Washington Premier League (WPL) and the Regional Club League (RCL) are pleased to announce a formal collaboration as the two NewComp Operators for Northwest District 3 (Washington) for the 13U–19U age groups, beginning with the upcoming season. This new Competition, a collaborative effort between US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer to create the top, team-based competition in the country, will be sanctioned by US Club Soccer. 

This partnership represents a landmark step in delivering a highly competitive, clearly structured pathway for top-level youth soccer in Washington, while maintaining league identity and strengthening alignment across platforms. These efforts coincide with U.S. Soccer’s Pathway Strategy, an initiative committed to making the game easier to navigate, more accessible and more supportive. 

As part of this collaboration, the league winners from WPL and RCL will compete in an end-of-season playoff, with the winner earning a berth to the ECNL Conference League Playoffs, alongside qualifying teams from the ECNL Regional League and NewComp. This structure creates what both organizations believe will be the top team-based league playoff competition in the country. 

In addition, WPL and RCL are exploring a possible “wild card” playoff weekend between the two operators, providing an additional competitive opportunity and further elevating postseason play. 

To ensure consistent standards, transparency, and local oversight, WPL and RCL will jointly form a NewComp Competition Committee at the local level that will oversee and administer the competition within Northwest District 3. In addition, both Leagues will adhere to the nationwide rules and standards put forth by US Club Soccer. 

Both organizations have also agreed in principle to continue working collaboratively toward a future single-operator model, reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term alignment, stability, and the continued growth of elite youth soccer in Washington. 

Ryan Camden, Executive League Director of the Washington Premier League said, “This collaboration reflects our shared belief that alignment and cooperation best serve our Clubs,Players, and Families. By working together, we are creating a clearer pathway, a stronger competitive environment, and a unified vision for the future of Soccer in the State of Washington and beyond.”

Seth Spidahl, Commissioner of the Regional Club League, said, "For the first time in many years the WPL and RCL will collaborate on a new and exciting platform for all of our clubs in the state of Washington.  This partnership is the first step in making soccer 'better' for the players, families, coaches, and clubs within both of our leagues.  We are excited for future conversations to see how we can continue to align our groups into this NewComp and beyond."

Executive Director at Washington Youth Soccer, Roger Levesque, added, “At WYS we are excited about NewComp and the collaborative efforts between the RCL and WPL. While U.S. Soccer leads efforts to unify youth organizations through the Pathways Strategy nationally, NewComp provides a jumping off point for local alignment around standards and relationship-building between Club Leaders.”

We encourage all Clubs to reference the NewComp Canva Document for up-to-date information and the official timeline. As more information becomes available, the document will be updated.