Reviving this old thread because we are new to travel soccer and confused about the leagues. It seems like NCSL is very large and CCL is comparatively very small. It sounds like a lot of clubs left CCL for NCSL in the past couple of years?

Based on posts here it sounds like there are not "supposed" to be divisions based on ability at the younger ages for NCSL, but I noticed that for fall 2022 clubs' top teams tend to be in divisions named after letters early in the alphabet (e.g. division C) and lower teams from the same club are named after letters later in the alphabet (e.g. division P). So it seems like there is some grouping by ability/competitiveness? Is a lower (later in the alphabet) division in NCSL considered "better" than any team in CCL at this point?

Our son is starting travel soccer in the fall and we have to order the uniform kit. I feel silly asking people in real life, so here I am. He is tall and skinny and Adidas sizing has always been tough for him. I think the uniform kit will be used for 1 more year after this upcoming year. Should we go ahead and get the larger size, even if it's a little baggy initially? I'd rather not have to buy another kit in a year when he is even taller, but wasn't sure if soccer uniforms are supposed to be very fitted/not baggy. Can you tell I never played?

I also see some optional gear listed. Will most kids have 1 or 2 of these pieces? I am especially curious about the backpack. Is it worth spending the money on this, or will most kids starting travel soccer just have a generic backpack? I want him to fit in with the team so we will do whatever is the norm, but also concerned about spending so much money on customized gear if he ends up wanting to switch clubs or something. Thanks!