The League for Clubs

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The League for Clubs
Founded2024 (2024)
First season2025
CountryUnited States
ConfederationCONCACAF
Divisions4 regions & 1 conference
Number of clubs37 (2026)
Level on pyramid4
Domestic cupU.S. Open Cup
Current championsMetropolitan Oval Academy
(2025)
Most championshipsMetropolitan Oval Academy
(1 title)
Websitetheleaguefc.com
Current: 2026

The League for Clubs is an American men's soccer league composed of amateur level teams. Founded in 2024, the League For Clubs is a partnership between the Women's Premier Soccer League and existing men's clubs, affiliated with the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

The inaugural season began in March 2025,[1] with the Metropolitan Oval Academy crowned as the TLFC first champion.

Background

The League for Clubs was created in 2024, following dissatisfaction among several clubs with the National Premier Soccer League, with the stated aims of improving competitive structures, strengthening community ties, and supporting club operations. Its model emphasises limited geographical size of conferences, expanded production standards, and increased organisational flexibility. Individuals and teams involved in its formation include Peter Wilt, the GM of MLS side Chicago Fire and a founding member of multiple professional clubs in the United States, as well as Tulsa Athletic, the 2023 NPSL champions who were suspended by the NPSL for the 2024 season.[2] Other clubs included Kingston Stockade FC, Atlantic City FC, Napa Valley 1839 FC, and FC Davis. The clubs claimed that there were management issues with the NPSL and rising costs that led to their decision. Critics have suggested that the NPSL has been suffering in the 2020s with minimal expansion and losing top teams, mostly to USL League Two.[3]

The League for Clubs uses a financial model unique in the US Soccer landscape; Clubs hold a stake in the success of the league through revenue sharing and credits. If there is a sale of a member, the remaining clubs will receive 51% of the net proceeds in order to preserve the strength and to give a benefit to all clubs growing the game.[4]

Partnerships

On December 11, 2024, The League for Clubs announced they had established a partnership with Gulf Coast Premier League, in an effort to establish the base for a promotion-relegation system between the two leagues.[5] On December 28, 2024, a partnership with Metroplex Premier League in the Dallas–Fort Worth area was announced, beginning in 2025.[6] On April 1, 2025, The League for Clubs announced a third partnership with the Mountain Premier League, which will be part of the final conference, the Mountain Premier Conference, and whose champions will earn a spot in the national championship tournament. In 2025 the Mountain Premier League plans to begin promotion/relegation with the Mountain Premier Conference to allow teams to have both regional and national opportunities.[7] On May 19, 2025, TLC announced a strategic partnership with Midwest Premier League starting in 2026 with the formation of the Midwest Premier Conference. In 2027, promotion/relegation between Midwest Premier League and the Midwest Premier Conference will begin.[8]

Current clubs

Club City Stadium Founded Announced
Central Region
Mid–American Conference Conference
Emporia FC Emporia, Kansas Francis G. Welch Stadium 2022 2026[9]
Evolution U23 La Vista, Nebraska 2012 2026[10]
Tulsa Athletic Tulsa, Oklahoma Hicks Park Community Field 2013 July 31, 2024[11]
Union KC SC Lee's Summit, Missouri Paragon Star Sports Complex 2005 September 9, 2024[12]
Red River Conference Conference
Central Dallas FC Dallas, Texas Toyota Soccer Center 2025 March 3, 2025[13]
Dallas Dragons FC Dallas, Texas 2026 March 19, 2026[14]
FC Dallas U23s Frisco, Texas Toyota Soccer Center 2025 September 5, 2024[15]
Foro SC Dallas, Texas Foro Sports Club 2017 March 13, 2025
Oklahoma United FC Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Chad Richison Stadium 2024 March 13, 2026[16]
Tenfifteen FC Dallas, Texas 2025 March 19, 2026[17]
East Region
Northeast Conference
North Division
Brooklyn City F.C. Brooklyn, New York Aviator Sports and Events Center 2017 2026[18]
Excelsior New York Jamaica Bay, New York York College Athletic Complex 2023 2026[19]
Kingston Stockade FC Kingston, New York Dietz Stadium 2015 July 31, 2024[20]
Metropolitan Oval Academy Queens, New York Metropolitan Oval 1999 March 19, 2025[21]
SUSA FC Long Island Central Islip, NY SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex 2001 2026[22]
South Division
Atlantic City FC Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey Stockton University 2017 July 31, 2024[23]
FC Monmouth Red Bank, New Jersey Count Basie Park 2017 August 26, 2024[24]
First State FC Wilmington, Delaware Abessinio Stadium 2019 August 28, 2024[25]
Kensington SC Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Northeast High School 2010 January 6, 2025[26]
Real Central New Jersey Princeton, New Jersey Rider University 2020 2026[27]
South Region
Gulf Coast Conference
West Division
AFC Mobile Mobile, Alabama Davidson High School Stadium 2015 Jan 15, 2025[28]
Gaffa FC Jackson, Mississippi Saint Andrew's Episcopal School 2017 Mar 18, 2025[29]
NOLA Ramparts FC New Orleans, Louisiana 2026[30]
Pensacola FC Academy Pensacola, Florida Ashton Brosnaham Stadium 2013 Feb 25, 2025[31]
Union 10 FC Daphne, Alabama Village Park 2023 Feb 4, 2025[32]
East Division
Legacy FC Panama City, Florida 2026[33]
Pensacola FC Pensacola, Florida Ashton Brosnaham Stadium 2013 Feb 25, 2025[31]
PSC Panama City Beach FC Panama City Beach, Florida Publix Sports Park 2017 2026[34]
Tallahassee SC Tallahassee, Florida Gene Cox Stadium 2018 Feb 10, 2025[35]
Valdosta FC Valdosta, Georgia North Lowndes Park 2024 Jan 31, 2025[36]
South Texas Conference
Austin United FC Austin, Texas Veterans Stadium 2017 November 29, 2024
BTX SC Brownsville, Texas Brownsville Sports Park 2026[37]
Capital City SC Austin, Texas 2018 2026[38]
Central Texas Coyotes FC Temple, Texas Woodson Field 2018 November 29, 2024
FC Westlake Austin, Texas Onion Creek Soccer Complex 1989 2026[39]
RGV Red Crowns SC Harlingen, Texas White Wings Stadium 2025 Jan 31, 2025[40]
West Region
NorCal Conference
Afghan Premier FC Dublin, California Ohlone College Soccer Field 1991 November 14, 2024[41]
Albion SC Silicon Valley Redwood City, California Red Morton Park 2023 August 29, 2024[42]
CF San Rafael San Rafael, California San Rafael High School 2023 October 11, 2024
FC Davis Davis, California Dairy Complex 2017 July 31, 2024[23]
Fuego FC U-23 Fresno, California Fresno State Soccer Stadium 2022 January 31, 2025[43]
Iron Rose FC Roseville, California West Park High School 2023 September 6, 2024[44]
Napa Valley 1839 FC Napa, California Justin-Siena High School 2016 July 31, 2024[23]
North Coast FC Sol [a] Petaluma, California Petaluma Community Sports Fields 2004 August 20, 2024[45]
Oakland SC Oakland, California Oakland Tech High School 1974 August 21, 2024[46]
San Ramon FC San Ramon, California Tiffany Roberts Soccer Field 1973 August 22, 2024[47]
Yuba FC Yuba City, California River Valley High School 2022 September 24, 2024
  1. Previously Sonoma County Sol

Future clubs

Club City Stadium Founded Season
Central Region
Inter Detroit Detroit, Michigan TBD 2019 2026
Regals SCA Houston, Texas British International School of Houston 2009 2026[48]
River Valley Bully's SC Fort Smith, Arkansas Ben Geren Soccer Complex 2021 2026[49]
East Region
ODFC Cesena Aldie, Virginia 2009 2026[50]
York County AFC York County, Maine 2025 2027[51][52]

Locations

The League for Clubs is located in the United States
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
The League for Clubs
Austin United FC
Central Dallas FC
Central Dallas FC
Corinthians FC of San Antonio
Coyotes FC
Coyotes FC
FC Dallas U23
FC Dallas U23
FC Revolution
FC Revolution
FC Wichita
Inter Detroit
Inter Detroit
Oklahoma City 1889 FC
Regals SCA
Rio Grande Valley Soccer Project
Rio Grande Valley Soccer Project
River Valley Bully's SC
River Valley Bully's SC
Tulsa Athletic
Tyler FC
Union KC SC
Union KC SC
Atlantic City FC
Brooklyn City F.C.
Brooklyn City F.C.
Lighthouse Boy's Club of Kensington
Lighthouse Boy's Club of Kensington
Kensington SC
Kensington SC
Metropolitan Oval Academy
Metropolitan Oval Academy
FC Monmouth
First State FC
Kingston Stockade FC
New York Braveheart SC
New York Braveheart SC
ODFC Cesena
ODFC Cesena
AFC Mobile
Gaffa FC
Gulf Coast United FC
Gulf Coast United FC
Pensacola FC
Sowegans SC
Sowegans SC
Tallahassee SC
Union 10 FC
Union 10 FC
Valdosta FC
Valdosta FC
CFA Aurora FC
CFA Aurora FC
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Peak XI FC
Peak XI FC
Real Colorado Foxes
West Region teams Afghan Premier FC Albion SC Silicon Valley CF San Rafael FC Davis Fuego FC U23 Iron Rose FC Napa Valley 1839 FC North Coast FC Sol Oakland SC San Ramon FC Yuba FC
West Region teams
Afghan Premier FC
Albion SC Silicon Valley
CF San Rafael
FC Davis
Fuego FC U23
Iron Rose FC
Napa Valley 1839 FC
North Coast FC Sol
Oakland SC
San Ramon FC
Yuba FC
The League for Clubs
NorCal Conference; Central Region; East Region; South Region; Mountain Premier Conference; Future club

California

The League for Clubs is located in California
Fuego U-23
Iron Rose FC
Iron Rose FC
Napa Valley 1839 FC
San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area
North Coast FC Sol
Yuba FC
Yuba FC
San Francisco Bay Area teams Albion SC Silicon Valley CF San Rafael FC Davis Oakland SC San Ramon FC
San Francisco Bay Area teams
Albion SC Silicon Valley
CF San Rafael
FC Davis
Oakland SC
San Ramon FC
The League for Clubs (California)
NorCal Conference

San Francisco Bay

The League for Clubs is located in San Francisco Bay Area
Afghan Premier FC
Afghan Premier FC
Albion SC Silicon Valley
Albion SC Silicon Valley
FC Davis
FC Davis
CF San Rafael
CF San Rafael
Oakland SC
Oakland SC
San Ramon FC
San Ramon FC
The League for Clubs (San Francisco Bay Area)
NorCal Conference

Records and champions

Season Winner Score Runner-up
2025 Metropolitan Oval Academy 2 – 2 (Pen. 3–2) Napa Valley 1839 FC

Previous clubs

Club City First Season Last Season
Bay Valley Suns Livermore, California 2025 2025
CFA Aurora FC Denver, Colorado 2022 2025
Corinthians FC of San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 2025 2025
FC Revolution Fort Worth, Texas 2021 2025
FC Wichita Wichita, Kansas 2013 2025
Gulf Coast United FC Gulfport, Mississippi 2025 2025
Lighthouse Boys Club of Kensington Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2025 2025
New York Braveheart SC New York City, New York 2025 2025
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC Windsor, Colorado 2022 2025
Oklahoma City 1889 FC Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 2017 2025
Peak XI FC Superior, Colorado 2020 2025
Real Colorado Foxes Douglas County, Colorado 2009 2025
Silicon Valley Rush San Jose, California 2025 2025
Sowegans SC Leesburg, Georgia 2025 2025
Tyler FC Tyler, Texas 2016 2025

References

  1. "An Open Letter to Clubs". Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  2. Vaughan, Dan (July 31, 2024). "The League for Clubs Launches Today". Protagonist Soccer. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  3. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (July 31, 2024). "The League for Clubs forms... NPSL is now on the clock". Beyond the 90. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  4. "Overview". Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  5. "The League for Clubs is thrilled to announce the addition of the Gulf Coast Conference to our Spring/Summer 2025 lineup!". The League for Clubs. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  6. "The League for Clubs is excited to announce a partnership with the Metroplex Premier League (MPL), beginning in 2025". The League for Clubs. December 28, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  7. "The League for Clubs announces partnership agreement with Mountain Premier League - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. April 1, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  8. "TLfC announces strategic partnership with MWPL - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  9. "Emporia FC to join TLfC in 2026". The League For Clubs.
  10. "Evolution U23 joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 5, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  11. Martin, Morgan (Aug 5, 2024). "Tulsa Athletic announces it's leaving National Premiere Soccer League, launching new le". fox23.com. Retrieved Sep 17, 2024.
  12. @TheLeague_FC (September 9, 2024). "Welcome Union KC Soccer" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  13. "Central Dallas FC joins The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 3, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
  14. "Dallas Dragons FC joins TLfC's Red River Conference in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. March 19, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
  15. Carrick, Buzz (Sep 5, 2024). "FC Dallas enters U23 team into The League for Clubs in 2025". 3rddegree.net. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  16. "Oklahoma United FC joins TLfC for 2026 season - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. March 13, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  17. "Tenfifteen FC joins TLfC for 2026 season - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. March 19, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  18. "Brooklyn City F.C. joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  19. "Excelsior New York joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  20. Kott, Crispin (Aug 8, 2024). "Kingston Stockade FC has left the National Premier Soccer League saying "We've been getting bullied"". hudsonvalleyone.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  21. "Metropolitan Oval Academy joins The League for Clubs - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 19, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  22. "SUSA FC Long Island joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  23. Kennedy, Paul (Aug 1, 2024). "The League: Five teams launch new summer league". socceramerica.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  24. "FC Monmouth Joins The League For Clubs". fcmonmouth.com. Aug 26, 2024. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  25. @TheLeague_FC (August 28, 2024). "Welcome First State FC" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  26. "Kensington Soccer Club joins The League for Clubs". TheLeagueFC.com. January 6, 2025. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  27. "Real Central NJ Soccer joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 17, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  28. "AFC MOBILE JOINS THE LEAGUE FOR CLUBS". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  29. "Gaffa FC joins The League for Clubs - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  30. "NOLA Ramparts FC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  31. "Pensacola FC & Pensacola FC Academy to join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. February 25, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  32. "UNION 10 FC JOINS THE LEAGUE FOR CLUBS". The League for Clubs. February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  33. "2026 Gulf Coast Conference alignment announced - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. The League for Clubs. February 23, 2026. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  34. "PSC Panama Beach City FC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. The League for Clubs. December 31, 2025. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  35. "Tallahassee SC to Join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  36. "Valdosta FC to Join League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  37. "BTX Soccer Club joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". www.theleaguefc.com. January 9, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  38. "Capital City SC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. November 10, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  39. "FC Westlake joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. December 17, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  40. "Rio Grande Valley Soccer Project to join The League for Clubs". theleaguefc.com. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  41. @TheLeagueFC (November 14, 2024). "Welcome to The League for Clubs, @AfghanPremierFC !" (Tweet). Retrieved November 24, 2024 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  42. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 29, 2024). "Albion SC's Silicon Valley affiliate joins League for Clubs". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  43. "Fuego U23 to join The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  44. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Sep 6, 2024). "Another significant announcement from League for Clubs in California". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  45. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 20, 2024). "League for Clubs gains three new entrants - all in the west". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  46. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 21, 2024). "Oakland SC joins League for Clubs as NPSL's Golden Gate conference faces extinction". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  47. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Aug 22, 2024). "League for Clubs adds San Ramon FC". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  48. Krishnaiyer, Kartik (Sep 5, 2024). "League for Clubs makes MLS move while expanding Texas presence". beyondthe90.substack.com. Retrieved Sep 20, 2024.
  49. @TheLeagueFC (November 7, 2024). "Why wait until 4 pm CT, right? Welcome to The League for Clubs, River Valley Bully's SC!" (Tweet). Retrieved November 12, 2024 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  50. @TheLeague_FC (November 22, 2024). "Welcome to The League for Clubs, @CesenaUSA!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  51. "York County AFC joins TLfC in 2026 - The League for Clubs". The League for Clubs. November 11, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  52. "Building Toward 2027". York County AFC. Retrieved 2026-03-17.