US CLUB SOCCER

NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE

WHAT IS NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE?

National 1 League is a new competition resulting from bringing together US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League, beginning with the 2026-27 season. The new league ushers in an era of collaboration in youth soccer that benefits players and families across the country.

 

The National 1 League’s inaugural season will be capped in summer 2027 at the ECNL Conference League Playoffs and Finals, as district qualifiers from this competition and the ECNL Regional League compete for championships.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“National 1 aligns with the broader goals of the U.S. Soccer Pathway Strategy. The work to connect pathways into the National 1 League begins now. Our team will partner with selected operators and the respective state associations across the country to develop district-level pathways that are more inclusive and easier for players and parents to understand. The goal is not to disrupt local leagues, but to connect them into a clearer national structure. This work will take time, but we are committed to building it thoughtfully. Access to National 1 League will not be tied to whether leagues, teams or players are registered with US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer.”

“An extraordinary amount of diligence and care are being put into the creation of this new competition. US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer and the ECNL are all working to provide a league platform that welcomes more players, minimizes travel, connects above and below in the current pathways structure, and is true to its name of elevating the best teams in the country.”

“The new ECNL Conference League Playoffs, and the new competition pathway with US Club Soccer and USYS, will recognize and reward top performing teams at all levels of the pyramid, in a logical and transparent pathway.”

“We are committed to a competitive structure defined by clear standards, consistent accountability and expanded opportunity for players.”

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