National 1 League - SOUTH DISTRICT 4
A new national pathway for elite competition in our region
National 1 League is the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, elevating teams across the country into a unified national platform integrated with the ECNL.
What is the National 1 League
-
National 1 League is the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, elevating teams across the country into a unified national platform integrated with the ECNL.
-
Formerly referred to as New Comp, this new competition is the result of bringing together US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League, beginning with the 2026-27 season. The new league ushers in an era of collaboration in youth soccer that benefits players and families across the country.
-
The league will enable teams from outlying areas of the country, currently not part of either structure, an opportunity to be part of something bigger with a genuine pathway.
NATIONAL 1 STRUCTURE
-
National 1 will consist of eight conferences: Northwest, West, Central, South, Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast
-
Within each conference, there will be multiple districts.
N1 Postseason - ECNL Conference League Playoffs
The ECNL Conference League Playoffs will combine qualifying teams from the ECNL Regional League and National 1. The combined new competition will be the top team-based league playoff competition in the country.
Key Information for 26/27 Season:
-
The 2026-27 ECNL Conference League Playoffs will feature four regional playoff events, culminating in the ECNL Conference League Finals in the summer of 2027. The 2026-27 ECNL Conference League Playoffs will take place in Dallas, TX, Davis, CA, Greensboro, NC, and St. Louis, MO.
-
ECNL Conference League Finals will be in Atlanta, GA.
-
The ECNL Conference League Playoffs will expand to six venues in the 2027-2028 season to include more locations and teams, and to further reduce travel.
N1 - South District 4
South District 4: El Paso, West TX, and New Mexico
South District 4 Official Rules:
Competitive Structure
Summary: Our N1 structure aims to create a balanced, competitive season with clear pathways to advancement. Each age group division will ideally have 12 teams. Across 6 to 8 dedicated N1 weekends, teams will play two matches per weekend, completing 11 regular-season games. At season’s end, the top six teams enter a round-robin playoff. The first of these playoff matches will take place on the last regular season N1 weekend. The rest of the playoffs will be played across 2 additional N1 Playoff weekends. The first-place team earns an ECNL Conference League Playoff spot*. The runner-up qualifies for the US Club regional event in Oklahoma. The bottom six teams compete in a relegation playoff, where positions 7 to 10 remain safe, but positions 11 and 12 face a potential challenge for their spot.
More details on the specific promotion and relegation system will be released soon.
KEY POINTS
-
12 teams per age division.*
-
11 regular-season games across 6 “N1 weekends”.
-
2 additional N1 Playoff weekends.
-
16 games total for the season.
-
Top 6 teams enter a round-robin playoff:
-
1st place: ECNL Conference League Playoff qualifier.
-
2nd place: US Club National Cup Regionals qualifier.
-
3rd to 6th: season ends.
-
-
Bottom 6 teams in relegation playoff:
-
7th to 10th: safe for next season.
-
11th and 12th: subject to challenge for league spot.
-
AWARDS
-
Champions of top playoff flight – Trophy and Medals
-
Second place of top playoff flight – Trophy and Medals
Who is National 1 For?
-
Competitive U13 through U19 teams that are wanting to be a part of a national “team based” competition. (August 1-July 31 Age Matrix)
-
The National One League is for competitive, independent teams seeking a higher level of competition. However, it’s not just about skill. This league is for well-organized teams that uphold sportsmanship, respect the game, and positively represent their region. We’re looking for teams that follow guidelines, maintain a positive environment, and are ready to represent us with pride on the national stage. In short, it’s for teams that want to compete at the highest-level while being great ambassadors for our community.
Benefits of N1
Club and Team Benefits:
-
For clubs and teams, the N1 League offers a structured, regional pathway to top-tier competition without excessive travel. Clubs benefit from a professionally organized season, meaningful matches, and clear pathways to prestigious playoff opportunities
Player Benefits:
-
For players, the league opens doors to national platforms, allowing them to showcase their talent closer to home while growing in a competitive, supportive environment. Every match contributes to their development and potential exposure at the next level.
Registration Fees (2026/2027)
Registration Fees:
Team registration fee - $2,500
What is included in the registration fee:
-
Administrative Costs
-
Field Fees
-
Post Season Qualification Costs
-
Awards
-
Two OFFICIAL MATCH BALLS from VOIT. (FIFA Quality Pro)
What is NOT included in the registration fee:
-
Referee Fees – to be determined by number of teams/games in division. This will be billed to each team once the division is finalized.
-
GotSport Software fee
-
Player ID card fees
-
Independent clubs will purchase their own player ID cards through the registration event.
-
Players in teams and clubs under the EPPL ”club” will register for independent ID cards.
-
Assistance will be provided by our team on any case.
-