Fastest Growing League: From Youth to Division 1
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in North America, offering a complete development pathway for both men and women-from youth soccer all the way to the professional ranks.
The USL’s ecosystem is unique in American soccer, as it provides a seamless, club-centric progression for players at every stage of their journey. As illustrated in this table, there are eight main components of the USL, spanning from youth to Division 1.
This is the only soccer organization in the U.S. to offer a comprehensive, club-centric pathway from youth to Division 1 professional soccer for both men and women. This structure allows players to develop, compete, and advance within a unified system, regardless of where they start their journey.
A Quick Breakdown
- USL Division One (Coming Soon!)
- Level: Professional, Division I (men)
- Purpose: Launching in 2027–28, this new league will be sanctioned as the highest level of professional soccer in the U.S. outside of MLS. It will complete the USL’s three-tier professional structure, offering top-tier competition and expanding access to elite soccer in more communities.
- USL Super Y League
- Level: National youth platform
- Purpose: Provides competitive league play for youth players, serving as an entry point into the USL system and a foundation for future development.
- Level: Elite youth development
- Purpose: Bridges the gap between youth and professional soccer, allowing top youth players to train and compete alongside older, more experienced players. Many USL Academy players have progressed to sign professional contracts with USL clubs.
- USL Academy Cup
- Level: Youth competition
- Purpose: A national tournament that brings together top USL Academy teams for high-level competition and exposure, further integrating youth talent into the USL pathway.
- Level: Pre-professional (men)
- Purpose: The leading pre-professional league in North America, primarily for college-aged players maintaining NCAA eligibility. It serves as a proving ground for players aspiring to move into the professional ranks.
- Level: Pre-professional (women)
- Purpose: Offers a similar pre-professional platform for women, developing the next generation of female talent and providing a stepping stone to the professional game.
- Level: Professional, Division III (men)
- Purpose: The third division of professional soccer in the U.S., designed to bring pro soccer to new markets and foster local talent. Clubs in League One often serve as a launchpad for players moving up the professional ladder.
- Level: Professional, Division II (men)
- Purpose: The USL’s flagship men’s league and one of the most successful Division II leagues globally. It features 24 clubs and is a primary destination for top professional talent outside of MLS.
US Soccer Pyramid
The USL is an important part of the US Soccer Pyramid; it participates in all layers. Want to learn more?
