Is Your State Soccer Association Becoming Part of U.S. Soccer?

Fourteen state soccer associations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. Soccer. The agreement lets them plan how they could become U.S. Soccer "local offices." It's the next step in the bigger change we covered in August, when US Youth Soccer members voted on joining U.S. Soccer.

What was signed

Oregon Youth Soccer says it is "one of the initial 14 State Associations" to sign. Cal North and Cal South have also announced MOUs. The full list of 14 hasn't been published yet.

Cal North says the MOU "begins detailed evaluation, design, and planning" and lets the association study "services, staffing, finances, and governance."

What changes now

Nothing, for this season. Oregon says "there are no immediate changes to your club registration, your competitions, your programs, or any of your existing relationships." Cal North says the MOU "does not itself complete integration; any transition would require further agreements and necessary approvals."

What could change later

If a state goes ahead:

• Its staff "would become U.S. Soccer employees," according to Cal North.
• Its board "would evolve into a State Soccer Council." U.S. Soccer says these councils would "help shape priorities, build partnerships, and review progress," while U.S. Soccer "will hold operating responsibility."

U.S. Soccer's overview says the goal is "for families to carry less of the cost." The ideas it lists include:

• sharing technology, registration, insurance and administrative support
• less unnecessary travel
• more low-cost programs and fields close to home, through partnerships with schools and parks

What we don't know yet

• Which 14 states signed.
• When any change would happen. U.S. Soccer describes "phased implementation based on each state's circumstances and readiness."
• Whether members get a vote. None of the announcements mentions one.
• What it would mean for states that haven't signed.

What parents can do

You don't need to do anything right now. Registration, leagues and state cup carry on as usual this season. Cal North says members can expect "increased engagement" from both the state association and U.S. Soccer in the coming months. If your state has signed, watch for its updates and share your input when it asks. We'll report the next step when there's real news.

Keep Going

Sources

• Cal North: Member Update, Our MOU with U.S. Soccer Cal North's Nov. 10, 2026 update to members on what the MOU does and doesn't do.
• U.S. Soccer: Our Local Strategy (Overview, November 2026) U.S. Soccer's plan for local offices and State Soccer Councils, hosted by Cal North.
• Oregon Youth Soccer: Helping Shape the Future of U.S. Soccer Oregon's Nov. 6, 2026 announcement that it is one of the initial 14.
• U.S. Soccer: Pathways Strategy U.S. Soccer's wider plan for how players move through the game.