FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 18, 2010) – Entering its fourth season, the newly expanded US Youth Soccer National League announces the 2010–2011 season schedule featuring top teams in the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 Girls and Boys age groups. League play kicks off in Wilson, N.C., with boys' games Nov. 18-21 followed by girls' games Dec. 2-5. 

Each gender age group is split into two eight-team divisions, with each division featuring teams from each of US Youth Soccer's four regions competing in round robin play within each division. The Under-15 Girls age group will continue with the traditional eight teams for 2010-2011 season.

"The fourth season of the US Youth Soccer National League is highlighted by an expanded number of teams competing in meaningful matches at top venues alongside major college showcase events during each of the five weekends of play," said Paul Luchowski, National League commissioner.  "Not only does the league showcase the nation's top teams that have a proven track record of success, but it elevates the level of play across all fields as the teams compete for a spot at the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships and the right to be called National League champion."

2010- 2011 US Youth Soccer National League Season Schedule

Nov. 18-21 Wilson, N.C | Boys
Gillette Soccer Complex, Fike High School and Barton College

Dec. 2-5 Wilson, N.C | Girls
Gillette Soccer Complex, Fike High School and Barton College

Dec. 31-Jan. 2 Orlando, Fla. | Girls
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Feb. 19-21 Weston, Fla. | Boys
Weston Regional Park

March 18-20 Las Vegas | Girls and Boys
Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex 

*All schedules are subject to change  

"The National League represents the premier teams in the country. It is a true test of mental and physical abilities for the individual and a benchmark for teams playing at the highest level of youth soccer competition," said Jeff Pearson, So Cal Blues U-15 and U-17 girls head coach. "In addition, during the 2009-2010 season, the presence of collegiate coaches was tremendous. Whether it has been college exposure for players or the ultimate test for teams, the National League has been the pinnacle of youth soccer."

Over the course of the 2010-2011 season, the league will play at top venues across the country including games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Weston Regional Park (Florida), Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex (Nevada) and Wilson Gillette Soccer Complex (North Carolina) in conjunction with some of the nation's top college showcase events.

"For our team, the National League competition has been at the highest level possible. The teams we face have been competing all the way up to the US Youth Soccer National Championships. No game at this level is one that you know you will get a positive result on, and the different areas that these teams are coming from are bringing different strengths and tactics. It is great for the development of all the players involved," said Remco Bergsma, U-17 Boys Grand Rapids Crew Juniors head coach. "For us, the National League has been a place where college coaches have come to recruit our players since they know if players can stand out at this level, they will be able to play at the highest levels of college soccer in the future."

The League is an extension of the highly successful US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues (US Youth Soccer Region I Premier League, Midwest Regional League, Region III Premier League and Far West Regional League). The National League provides an avenue for teams to play in meaningful matches against top competition from across the country for continued development and opportunities for exposure at the national team, collegiate and professional levels. In addition to recruiting opportunities, National League teams compete for the league title and two slots per gender age group to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships.

"The National League provides a tremendous opportunity for college coaches, as the games have finality to them and the players must play at their top level every game," said Ryan Higginbotham, Dallas Texans Soccer Club girls director of coaching. "The league has prepared our teams each year for every step of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series because every game is so important to the final standings and one loss can potentially end your chance to win the league. Playing the various teams from across the country gives us a preview of who we may see in regionals and nationals and allows our coaching staff and players to know what parts of the game need to be improved throughout the year. We expect another great National League season."

Since its inception, National League teams have captured a combined 10 National Championships. In 2008, seven of the eight championship finals slots in the Under-15 and 16 age groups were won by National League teams, which resulted in the League's first four National Championships. The League notched four more National Championship titles in 2009 including the Under-15 Boys (Baltimore Casa Mia Bays) and Girls (San Diego Surf) as well as Under-16 Boys (Dallas Texans 93 Red) and Under-17 Girls (Eclipse Select). At the 2010 national championships, League participants took home titles in the Under-15 Boys (Baltimore Bays Chelsea) and Under-17 Girls (So Cal Blues Dodge) age groups. For a list of past National League champions and history, click here.

"FC Dallas 96 Boys Premier are very excited about the opportunity to play in the US Youth Soccer National League. The goal of our club is to provide as many meaningful games as possible for these players, and the National League is providing a great environment to play the best teams in the country," said Scott Dymond, FC Dallas youth college director.

For information about the league, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org/national_league. Player information, complete game schedules, standings and more will be announced and available on USYouthSoccer.organd available at http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2011-US-Youth-Soccer-National-League/.

2010-2011 US Youth Soccer National League teams and schedules by age group

 

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About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!^®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

 

Media Request: When referring to the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, please refer to the association only as US Youth Soccer, and never as USYS or USYSA. We appreciate your cooperation.
 

About US Youth Soccer National League - Formed in 2007, the US Youth Soccer National League was developed as a path of advancement for the top teams from the US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues. In addition to meaningful matches, development and identification, the league created a direct path to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships.  League play features the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 age groups for boys and girls who are seeking to advance their college, professional and U.S. National Team aspirations.  Learn more at /National_League/.