The GLA MDL Division is now accepting applications ahead of the 2021-22 season. Founded in 2011, the Midwest Developmental League joined the Great Lakes Alliance beginning with the 2020-21 season.

In totality, the GLA now serves as a U-10 through U-19 regional soccer league for competitive boys and girls clubs and consists of 400 teams from 62 clubs, spanning Ohio, Indiana, western New York, as well as western and central Pennsylvania.

The GLA MDL is a club-based boys league with quality local competition, increased college recruiting exposure and a predictable calendar model. U-10 through U-14 age groups begin play in the fall, with U-15 through U-19 age groups starting at the conclusion of the high school season. This structure was designed to provide flexibility to clubs and to establish an appropriate training-to-match ratio.

For the 2021-22 season, the GLA MDL intends to create a girls division, while expanding its existing boys division.

Club-based applications are reviewed based on standards and criteria and having all six age groups, U-13 through U-19, represented in the NPL in at least one gender. Clubs may apply for either boys, girls or both. 

The Great Lakes Alliance is well integrated with US Club Soccer competitions, including the NPL post season, where qualifiers advance to US Club Soccer’s league-based championship series: the NPL Playoffs and Finals.

If you are interested in applying for the GLA MDL division, please contact Director Ed Bernstein at ed.bernstein@att.net or visit the Great Lakes Alliance website at www.glasoccer.com.