USL Academy

With the launch of the USL Academy, the United Soccer League has established a premier elite youth development platform for clubs competing in the USL Championship, League One, and League Two. This innovative system is designed to create a direct and structured pathway for top youth talent to progress from the academy level to the professional stage, with the opportunity to sign USL Academy Contracts and train or compete with senior teams.

Through this integrated model, clubs can now cultivate homegrown talent, raise the overall level of play within their communities, and provide ambitious players with meaningful opportunities to compete, develop, and be scouted at the next level.

The USL Academy platform is built on four foundational pillars that support long-term player success: Development Standards, USL Academy Contracts, the USL Academy Cup, and the USL Academy League—a high-level, competitive league environment showcasing the nation’s most promising young athletes.