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 Division
USL’s highest level of men’s professional soccer in the United States, Canada, and the Carribean, the USL First Division (USL-1) features world-class players from over 35 countries. The 2009 campaign for USL’s showcase league features teams in 11 major and mid-major markets playing 30 regular season matches, 15 home and 15 away. In addition to USL-1 league play, USL First Division clubs compete in premier domestic and international tournaments and exhibitions such as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, Nutrilite Canadian Championship, and Caribbean Championship. Through an exclusive television partnership with Fox Soccer Channel that features the USL First Division match of the week every Friday throughout the season and USL Live, the official broadband network of United Soccer Leagues that broadcasts all USL First Division regular season matches, the USL First Division reaches and attracts fans around the world.
USL Second Division
Professional soccer in the United States and Caribbean begins in the USL Second Division (USL-2). 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 9-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 gives players the opportunity to perform and excel at the professional level while entertaining fans within their community.
USL Premier Development League
The 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, 8 home and 8 away. Elite players have the ability to participate in the PDL throughout the summer months in a highly competitive setting while maintaining their collegiate 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 the source of many top players now plying their trade in USL-1, USL-2, and various leagues throughout the world.
USL W-LeagueThe original 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 the league featuring international and professional stars, elite collegiate players have the opportunity to also compete on amateur teams in the league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing elite competition for female players, while providing 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 (S-20) provides the platform for top 17-20 year olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level. While serving as 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-LeagueThe future of soccer lives in the USL Super Y-League (SYL), a professionalized youth academy system that is the first step for developing elite youth soccer players in North America. Affiliated with US Soccer, the league is designed for talented youth players destined for professional or international careers. The league contains the youth academies of USL First Division, USL Second Division, Premier Development League, W-League, and Major League Soccer clubs, as well as many of the established premier youth clubs. Through Olympic Development Program (ODP) status events such as the North American Finals and National ODP camps, the nation’s top players are identified for selection to U.S. National Team Programs. The 2009 campaign features over 550 teams within the U13-U17 boys and girls age groups competing within 10 geographic divisions of North America.
