In an expansion of the top level of its competitive pyramid, the Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL) is increasing its NPL footprint in the state by launching the Minnesota NPL this upcoming season. The TCSL operated the Minnesota Girls NPL the past two seasons, but the 2020-21 season will be the inaugural year for the Minnesota NPL – featuring both boys and girls within the National Premier Leagues.

The Minnesota NPL is both a club-based and team-based league with quality local competition, increased college recruiting exposure and a predictable calendar model. 13-U and 14-U teams will play from September through June, while the 15-U through 19-U teams play from November through June. This structure was designed to provide flexibility to clubs and to establish an appropriate training-to-match ratio.

Limited spots for top TCSL clubs remain available via this link. Club-based applications are reviewed based on standards and criteria and having five of six age groups represented in the NPL in at least one gender. Team-based applications are reviewed based on standards and criteria, and also in an effort to balance divisions and geography after club-based applications are reviewed.

Here are the accepted clubs to date:

• Blaine SC
• Edina SC
• EPSC
• Lakeville SC
• Minnesota Thunder Academy
• Prior Lake SC*
• Saint Paul Blackhawks SC
• Salvo SC
• St. Croix SC
• STMA United SC*
• Tonka United SA

* indicates team-based acceptance

“The success of the Minnesota Girls NPL over the past two seasons leaves no doubt that the expanded Minnesota NPL will also be highly successful,” said Leo Garcia, NPL General Manager and US Club Soccer VP of Competitions. “We commend TCSL for expanding the league and making NPL a cornerstone of its competitive offerings.”

“We are really looking forward to the launch of the Minnesota NPL,” said Matt Tiano, TCSL CEO. “The predictable calendar model will help enable us to provide a standards-based environment for these clubs to compete and collaborate in, and we couldn’t be more excited about clarifying the TCSL pathway for the betterment of these clubs.”

The TCSL is well integrated with US Club Soccer competitions, including the annual Minnesota Cup, which advances qualifiers directly to US Club Soccer’s cup-based championship: the National Cup Finals. The Minnesota Cup also serves a valuable role for the league-based platform of the Minnesota NPL, as a college showcase event for NPL players.