National 1 League is the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, elevating teams across the country into a unified national platform integrated with the ECNL. The new event, formerly/temporarily referred to as “NewComp”, is the result of bringing together US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League. Beginning with the 2026-27 season, the new league ushers in an era of collaboration in youth soccer that benefits players and families across the country.
National 1 League Regional Format
US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer are proud to announce all league operators of its new competition, beginning with the 2026-27 season, that serves as the top team-based league of both organizations. This new league brings together the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and USYS National League (NL), ushering in a new era of collaboration in the youth soccer ecosystem and serving 10,000 teams and more than 150,000 players.
The competition’s inaugural season will be capped in summer 2027, as part of a postseason structure operated by the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). The recently announced ECNL Conference League Playoffs will welcome the top-performing teams from this competition, along with selected ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) teams.
Eight conferences comprise the new competition with multiple districts in each conference and those districts advancing teams to the ECNL Conference League Playoffs. The complete list is now available here.
MYSA Announced as Central District 2 Operator
“National 1 League aligns with the broader goals of the U.S. Soccer Pathway Strategy. The work to connect pathways into National 1 League begins now,” said commissioner Marc Frankland. “Our team will partner with selected operators and the respective state associations across the country to develop district-level pathways that are more inclusive and easier for players and parents to understand. The goal is not to disrupt local leagues, but to connect them into a clearer national structure. This work will take time, but we are committed to building it thoughtfully. Access to National 1 League will not be tied to whether leagues, teams or players are registered with US Youth Soccer or US Club Soccer.”
League operators were selected based on their commitment to access and inclusivity, quality competition and player-first decision-making across all districts. A breakdown of the conferences, league operators and districts is available here. By layering districts into each conference, the new competition reaches more players and reduces travel burdens for families. League operators will meet at the end of the month in Atlanta to collaborate further. Team registration opens next month.
More information about the league, including FAQs, is available here. Information will be continually added / announced over the next several months as things develop. So stay tuned!
ABOUT ECNL
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform for America’s top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.
ABOUT US YOUTH SOCCER
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers 2.68 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.
ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.
Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.
US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Gatorade and Siete Foods.