inaugural season
A new era for youth soccer
Launching in 2026–27, National 1 League unites US Club Soccer's National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer's National League into a single top-tier, team-based competition platform aligned with U.S. Soccer's Pathways Strategy and built to strengthen collaboration across national, state, and local soccer organizations.
Knowledge base
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the National 1 League — admissions, season format, eligibility, and what to expect from the CPSL competition year.
NewComp is a new national league structure designed to make competitive youth soccer clearer and more connected, helping players and families better understand where they play and how they can progress. The term "NewComp" is temporary, while the branding is being finalized.
The alignment of US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and ECNL within a connected competitive pathway brings together the majority of competitive youth soccer players and clubs in the United States. This creates greater clarity for families and reduces fragmentation across the youth soccer landscape.
NewComp aims to provide: • More balanced and competitive games • Clearer pathways to higher levels of play • Fewer confusing league choices • Better alignment with scouting and college exposure
A key focus of NewComp is more localized competition with national travel primarily limited to showcases and postseason events.
NewComp is designed to reduce inefficiencies and duplication across competitions, with affordability as a key consideration in the league's financial model.
NewComp will include U-13 through U-19 age groups, utilizing the August 1-July 31 age matrix. Younger age groups (U9-U12) will continue to be served primarily through localized programming.
Not necessarily, Selected US Club Soccer NPL and US Youth Soccer National League divisions will transition first, while other leagues may connect over time as the pathway evolves.
New Comp serves teams at the top of the competitive segment, positioned between local leagues and elite national club-based platforms.
NewComp will include postseason events and showcases, providing exposure opportunities for college recruitment.
By consolidating thousands of teams into a more unified competition structure, scouting for programs such as id2, ODP, and U.S. Youth National Teams will become more efficient.
Players can progress through: • College recruiting pathways • National scouting events • Advancement to elite youth platforms
Yes. District scheduling will consider high school soccer seasons, allowing players the option to participate in both.