Soccer Alliance of Arizona formed to elevate youth standards; accepting clubs

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 13, 2022) – US Club Soccer is creating the Soccer Alliance of Arizona (SAAZ), beginning Fall 2022, as a robust league platform to elevate youth soccer standards in the state by ensuring a more professional experience for families, players, coaches and clubs.

The SAAZ offers improved league play that will focus on ensuring meaningful matches played with high standards on quality pitches. Winners of the league qualify for US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) postseason. Additionally, SAAZ will offer an enhanced state cup to include pathways into US Club Soccer’s National Cup. Member clubs also receive access and exposure to player identification and development opportunities and coaching education courses.

Leadership from the founding clubs, which will be announced in the coming weeks, will form a technical committee to oversee all technical aspects. This aligns with US Club Soccer’s guiding principles that soccer people should make soccer decisions, local decisions should be made locally and the sport deserves professional management.

Clubs seeking to join the SAAZ may fill out a form here. New clubs joining the league will be able to nominate an additional two member clubs to sit on the technical committee to offer additional insight on how to improve the game in Arizona.

“US Club Soccer is thrilled to partner with clubs in the state to create the Soccer Alliance of Arizona,” said Leo Garcia, US Club Soccer VP of Competitions and NPL General Manager. “Following in the footsteps of many other leagues across the country, we are excited to empower Arizona soccer clubs to create a structure that is inclusive to all clubs in the state and meets league standards.”

The Soccer Alliance of Arizona consists of multiple divisions to accompany all levels of play. At the top competitive level is an NPL division with U-13 through U-19 boys and girls teams. Divisions will be offered for every level of competitive player in Arizona. Member clubs will also be able to register for recreational league opportunities with US Club Soccer.

Interested clubs are encouraged to submit an application. There are three rounds of acceptance deadlines and member announcements: May 1, May 15 and June 1. For questions, please email info@soccerallianceaz.com.