Opportunities for the team
A pathway for every team
Teams first have a chance to earn their place in the National League Conferences. From there, they have the opportunity to earn promotion within their Conference (where applicable), as as well as advancement to National League P.R.O., the USYS Regional Championships and the USYS National Championships.
Meaningful games
Every National League game can impact the journey of the teams, many of whom have common aspirations and are competing for advancement to some of the top competitions in US Youth Soccer. Meaningful games between teams that have earned their place, and are each looking to advance on a common competitive path, provides an excellent environment that promotes development while testing both players and coaches.
Play with the best
Every National League team can earn an opportunity to play at the highest level in the program — National League P.R.O. Qualification for National League P.R.O. is decided on the field each year, with no judgement based on club, size or history. This ensures that the top teams at any given moment in time can earn an opportunity to play against each other in a meaningful league environment.
mindset of the individual
Within your team
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke
Any number of quotes can go here, but there is no denying that talent is just one small factor in earning a spot on a team. Those who work hard and show dedication will continue to improve and take a step forward each day. Top athletes do not feel entitled to their spot on a team and continue to put in the work to increase the ways in which they can contribute.
Moving on to the next level
Developing the mindset that everything is earned and nothing is given can help all players continue to push themselves as the competition stiffens. Whether one of the many National League players who have gone on to play in college or one of the alumni who have excelled at the pro and international level, a determined mentality is a valuable asset.
Off the field
Having the mentality to earn your place, like many lessons in sports, can translate to all areas of life. Attaining that mindset at a young age can turn it into a characteristic that is naturally applied to academics, careers and relationships.
While in attendance at the Fall 2018 National League weekend in North Carolina, World Cup champion Heather O'Reilly explained how the meanings behind the hashtag pushed her throughout her career...