US Club Soccer and United Soccer Clubs are excited to announce an extension of their sanctioning agreement, as the leading soccer organizations continue to enhance opportunities in Texas.

Since its creation in 2015, United Soccer Clubs has become one of US Club Soccer’s largest member leagues, encompassing south and central Texas. The league consists of more than 7,000 players from 28 clubs in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley and part of the Gulf Coast. Five years ago, club directors created the league to be focused on player development, and that philosophy is still entrenched in United Soccer Clubs’ programs and initiatives. 

That forward-thinking is responsible for consistent growth, and beginning next season, the league welcomes Cedar Stars Rush Houston and Matias Almeyda FC Houston. Other prominent clubs expanding their footprint within United Soccer Clubs for the 2020-21 season are: Sting Austin, San Antonio Surf SC, San Antonio United, Challenge United and Challenge SC. More clubs from Rio Grande Valley will be added, as well.

The United Soccer Clubs continues to operate its “Champions League,” as its NPL level of competition. In addition, the ECNL Girls Regional League – USC was also recently announced and will be managed by the United Soccer Clubs.

“We’re really pleased to be extending our relationship with our friends at United Soccer Clubs,” said US Club Soccer CEO Kevin Payne. “Since the beginning of the league, USC has worked to help US Club further its vision for bettering the youth soccer experience for all players and their families. In fact, USC hosted the very first LaLiga Formation Methodology course offered by US Club Soccer and LaLiga, and we continue to work closely together today.”

“United Soccer Clubs is excited to extend our partnership with US Club Soccer,” said United Soccer Clubs President Pat O’Toole. “United Soccer Clubs very much aligns with US Club Soccer’s values and philosophy of Players First, and creating an environment where players and clubs can flourish. The directors of our member clubs are part of the everyday decisions that influence their players, and together, it has allowed us to create a better environment for the players and families we serve. Through collaboration, the clubs are building a league that is based on honesty and trust, which has created a positive experience for the development of the players.”

US Club Soccer’s mission is to foster the growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the country to create the best possible development environment for players of all ages in every club. The primary vehicle for accomplishing that ambition is Players First: a branded, holistic club soccer experience for parents and players which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play.

That Players First philosophy is supported by best-in-class partners and resources, including LaLiga, and is anchored by five pillars: Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety. In particular, Player Health & Safety is the emphasis, as US Club Soccer prides itself on fostering the safest environment for players in youth sports. US Club Soccer has stringent requirements for all staff registration/eligibility and also provides a variety of safety-related resources and recommendations to members.

United Soccer Clubs (USC) encompasses all of South and Central Texas with more than 7,000 players and 28 youth Clubs from all areas of Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and part of the Gulf Coast. The league is split geographically into East and West Conferences and a Champions League for qualifying top teams from each Conference.