Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, United Soccer Leagues has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (USL Super Y-League/USL Super-20 League), continuing through the amateur level (USL Premier Development League/USL W-League) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USL PRO, I-League). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.
USL PRO
The strongest professional soccer league in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean outside of Major League Soccer, USL PRO is a national league featuring a regional competition model to build natural rivalries. USL PRO will help to ensure the long-term stability of professional soccer in North America while featuring future stars and elite players from throughout the world. In addition to league play, USL PRO teams will compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various domestic and international exhibitions. USL PRO is affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation.
USL I-League
The I-League is a national indoor soccer league that features an economically viable model for team owners. Set to debut in 2011, the I-League will offer high-level professional indoor soccer in regionalized divisions. The launch of the I-League is the initial phase of USL’s efforts to build the soccer pyramid to meet the growing demands of the indoor game.
USL Premier Development League
The top U23 men’s league in North America, the USL Premier Development League (PDL) features 64 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.
USL W-League
The first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, the W-League is USL’s highest level of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The 2011 USL W-League campaign will feature 27 teams in three regional conferences playing 10 or 12 regular season matches. In addition to featuring international and professional stars, elite amateur players have the opportunity to compete on amateur teams in the league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America.
USL Super-20 League
As the only U20 men’s and women’s North American amateur league, the USL Super-20 League provides the platform for top 17- to 20-year-olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level. While serving as a reserve team system for many W-League and Premier Development League teams, the USL Super-20 League features teams competing in regional divisions, consisting of 8-10 regular season matches throughout the summer months.
USL Super Y-League
Founded in 1999, the Super Y-League is dedicated to the progression of future professional players. Averaging 700 teams since 2004, the Super Y-League has steered the course for development of elite clubs, players, and coaches. Affiliated with U.S. Soccer, the Super Y-League ODP Program has opened countless doors for players to be identified for U.S. National Team programs. The Super Y-League contains the youth academies of Major League Soccer clubs, USL PRO clubs, Premier Development League and W-League clubs. The league also serves clubs looking to develop the game from the ground up. Top youth academies such as the Chicago Magic, Mass Premier Soccer and TSF Academy have been members of the league for several seasons. USL’s Super Y-League has revolutionized youth player development in North America.
