National 1 League
Vision
In alignment with the U.S. Soccer Pathways Strategy, beginning 2026-27, US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer are creating the top, team-based competition structure, by unifying US Club Soccer's National Premier Leagues (NPL) and US Youth Soccer's National League (NL).
This landmark partnership takes the first step in a broader effort to strengthen soccer competition platforms among national organizations and local/state leagues.
Pathway
The alignment of NPL and The NL to create a new competitive league brings together up to 10,000 teams and approximately 150,000 players. All teams will apply to be part of National 1 League in year one.
This provides more clarity to parents and players about their soccer environment, and it will help provide a better youth soccer experience by reducing confusion, reducing cost, reducing travel and helping to stop the fracturing in the youth soccer landscape. The intent of the league is to be inclusive of all teams that meet the standards.
The inaugural National 1 League season will end in Summer 2027 at the ECNL Conference League Playoffs. These playoffs, operated by ECNL, US Club Soccer’s top league, will combine the qualifying teams from the ECNL Regional League with National 1 League to form the top team-based league playoff competition in the country and offer best-in-class college scouting opportunities and event experience for families.
More information on the playoff structure will be announced through Spring 2026.
Colorado’s Role
There have been eight conferences created to align with planned U.S. Soccer’s talent identification models. There are 34 districts across these 8 conferences, with Colorado being one of those districts. Colorado Soccer Association was designated the league operator due to our experience running leagues, our league standard, and our knowledge of the soccer landscape.
Registration for National 1 League will open on April 20, 2026.
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