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Information for 2025-2026

For information about The National League and its competitions for the upcoming 2025-2026 seasonal year, click the button below to access an information guide.

2025-2026 Information Guide

League Play

The National League operates three tiers of league competition, with options for both club-based and team-based leagues in the 13U-19U age groups. Additionally, National League Futures programming is available to the 9U-12U age groups.

Club – Premier 1

Highest level of club-centric programming (i.e., Each club has a team in 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U & 19U age groups)
Geographically-based divisions
Yearly club evaluation and hosting standards
Qualification for the National League Cup (postseason competition, beginning 2025-26 season)
Pathway to the USYS National Championships

Team – Premier 1

Highest level of team-centric programming
Geographically-based divisions
Promotion and relegation between tiers, if applicable
Qualification for the National League Cup (postseason competition, beginning 2025-26 season)
Pathway to the USYS National Championships

Club – Premier 2

Second level of club-centric programming (i.e., Each club has a team in 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U & 19U age groups)
Geographically-based divisions
Yearly club evaluation and hosting standards (for promotion into Tier 1)
Eligible to apply for winter events
Opportunity for cross-divisional events

Team – Premier 2

Second level of team-centric programming
Geographically-based divisions
Promotion and relegation between tiers, if applicable
Eligible to apply for winter events

National League Qualifiers

Ability to offer team-based and/or club-based programming within a state or other limited geographic area
Alignment of standards and rules to National League
Opportunity for states to rebrand/create sanctioned leagues as National League Qualifiers
Promotion and relegation between tiers, if applicable

If a State Association/League is interested in becoming a National League Qualifier, reach out to nationalleague@usyouthsoccer.org.

Futures

Programming for 9U-12U players

Strong emphasis on fun, localized league play
Maximize participation and inter-club collaboration
Alignment of standards and rules promoting the developmental needs of National League Futures players
Opportunity for current leagues to rebrand 9U-12U divisions as National League Futures
Opportunities for in-state or cross-state events/festivals with common branding
Club performance in National League Futures provides evaluation for appropriate placement into National League Tier 1, 2 or 3 for 13U age group

If a State Association/League is interested in becoming a National League Futures league, reach out to nationalleague@usyouthsoccer.org.

National Events

2024-2025 EVENT Format

League competitions have connectivity to National League national events, which present teams with unique matchups, meaningful games and college exposure in an exciting environment. All national events provide attending teams with advancement opportunities, eventually leading to the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.