WHAT IS USL YOUTH, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM OTHER COMPETITIVE PATHWAYS
For this inaugural season the USL Youth league will serve as an optional, supplementary competitive pathway during the summer months.
While our focus remains on continuing to improve our competitive standing within the NorCal Premier platform, USL Youth will provide our players with an additional avenue for seeking high-level competition and development during the months in which we do not have any competition outside of tournaments.
USL Youth gives our players access to competition against players and teams outside of the platforms we are currently playing in, encompassing clubs from across the nation, including those affiliated with USL professional teams.
HOW WILL USL YOUTH RUN IN PARALLEL WITH OUR EXISTING PROGRAMS?
This program offers diverse player development opportunities. Surf will utilize our existing coaching staff, training schedules, and maintain seamless administrative processes via BYGA.
WILL THERE BE TRYOUTS FOR USL YOUTH TEAMS?
USL teams will be formed from within our current club membership, and may include players from other Northern California based Surf affiliates. We will ensure fairness and transparency in the team formation process.
WHAT AGE GROUPS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE USL YOUTH PATHWAY, AND WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUP DIVISIONS WITHIN USL YOUTH?
Eligibility for participation in the USL Youth pathway spans across combined age groups, including U-12 (2014/2013), U-14 (2012/2011), U-16 (2010/2009), and U-19 (2008/2007-06).
HOW OFTEN WILL OUR USL YOUTH TEAMS TRAIN?
Our USL Youth teams may follow a slightly modified training program, dictated by game schedules.
WHAT IS THE COMPETITION FORMAT FOR USL YOUTH, AND HOW DOES IT FIT INTO THE BROADER SOCCER LANDSCAPE?
USL Youth in Northern California offers a dynamic, supplemental competitive platform that features a four to six game season of league play. This is scheduled during the months in which we have less competitive game play opportunities.
Season standings determine qualifications for the annual USL Youth National Finals held in December in Tampa, Florida. This format allows players to showcase their abilities against elite competition and fosters holistic development within the soccer community. In the 2025 season, USL Youth will introduce two national events in spring and fall. These events provide additional opportunities for players to compete against out-of-market clubs and gain exposure from college scouts.
These initiatives highlight USL Youth’s commitment to comprehensive player growth and advancement within the soccer landscape.
WILL PLAYING IN USL YOUTH AFFECT PLAYERS’ ELIGIBILITY FOR OTHER LEAGUES OR TOURNAMENTS, SUCH AS STATE CUPS OR LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS?
No, Surf will make sure that all conflicts are resolved well in advance so that it doesn’t cause any conflicts with our usual programming.