Men's League System
In the United States, professional men's outdoor soccer leagues are ranked by the United States Soccer Federation into one of three divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Amateur soccer organizations are also recognized by the USSF, but individual amateur leagues are not. Currently the only adult amateur soccer organization recognized by U.S. Soccer is the USASA, although several other leagues operate independently under the USASA's umbrella.
Since 1996, Major League Soccer has been the only USSF Division I men's outdoor soccer league in the United States. The only currently recognized Division II men's outdoor soccer league is the North American Soccer League, a league that was formed in 2009 but did not debut until 2011 following the controversial 2010 season which saw neither the USL First Division nor the NASL receive Division II sanctioning from the USSF, resulting in the temporary USSF Division 2 Pro League. The only sanctioned Division III league is USL Pro, which is the result of the United Soccer Leagues' merger of the former USL First Division and USL Second Division.
The USSF does not officially recognize distinctions between amateur soccer leagues in the United States. However, the USASA sanctions affiliated, but separately run, "national" leagues that are recognized in practical terms as playing at a higher level than the USASA state association leagues; for example, they receive automatic berths to the US Open Cup.
The USL Premier Development League takes place during the summer months, and the player pool is drawn mainly from NCAA college soccer players seeking to continue playing high level soccer during their summer break, while still maintaining their college eligibility. The National Premier Soccer League is similar to the USL Premier Development League and also attracts top amateur talent from around the United States. The NPSL does not have any age limits or restrictions, thus incorporating both college players and former professional players alike.
Some or all of these leagues and organizations are also recognized by the Canadian Soccer Association or another governing body; however, the list below reflects the USSF designation.
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Tier |
League(s)/Division(s) |
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Sanctioned by USSF as Professional Leagues |
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USSF Division I |
Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference |
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USSF Division II |
North American Soccer League (NASL) |
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USSF Division III |
United Soccer Leagues Professional Division (USL Pro) |
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Sanctioned through Organization Members of USSF* |
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| 4* |
United Soccer Leagues Central Conference |
Affiliated through United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) | ||
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National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) 48 clubs (in 5 conferences) Northeastern Atlantic Conference |
Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) Premier Division |
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| 5* |
US Club Soccer (USCS) East Region |
United States Adult Soccer Association state leagues Region I |
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* The tiers or levels here are approximate and not specifically so designated by USSF.
Read more about this topic: United States Soccer League System
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