U.S. Soccer and our members are committed to growing participation and providing the best experiences to participants at all levels. U.S. Soccer has a number of initiatives focused on supporting the growth of soccer in America, and is constantly listening and learning on how to best support those bringing soccer to life all across the country.
We’ve gotten very clear feedback: members need the flexibility to organize their player registration calendar based on what will best support soccer in their environment and communities. U.S. Soccer members want more kids to experience the joy of soccer — and to offer the optimal opportunity for each player’s desired development.
Starting in the fall of 2026, members and leagues will have reasonable flexibility to choose the best registration option for their participants.
U.S. Soccer conducted a survey with members, leagues, and clubs, while also gathering formal feedback from the broader ecosystem. We received over 15,000 responses from members, leagues, clubs, coaches, families, and participants. A special thank you to US Club, USYS, AYSO, SAY Soccer, the State Associations, Girls Academy, MLS, USL, NWSL, and USSSA for helping us understand the context of these responses and demonstrating commitment to work together on the next steps. Key insights from the assessment are outlined below.
U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors and staff reviewed these insights and have recommended the following next steps aimed at empowering organizers of soccer and benefitting players of all levels.
This assessment acknowledges the complexities of our ecosystem and demonstrates decision-making collaboration with our members, leagues, clubs, and the broader soccer community. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to shaping this path forward and feel energized about our sport’s exciting future.
As previously communicated, US Youth Soccer is in alignment with AYSO and US Club regarding this discussion and will continue to work together.
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 oB the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 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 oBering programs that provide a fun,
safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.
About Cal North Soccer Association
Cal North is the original youth soccer organization in Northern California, who has served generations of players, coaches, leagues, and clubs with storied histories. Cal North is a member of a much larger soccer community, and as a member, you are also a member of this world community. Players register to play with one of the more than 200 clubs or leagues formed by Cal North. Through affiliation, our leagues and clubs are also members of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and US Futsal. US Soccer, along with over 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913. Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of Cal North.