CHARLESTON, S.C. (Feb. 27, 2026) – US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer are proud to announce the first round of league operators of a new competition, beginning with the 2026-27 season, that serves as the top team-based league of both organizations. This new league, temporarily referred to as “NewComp,” will bring together the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and National League, 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). Qualification will include the top-performing teams from this competition, along with selected ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) teams, creating a highly competitive and meaningful postseason event. The existing postseason structures within the ECNL and ECNL RL will remain, and this new additional postseason pathway will further strengthen and integrate the competitive pyramid while adding opportunity. The combination of postseason pathways will offer best-in-class college scouting opportunities and event experience for families. More information about the playoff structure will be announced next week.

The new competition will consist of eight conferences – Northwest, West, Central, South, Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast – with multiple districts in each conference and those districts advancing teams to the postseason. The first round of operators is as follows in alphabetical order, and the remaining operators will be announced in the coming weeks:

• Arizona Youth Soccer (West Districts 2-3)
• Carolina Premier Soccer League (Mid-Atlantic District 3)
• Colorado Soccer Association (West District 1)
• El Paso Premier League (South District 4)
• Elite Development Program (Northeast Districts 1-4)
• Florida Club Leagues (Southeast District 2)
• Great Lakes Alliance (Midwest District 1)
• Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (Midwest District 5)
• Mid-Atlantic Premier League (Northeast District 3)
• NorCal Premier Soccer (West District 4)
• Northern Illinois Soccer League (Midwest District 4)
• SOCAL Soccer League (West District 3)
• Southeastern Clubs Champions League (Southeast District 1)
• Texas Club Soccer League (South District 2)
• Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (Central District 1)
• Virginia Premier Soccer League & National Capital Soccer League (co-operated; Mid-Atlantic District 2)
• Washington Premier League (Northwest District 3)

A breakdown of the conferences, league operators and districts is available here. Additional operators will contribute to the eight conferences on a to-be-announced district-by-district approach. By layering districts into each conference, the new competition reaches more players and reduces travel burdens for families. Leagues that wish to apply for open districts may do so via this application. League operators will meet next month in Atlanta with team registration opening early April.

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.