United Soccer Leagues
Founded in 1986, United Soccer Leagues has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans, and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada, and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (USL Super Y-League/USL Super-20 League), continuing up through the amateur level (USL Premier Development League/USL W-League) and on up to the professional level (USL First Division/USL Second Division). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.
USL First DivisionUSL’s highest level of men’s professional soccer in the US, Canada and the Caribbean, the USL First Division features world-class players from over 35 countries. The 2009 campaign for USL-1 features teams in 11 major markets, each playing 30 regular season matches, 15 home and 15 away. USL-1 clubs also compete in premier domestic and international tournaments and exhibitions such as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, Nutrilite Canadian Championship and Caribbean Championship. Through an exclusive television partnership with Fox Soccer Channel featuring the USL First Division match of the week every Friday night and USL Live, the official broadband network of USL, which broadcasts all USL First Division regular season matches - the USL First Division reaches millions of fans each year.
USL Second DivisionThe proving grounds of men’s professional soccer in the United States and Caribbean, the USL Second Division features future stars and elite players from all over the world aspiring to play at the highest level in North America and abroad. The 2009 campaign features a nine team format playing a regional schedule consisting of 20 regular season matches, 10 home and 10 away. In addition to league play, USL Second Division teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various domestic and international exhibitions. The USL Second Division is the first step in ascent to stardom for many players across North America.
USL Premier Development LeagueThe top U23 men’s league in North America, the USL Premier Development League (PDL) features 68 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away. The PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing around the world.
USL W-LeagueThe first and longest-standing women’s league in North America, the W-League is USL’s highest level of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The 2009 USL W-League campaign features 37 teams in four regional conferences playing 12 or 14 regular season matches. In addition to featuring international and professional stars, elite amateur players have the opportunity to compete on amateur teams in the league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America.
USL Super-20 LeagueAs the only U20 men’s and women’s North American amateur league, the USL Super-20 League provides the platform for top 17-20 year olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level. While serving as a reserve team system for many W-League and Premier Development League teams, the USL Super-20 League features teams competing in four regional conferences, consisting of 8-10 regular season matches throughout the summer months.
USL Super Y-LeagueFounded in 1999, the Super Y-League is dedicated to the progression of future professional players. Averaging 700 teams since 2004, the Super Y-League has steered the course for development of elite clubs, players, and coaches. Affiliated with US Soccer, the Super Y-League ODP Program has opened countless doors for players to be identified for U.S. National Team Programs. The Super Y-League contains the youth academies of Major League Soccer clubs, USL First Division clubs, USL Second Division clubs, Premier Development League and W-League clubs. The league also serves clubs looking to develop the game from the ground up. Top youth academies such as the Chicago Magic, Mass Premier Soccer and Schulz Academy have been members of the league for several seasons. USL’s Super Y-League has revolutionized youth player development in North America.
