and rivals by keeping up with the latest news. Watching games and clips online can improve your game perception and inspire you to try new strategies.The key is to commence the season well-prepared, both physically and mentally. Stay ahead by being proactive in your training, honing your skills, and understanding the strategic aspects of the game.
Difference Between High School Soccer Season & MLS Season
When we look at the high school soccer season and the difference from the professional Major League Soccer (MLS) season in the US, we notice some distinct differences, particularly in terms of scheduling.
The MLS season kicks off in late February or early March, depending on the calendar, and ends in October.
Postseason games start in October, leading to the MLS finals in December.
While, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) follows a somewhat similar schedule, starting its season in April instead of the earlier start in February or March, as seen in MLS.
One key reason behind these differences is that certain MLS and NWSL teams share stadiums with National Football League (NFL) teams, lacking their own dedicated venues.
This arrangement, however, means that these teams are heavily dependent on the NFL season and must carefully plan their matches to avoid conflicting with America’s most popular sport.
Interestingly, high school and college soccer matches attract considerably larger crowds in the US compared to other places.
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