What is U.S. Club Soccer? Why should you care?

Soccer Governing Bodies 

In the United States all soccer is governed by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), commonly referred to as U.S. Soccer.  U.S. Soccer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States.  With regards to youth soccer, there are three large organizations comprising nearly all youth soccer players: U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYS), The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and U.S. Club Soccer.

What is U.S. Club Soccer 

U.S. Club Soccer is a national soccer organization that is a member of U.S. Soccer Federation that believes soccer clubs are the primary vehicle for player development in the U.S.  It’s motto is, “soccer people making soccer decisions.”  It has a vision of being the finest soccer organization in America and an integral part of U.S. National Team success. 

Founded in 2001 U.S. Club Soccer is currently one of the largest youth sports governing bodies in the country. Currently, there are more than 500,000 total players across all levels.  US Club Soccer aims to create a “members for life” culture within its clubs, where players can be developed from childhood through the adult level of play.

U.S. Club Soccer has five goals: Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety. Fundamentally, US Club Soccer believes it should provide leadership and a vehicle for clubs and technical leaders to work together to elevate the game and player development environment.

U.S. Soccer will have an increased presence on the Southern California Soccer Tournament scene come 2021. Please see our post on tournaments here.

U.S. Club Soccer compared to Cal South 

Cal South is a member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Association, an organization similar to U.S. Club Soccer in that it regulates the registration and insurance of youth soccer players. The U.S. Youth Soccer Association, and Cal South due to its membership, are more state based organizations.  Cal South regulated player rostering decisions, runs state cup, sanctions club tournaments and authorizes teams to travel out of state.

U.S. Club Soccer has a slightly different philosophy regarding players, the importance of clubs and the flexibility associated with being a national organization, vice a state based organization.  Fundamentally, the two organizations serve the same purpose, but approach the administration and management slightly differently. 

Why should you care?

If you live in southern California and have a child that plays soccer, U.S. Club soccer just became a lot more important.  In December of 2020, the Southern California Developmental Soccer League announced that it was moving from Cal South to U.S. Club Soccer.  With this move, 71 clubs, including 2200 teams and more than 37,000 players left Cal South and agreed to be governed by U.S. Club Soccer. This move will lead to significant changes in the club calendar for players and teams and opens up opportunities for play in regional and national leagues  and events.

Specific changes to the SCDSL program include a gaming circuit that will be split between the fall and winter, an expanded State Cup (all teams will play a minimum of 5 games), and the path to a true state champion at each age and level of play.  Younger teams will also have a dedicated spring season available to them.

Most of the soccer professionals in Orange County seem very excited about the move and the opportunities playing under the U.S. Club soccer banner will have for the clubs and players.  A rebranding, a new voice, and dedicated top fields for State Cup all indicate that youth soccer will be moving in the right direction in 2021.

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