The League for Clubs
| Founded | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Confederation | CONCACAF |
| Divisions | 4 regions & 1 conference |
| Number of clubs | 51 (2025) |
| Level on pyramid | 4 |
| Domestic cup | U.S. Open Cup |
| Current champions | Metropolitan Oval Academy 2025 season |
| Most championships | Metropolitan Oval Academy (1 championship) |
| Website | www |
| Current: 2026 | |
The League for Clubs is an American men's soccer league composed of amateur level teams. Founded in 2024, the League For Clubs is a partnership between the Women's Premier Soccer League and existing men's clubs, affiliated with the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The inaugural season began in March 2025.[1]
Background
The League for Clubs was created in 2024, following dissatisfaction among several clubs with the National Premier Soccer League, with the stated aims of improving competitive structures, strengthening community ties, and supporting club operations. Its model emphasises limited geographical size of conferences, expanded production standards, and increased organisational flexibility. Individuals and teams involved in its formation include Peter Wilt, the GM of MLS side Chicago Fire and a founding member of multiple professional clubs in the United States, as well as Tulsa Athletic, the 2023 NPSL champions who were suspended by the NPSL for the 2024 season.[2] Other clubs included Kingston Stockade FC, Atlantic City FC, Napa Valley 1839 FC, and FC Davis. The clubs claimed that there were management issues with the NPSL and rising costs that led to their decision. Critics have suggested that the NPSL has been suffering in the 2020s with minimal expansion and losing top teams, mostly to USL League Two.[3]
The League for Clubs uses a financial model unique in the US Soccer landscape; Clubs hold a stake in the success of the league through revenue sharing and credits. If there is a sale of a member, the remaining clubs will receive 51% of the net proceeds in order to preserve the strength and to give a benefit to all clubs growing the game.[4]
Partnerships
On December 11, 2024, The League for Clubs announced they had established a partnership with Gulf Coast Premier League, in an effort to establish the base for a promotion-relegation system between the two leagues.[5] On December 28, 2024, a partnership with Metroplex Premier League in the Dallas–Fort Worth area was announced, beginning in 2025.[6] On April 1, 2025, The League for Clubs announced a third partnership with the Mountain Premier League, which will be part of the final conference, the Mountain Premier Conference, and whose champions will earn a spot in the national championship tournament. In 2025 the Mountain Premier League plans to begin promotion/relegation with the Mountain Premier Conference to allow teams to have both regional and national opportunities.[7] On May 19, 2025, TLC announced a strategic partnership with Midwest Premier League starting in 2026 with the formation of the Midwest Premier Conference. In 2027, promotion/relegation between Midwest Premier League and the Midwest Premier Conference will begin.[8]
Current clubs
| Club | City | Stadium | Founded | Announced | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Region | |||||
| Central Dallas FC | Dallas, Texas | Toyota Soccer Center | 2025 | March 3, 2025[9] | |
| FC Dallas U23s | Frisco, Texas | Toyota Soccer Center | 2025 | September 5, 2024[10] | |
| FC Revolution | Fort Worth, Texas | Scarborough-Handley Field | 2021 | February 27, 2025[11] | |
| FC Wichita | Wichita, Kansas | Stryker Sports Complex | 2013 | September 11, 2024[12] | |
| Foro SC | Dallas, Texas | Foro Sports Club | 2017 | March 13, 2025 | |
| Oklahoma City 1889 FC | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Brian Harvey Field | 2017 | November 25, 2024 | |
| Tulsa Athletic | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Hicks Park Community Field | 2013 | July 31, 2024[13] | |
| Tyler FC | Tyler, Texas | Meredith Memorial Stadium | 2016 | March 10, 2025[14] | |
| Union KC SC | Lee's Summit, Missouri | Paragon Star Sports Complex | 2005 | September 9, 2024[15] | |
| Mountain Premier Conference | |||||
| CFA Aurora FC | Denver, Colorado | Montbello High School | 2022 | April 7, 2025[16] | |
| Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC | Windsor, Colorado | 4Rivers Equipment Stadium | 2022 | April 7, 2025[17] | |
| Peak XI FC | Superior, Colorado | Pinnacle Athletic Complex | 2020 | April 7, 2025[18] | |
| Real Colorado Foxes | Douglas County, Colorado | Real Soccer Complex | 2009 | April 29, 2025[19] | |
| East Region | |||||
| Northeast Conference | |||||
| North Division | |||||
| Brooklyn City F.C. | Brooklyn, New York | Aviator Sports and Events Center | 2017 | 2026[20] | |
| Excelsior New York | Jamaica Bay, New York | York College Athletic Complex | 2023 | 2026[21] | |
| Kingston Stockade FC | Kingston, New York | Dietz Stadium | 2015 | July 31, 2024[22] | |
| Metropolitan Oval Academy | Queens, New York | Metropolitan Oval | 1999 | March 19, 2025[23] | |
| SUSA FC Long Island | Central Islip, NY | SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex | 2001 | 2026[24] | |
| South Division | |||||
| Atlantic City FC | Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey | Stockton University | 2017 | July 31, 2024[25] | |
| FC Monmouth | Red Bank, New Jersey | Count Basie Park | 2017 | August 26, 2024[26] | |
| First State FC | Wilmington, Delaware | Abessinio Stadium | 2019 | August 28, 2024[27] | |
| Kensington SC | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Northeast High School | 2010 | January 6, 2025[28] | |
| Real Central New Jersey | Princeton, New Jersey | Rider University | 2020 | 2026[29] | |
| South Region | |||||
| Gulf Coast Conference | |||||
| West Division | |||||
| AFC Mobile | Mobile, Alabama | Davidson High School Stadium | 2015 | Jan 15, 2025[30] | |
| Gaffa FC | Jackson, Mississippi | Saint Andrew's Episcopal School | 2017 | Mar 18, 2025[31] | |
| NOLA Ramparts FC | New Orleans, Louisiana | 2026[32] | |||
| Pensacola FC Academy | Pensacola, Florida | Ashton Brosnaham Stadium | 2013 | Feb 25, 2025[33] | |
| Union 10 FC | Daphne, Alabama | Village Park | 2023 | Feb 4, 2025[34] | |
| East Division | |||||
| Legacy FC | Panama City, Florida | 2026[35] | |||
| Pensacola FC | Pensacola, Florida | Ashton Brosnaham Stadium | 2013 | Feb 25, 2025[33] | |
| PSC Panama City Beach FC | Panama City Beach, Florida | Publix Sports Park | 2017 | 2026[36] | |
| Tallahassee SC | Tallahassee, Florida | Gene Cox Stadium | 2018 | Feb 10, 2025[37] | |
| Valdosta FC | Valdosta, Georgia | North Lowndes Park | 2024 | Jan 31, 2025[38] | |
| South Texas Conference | |||||
| Austin United FC | Austin, Texas | Veterans Stadium | 2017 | November 29, 2024 | |
| BTX SC | Brownsville, Texas | Brownsville Sports Park | 2026[39] | ||
| Capital City SC | Austin, Texas | 2018 | 2026[40] | ||
| Central Texas Coyotes FC | Temple, Texas | Woodson Field | 2018 | November 29, 2024 | |
| FC Westlake | Austin, Texas | Onion Creek Soccer Complex | 1989 | 2026[41] | |
| RGV Red Crowns SC | Harlingen, Texas | White Wings Stadium | 2025 | Jan 31, 2025[42] | |
| West Region | |||||
| NorCal Conference | |||||
| Afghan Premier FC | Dublin, California | Ohlone College Soccer Field | 1991 | November 14, 2024[43] | |
| Albion SC Silicon Valley | Redwood City, California | Red Morton Park | 2023 | August 29, 2024[44] | |
| CF San Rafael | San Rafael, California | San Rafael High School | 2023 | October 11, 2024 | |
| FC Davis | Davis, California | Dairy Complex | 2017 | July 31, 2024[25] | |
| Fuego FC U-23 | Fresno, California | Fresno State Soccer Stadium | 2022 | January 31, 2025[45] | |
| Iron Rose FC | Roseville, California | West Park High School | 2023 | September 6, 2024[46] | |
| Napa Valley 1839 FC | Napa, California | Justin-Siena High School | 2016 | July 31, 2024[25] | |
| North Coast FC Sol [a] | Petaluma, California | Petaluma Community Sports Fields | 2004 | August 20, 2024[47] | |
| Oakland SC | Oakland, California | Oakland Tech High School | 1974 | August 21, 2024[48] | |
| San Ramon FC | San Ramon, California | Tiffany Roberts Soccer Field | 1973 | August 22, 2024[49] | |
| Yuba FC | Yuba City, California | River Valley High School | 2022 | September 24, 2024 | |
- ^ Previously Sonoma County Sol
Future clubs
| Club | City | Stadium | Founded | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Region | |||||
| Inter Detroit | Detroit, Michigan | TBD | 2019 | 2026 | |
| Regals SCA | Houston, Texas | British International School of Houston | 2009 | 2026[50] | |
| River Valley Bully's SC | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Ben Geren Soccer Complex | 2021 | 2026[51] | |
| Emporia FC | Emporia, Kansas | Francis G. Welch Stadium | 2022 | 2026[52] | |
| Evolution U23 | La Vista, Nebraska | 2012 | 2026[53] | ||
| East Region | |||||
| ODFC Cesena | Aldie, Virginia | 2009 | 2026[54] | ||
| York County AFC | York County, Maine | 2025 | 2027[55][56] | ||
Locations
Afghan Premier FC
Albion SC Silicon Valley
CF San Rafael
FC Davis
Fuego FC U23
Iron Rose FC
Napa Valley 1839 FC
North Coast FC Sol
Oakland SC
San Ramon FC
Yuba FC
NorCal Conference; Central Region; East Region; South Region; Mountain Premier Conference; Future club
California
Albion SC Silicon Valley
CF San Rafael
FC Davis
Oakland SC
San Ramon FC
NorCal Conference
San Francisco Bay
NorCal Conference
Records and champions
| Season | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Metropolitan Oval Academy | 2 – 2 (Pen. 3–2) | Napa Valley 1839 FC |
Previous clubs
| Club | City | First Season | Last Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Valley Suns | Livermore, California | 2025 | 2025 |
| Corinthians FC of San Antonio | San Antonio, Texas | 2025 | 2025 |
| Gulf Coast United FC | Gulfport, Mississippi | 2025 | 2025 |
| Lighthouse Boys Club of Kensington | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 2025 | 2025 |
| New York Braveheart SC | New York City, New York | 2025 | 2025 |
| Silicon Valley Rush | San Jose, California | 2025 | 2025 |
| Sowegans SC | Leesburg, Georgia | 2025 | 2025 |
References
- ^ "An Open Letter to Clubs". Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ Vaughan, Dan (July 31, 2024). "The League for Clubs Launches Today". Protagonist Soccer. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (July 31, 2024). "The League for Clubs forms... NPSL is now on the clock". Beyond the 90. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ "Overview". Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ "The League for Clubs is thrilled to announce the addition of the Gulf Coast Conference to our Spring/Summer 2025 lineup!". The League for Clubs. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ "The League for Clubs is excited to announce a partnership with the Metroplex Premier League (MPL), beginning in 2025". The League for Clubs. December 28, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "The League for Clubs announces partnership agreement with Mountain Premier League - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 1, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ "TLfC announces strategic partnership with MWPL - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Central Dallas FC joins The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
- ^ Carrick, Buzz (Sep 5, 2024). "FC Dallas enters U23 team into The League for Clubs in 2025". 3rddegree.net. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ "FC Revolution joins The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Sep 11, 2024). "Another big fish - FC Wichita joins League for Clubs". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ Martin, Morgan (Aug 5, 2024). "Tulsa Athletic announces it's leaving National Premiere Soccer League, launching new le". fox23.com. Retrieved Sep 17, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler FC joins The League for Clubs - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 10, 2025. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ @TheLeague_FC (September 9, 2024). "Welcome Union KC Soccer" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ "CFA Aurora FC joins TLfC's Mountain Premier Conference - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 7, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ "Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC joins TLfC's Mountain Premier Conference - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 7, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ "Peak XI FC joins TLfC's Mountain Premier Conference - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 7, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ "Real Colorado Foxes joins TLfC's Mountain Premier Conference - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 29, 2025. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
- ^ "Brooklyn City F.C. joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Excelsior New York joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
- ^ Kott, Crispin (Aug 8, 2024). "Kingston Stockade FC has left the National Premier Soccer League saying "We've been getting bullied"". hudsonvalleyone.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Oval Academy joins The League for Clubs - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 19, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ "SUSA FC Long Island joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ a b c Kennedy, Paul (Aug 1, 2024). "The League: Five teams launch new summer league". socceramerica.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ "FC Monmouth Joins The League For Clubs". fcmonmouth.com. Aug 26, 2024. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ @TheLeague_FC (August 28, 2024). "Welcome First State FC" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ "Kensington Soccer Club joins The League for Clubs". TheLeagueFC.com. January 6, 2025. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
- ^ "Real Central NJ Soccer joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 17, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ "AFC MOBILE JOINS THE LEAGUE FOR CLUBS". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ "Gaffa FC joins The League for Clubs - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ "NOLA Ramparts FC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ a b "Pensacola FC & Pensacola FC Academy to join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. February 25, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ "UNION 10 FC JOINS THE LEAGUE FOR CLUBS". The League for Clubs. February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Gulf Coast Conference alignment announced - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. The League for Clubs. February 23, 2026. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ "PSC Panama Beach City FC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. The League for Clubs. December 31, 2025. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
- ^ "Tallahassee SC to Join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "Valdosta FC to Join League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "BTX Soccer Club joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. January 9, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "Capital City SC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. November 10, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ "FC Westlake joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 17, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ "Rio Grande Valley Soccer Project to join The League for Clubs". theleaguefc.com. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ @TheLeagueFC (November 14, 2024). "Welcome to The League for Clubs, @AfghanPremierFC !" (Tweet). Retrieved November 24, 2024 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 29, 2024). "Albion SC's Silicon Valley affiliate joins League for Clubs". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ "Fuego U23 to join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Sep 6, 2024). "Another significant announcement from League for Clubs in California". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 20, 2024). "League for Clubs gains three new entrants - all in the west". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 21, 2024). "Oakland SC joins League for Clubs as NPSL's Golden Gate conference faces extinction". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 22, 2024). "League for Clubs adds San Ramon FC". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Sep 5, 2024). "League for Clubs makes MLS move while expanding Texas presence". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
- ^ @TheLeagueFC (November 7, 2024). "Why wait until 4 pm CT, right? Welcome to The League for Clubs, River Valley Bully's SC!" (Tweet). Retrieved November 12, 2024 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ "Emporia FC to join TLfC in 2026". The League For Clubs.
- ^ "Evolution U23 joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 5, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ @TheLeague_FC (November 22, 2024). "Welcome to The League for Clubs, @CesenaUSA!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ "York County AFC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. November 11, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ "Building Toward 2027". York County AFC. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
External links