Boys and Girls play slated to begin this Fall
Under-17 Division added for league's second season
Two teams will earn direct path to US Youth Soccer National Championships
FRISCO, TEXAS (July 17, 2008) – US Youth Soccer is proud to announce the teams chosen for the US Youth Soccer National League, the organization's latest offering for elite club soccer players seeking to advance their college, professional and U.S. National Team aspirations.
For elite-level teams, the US Youth Soccer National League is a natural extension of the current system of leagues within US Youth Soccer's four regions. Top teams from each of the four US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues earn their way into the National League.
The new league has created a direct path to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships. The national championships, established in 1976, is the culmination of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series where the nation's champions are crowned in six age groups for boys and girls.
New to the league for the 2008-2009 season is the addition of the Under-17 age groups for boys and girls.
"In only its first season, the US Youth Soccer National League has proven to be a great addition to US Youth Soccer programs that focuses on the player and his or her development and identification opportunities," said Paul Luchowski, US Youth Soccer National League Commissioner. "US Youth Soccer has long stood as the leader in youth soccer and in the organization of events that allow the country's youth to showcase their talents. The league provides a truly national competition for players to develop and test themselves in meaningful matches and everyone is looking forward to another great season."
US Youth Soccer National League Teams, 2008-2009 Season
Under-15 Girls
Region III Dallas Texans 94 Red - Dallas (NTX)
Region III D'Feeters '94 (NTX)
Region I FC Pennsylvania Strikers (EPA)
Region II Michigan Hawks 94 - Black (MI)
Region II NSA Fury (IL)
Region IV San Diego Surf 93-94 White (CAS)
Region IV San Juan Spirits 94 Blue (CAN)
Region I Wall Wombats (NJ)
Under-16 Girls
Region II Cleveland FC (OHN)
Region III Dallas Texans 93 Red - Dallas (NTX)*
Region II Eclipse Select 92-93 (IL)*
Region I Montclair United Thunderbolts (NJ)
Region I Scorpions Elite (MA)
Region IV Slammers FC (CAS)
Region IV So Cal Blues-Dodge (CAS)*
Region III Team Boca 92/93 (FL)
Under-17 Girls
Region II BVSC Stars Mallorca 91/92 (KS)
Region III Challenge 92 (STX)
Region III Dallas Texans Red 92 - Dallas (NTX)*
Region II Eclipse Select 91-92 (IL)*
Region II Ela Elite (IL)*
Region IV Laguna Hills Eclipse Black (CAS)
Region I McLean MPS Dragons (VA)
Region II Vardar (MI)
Under-15 Boys
Region I Baltimore Casa Mia Bays 94 (MD)
Region II Grand Rapids Crew Juniors-Bergsma (MI)
Region II Michigan Jaguars (MI)
Region III SCSA 93 Gold (NC)
Region I Sockers FC Chicago (IL)
Region IV Solar Red 94 (NTX)
Region III TFC 94 (NTX)
Region II Waza FC '94 Black (MI)
Under-16 Boys
Region III 92 CASL Elite (NC)*
Region II Blast FC Red (OHS)
Region II Chicago Fire Jrs (IL)*
Region III Dallas Texans 93 Red - Dallas (NTX)
Region I FC Delco (EPA)*
Region III GSA 93 Phoenix Red (GA)
Region II KCFC Rangers 92-93 (KS)
Region I Spirit United Coppa 82 (EPA)
Under-17 Boys
Region III Cobb FC (GA)*
Region III Dallas Texans-Houston Division 92 Red (STX)*
Region I Lower Merion Soccer Club Velez (EPA)
Region I Manhattan Phoenix (ENY)*
Region IV Santa Clara Sporting 91 (CAN)
Region IV Slammers FC (CAS)*
Region II Team Ohio (OHS)
Region I YMS Xplosion (EPA)*
*returning team from 2007-2008 season
As is the case with the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series events and the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, the US Youth Soccer National League creates another significant opportunity for the nation's collegiate, professional and national team staffs to see players in an environment of meaningful play.
The top four finishers in National League play in each age group will retain their slots in the league for the 2009-10 season provided that the teams meet all eligibility requirements.
The following teams will represent the league at the upcoming US Youth Soccer National Championships scheduled for July 22-27, 2008 at Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock, Ark.
2007-2008 US Youth Soccer National League Representatives at the US Youth Soccer National Championships
Boys
Under-15:
Baltimore Casa Mia Bays (MD)
Solar Red (N-TX)
Under-16:
Dallas Texans 92 Red (N-TX)
YMS Xplosion (E-PA)
Girls
Under-15:
Dallas Texans 93G Red Dallas (N-TX)
So Cal Blues-Dodge (CA-S)
Under-16:
Eclipse Select 91-92 (IL)
Dallas Texans Red 92 Girls (N-TX)
Follow all of the championships action at http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org. For more information on the national league please visit /National_League/.