Eight years ago, when I moved back to San Diego, I needed to find a recreation soccer league for my daughter. The amount of options seemed a little overwhelming. There was no one source that I could see most, if not all, the youth soccer leagues near me, in Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, and surrounding North County San Diego cities.

Just like I did with the page on rec basketball leagues, I thought it'd be helpful to put one together for soccer. Hopefully it helps save you a little time. 

North County offers an incredible variety of youth recreational soccer leagues for kindergarten through 6th grade (ages 4–12). Whether your child is just starting or looking for a fun, non-competitive team, there’s a program to match every family's needs.

From city-run parks and rec leagues to club-operated recreational programs and flexible private leagues, this guide covers the best options by geography — so you can quickly find a soccer league near you!

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Youth Soccer in Carlsbad

City SC Carlsbad Recreational Soccer

• Ages: 3–18 (strong K–6th participation)

• Format: Volunteer-coached teams, small-sided games, 1–2 practices/week, Saturday games

• Focus: Skill development, teamwork, fun-first environment

• More Info: City SC Carlsbad Rec Program

Carlsbad Rec Soccer (Independent)

• Ages: Elementary focus (~4–12)

• Format: Professional and volunteer-coached practices, games on Saturdays, low weekly commitment

• Focus: Fun, fundamentals, beginner-friendly

• More Info: Carlsbad Rec Soccer Website

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Youth Soccer in Encinitas & Cardiff

Encinitas Express Recreational Soccer

• Ages: Primarily K–6th (ages 5–12)

• Format: Volunteer-coached teams, 1–2 practices/week, Saturday games

• Focus: Player development, community fun, club-supported

• More Info: Encinitas Express Rec Soccer

YMCA Soccer (Magdalena Ecke YMCA)

• Ages: 4–12

• Format: 1 practice/week + Saturday games, coed teams, short seasonal sessions

• Focus: Skill-building, sportsmanship, convenient schedules

• More Info: YMCA Encinitas Soccer Programs

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Youth Soccer in Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and Solana Beach

Legends FC San Diego (formerly Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks Recreational Soccer)

• Ages: 5–12

• Format: Volunteer parent-coached teams, practices 1–2 times/week, weekend games

• Focus: Inclusive community soccer with club resources

• More Info: Legends FC San Diego Rec Soccer

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Youth Soccer in San Marcos & San Elijo Hills

AYSO Region 127 – San Marcos

• Ages: 4–18 (focus on K–6th)

• Format: Volunteer-coached, 1–2 practices/week, Saturday games, small-sided formats

• Focus: Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship

• More Info: San Marcos AYSO Region 127

AYSO Region 1505 – San Elijo Hills

• Ages: 4–18 (focus on K–6th)

• Format: Volunteer-run league, practices and games in San Elijo Hills

• Focus: Community spirit, skill-building, family involvement

• More Info: San Elijo Hills AYSO 1505

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Youth Soccer in Vista

Vista Storm Soccer Club

• Ages: 4–18 (rec focus on 4–12)

• Format: Parent-volunteer coached, practices/games in Vista, Fall and Spring leagues

• Focus: Skill development, community soccer

• More Info: Vista Storm Soccer Rec Program

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Youth Soccer in Oceanside

Oceanside Breakers Recreational Soccer

• Ages: 4–18 (focus on 4–12)

• Format: Structured rec league, practices once or twice a week, Saturday games

• Focus: Affordable, inclusive fun-first soccer

• More Info: Oceanside Breakers Soccer

YMCA Soccer (Mottino YMCA)

• Ages: 6–11

• Format: 1 practice/week + Saturday game, coed teams

• Focus: Positive sportsmanship, low-pressure, convenient format

• More Info: YMCA Oceanside Soccer Programs

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Flexible Soccer Programs (Multiple Locations)

i9 Sports – North County Coastal Soccer

• Ages: 3–14

• Format: 1 day per week (practice + game combined), seasonal sessions year-round

• Focus: Fun, low-pressure, great for busy families

• More Info: i9 Sports Soccer Programs

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How to Choose the Right Youth Soccer Program for Your Family

Every child is different — and North County San Diego offers something for everyone.

When picking the best soccer program, consider:

• Location: Practices and games close to home make a huge difference

• Schedule: Some leagues offer weekday practices + weekend games; others are all-in-one-day formats

• Focus: Is your child looking for structured development, pure fun, or flexibility?

• Community: Some leagues (AYSO, YMCA) are very community-driven with lots of parent involvement.

Whatever you choose, the priority is simple: keep soccer fun and build a lifelong love for the game.

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Ready to Get Started?

Many of the programs listed above have Fall registration opening now.
Browse the links for your city, find your child's age group, and sign up early — leagues often fill up fast!

Stay tuned — we’ll continue updating this guide as new programs and seasonal leagues are announced across North County.

Let’s kick off a great soccer season together!