NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE
National 1 League is the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, elevating teams across the country into a unified national platform integrated with the ECNL.
Applications must be completed by Club Operators and leaders.
Applications close June 30th.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE.
What is National 1 League (N1)?
National 1 League serves as the top team-based league of US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer.
This new league brings together the National League and NPL and replaces them as the top of team-based programming.
As a team-based league, clubs do not need to field a team at every age group; clubs may apply by age group based on team readiness and competitive level. Teams are accepted based on performance.
Because this is the top team-based league, standards and procedures are more stringent. All operators across all 34 districts follow the same policies, standards, and procedures.
The WPL, co-operating with the Regional Club League (RCL) is located in Northwest District 3.
Please click HERE for a direct link to the N1 website.
Compliance:
Clubs must be US Club members for their teams to be eligible to compete in National 1 League.
All coaches must complete US Club background checks.
Players may be carded to one (1) club within US Club.
Player passes will be managed in GotSport and provided through US Club.
Key Competition Rules (N1 League Only):
The rules below apply only to National 1 League. To view the complete Handbook/Rules, please click HERE.
Ages:
U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U-18/19
Coach Eligibility:
In addition to US Club Soccer staff registration requirements, all coaches must complete five (5) hours of annual development through an approved method, including:
ECNL/US Club Soccer Coaches Voice platform (completed before August 1 of the competition year), and/or
Any course or clinic that qualifies for U.S. Soccer Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
U.S. Soccer Licensing Course: minimum “D” license (or equivalent) earned within the past five (5) years. A waiver may be awarded if the coach can show they are on the coaching education pathway.
Waivers must be co-signed by the club director, outlining the coach’s plan and timelines. This will be verified by the operator.
Roster Limits:
Minimum: 15 players
Maximum: 30 players
Once a player is on the roster, they count toward the 30-player maximum. A team may not have more than 30 players rostered at any time during the season.
Club Passing:
Any club-pass player counts toward the 30-player roster limit.
Any player who participates in National 1 League must have a US Club pass.
ECNL players are not permitted to compete in the league.
ECNL RL players may club-pass into the league, with a maximum of four (4) per game.
Substitutions:
U13–U14: unlimited over three (3) moments in each half plus halftime
U15–U19: unlimited over four (4) moments per match plus halftime
Game Lengths:
U13: 2 x 35 minutes (10-minute halftime)
U14: 2 × 35 minutes (10-minute halftime)
U15: 2 x 40 minutes (10-minute halftime)
U16: 2 x 40 minutes (10-minute halftime)
U17: 2 x 45 minutes (10-minute halftime)
18/19U: 2 x 45 minutes (10-minute halftime)
Season Dates:
HS Boys - August 22nd - Mid December (14 Games)
HS Girls - December 5th - Mid April (14 Games)
13U-14U - September 12th - Late March (21 games)
Postseason Pathway:
Play-Off with RCL (winner to Regionals)
HS Boys – Late February
HS Girls – Late April
13U-14U – Mid April
More specific dates will be shared soon
ECNL Conference League Playoffs
Regionals: more information on dates and venue will be released.
Nationals (Finals): taking place July 2027 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
We’re excited to bring the National 1 League to Washington State and look forward to working with your club as we launch this next chapter of top-level team-based competition!
