About the US Youth Soccer National League Program
Beginning in the Fall of 2018, the new US Youth Soccer National League Program commenced. Since then, it has changed and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of youth soccer. One component to the National League Program is called the National League Conferences. There are 13 conferences that make up the National League Conferences and each provides the primary league competition for teams. Conferences operate team-based and club-based leagues, and the top tier divisions in each Conference provide teams with a pathway to other USYS regional and national platforms.
Michigan teams play in either the Midwest Conference or Great Lakes Conference. It is expected that all girls teams participate in the Midwest Conference. Boys teams may select a conference, but they will remain in that conference for subsequent seasons.
For more information about how the National Leagues program works, please go to the US Youth Soccer website.
For Interested Michigan Teams
Teams from Michigan who are interested in participation in one of the conferences will need to submit an application to MSYSA seeking endorsement. MSYSA is limited in the number of teams that can be endorsed in a given age/gender group. See the Endorsement Criteria below for how endorsement decisions are made.
For MSYSA teams, the FALL season of NLC is open to U13 – U19 girls teams, U13 – U14 boys teams, and U15 boys teams wishing to play in a supplemental/developmental league.
For MSYSA teams, the SPRING season of NLC is open to U13 – U19 boys team, U13 – U14 girls teams, and U15 girls teams wishing to play in a supplemental/developmental league.
Application Information
There are TWO (2) applications that must be submitted if a team wishes to be considered for one of the League conferences:
1. MSYSA/GotSport Application
2. USYS League Conferences Application (and payment)
Fees will be submitted directly to US Youth Soccer. Both applications and fees must be submitted by the deadlines listed below.
Fees (By Team)
$725 (per season) USYS program fees – due at the time of application
$450 MSYSA team registration fees – due at the time of application
All fees will be submitted directly to US Youth Soccer. Teams who apply for one of the League Conferences but who are not endorsed or who are not accepted into the program will receive a full refund. Teams who apply, are endorsed, but later withdraw will not receive a refund of any kind.
Links & Documents
USYS Conferences Application (GREAT LAKES) – Due Nov. 3 for U13/U14 Spring Season
USYS Conferences Application (MIDWEST) – Due Nov. 3 U13/U14 for Spring Season
MSYSA Application for Participation in the NLC – Due Nov. 3 for U13/U14 Spring Season
Great Lakes Conference Information – Instructions, Calendar, Rules
Midwest Conference Information – Instructions, Calendar, Rules
MSYSA Endorsement Criteria – Updated 6/6/23
MSYSA Club Merger & Dissolution Policy
MSYSA Policy on Club Passcarding
Instructions for Releasing or Transferring a Player