FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 16, 2022) — The US Youth Soccer National League is excited to announce the next seven boys clubs that will compete as inaugural members of Elite 64.
FC Westlake (TX)
Liverpool FC Int’l Academy Michigan (MI)
Ohio Galaxies FC (OH)
Princeton Soccer Academy (NJ)
Renegades Soccer Club (TX)
SC del Sol (AZ)
SC Wave (WI)
Each of these Elite 64 clubs share a collective vision and are dedicated to providing an unmatched gameday experience, in addition to maintaining the highest standards, both on and off the field, to maximize the opportunities available to their players.
“We are thrilled to welcome these standout boys clubs as inaugural members of Elite 64,” said Simon Collins, USYS National League Commissioner. “We are excited to continue to work with clubs that are dedicated to doing what is best for the players, both on and off the field, and are confident Elite 64 will help these clubs offer an unrivaled experience for their top-level players. These clubs have a history of player development, and we’re confident their leaders will utilize the full developmental pathway of the National League to ensure every level of player at their club is able to compete in the right environment.”
The newly-announced elite performance tier of the National League, Elite 64 will begin play this fall and feature club-based competition for the nation’s top boys and girls players in the 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 18/19U age groups. The 64 clubs in each gender will be geographically positioned into eight groups of eight clubs. Teams play a 14-game league season and have access to two national showcases (alongside National League P.R.O.) and the Elite 64 national finals.
Each of the inaugural Elite 64 clubs will benefit from world-class performance analysis from ProScore and new USYS partner STATSports, which will provide Elite 64 clubs with unparalleled access to the world’s most advanced performance wearable technology. All data and analysis collected will be shared with college coaches and professional scouts — making every Elite 64 game or training session a recruitable moment.
Acceptance into Elite 64 guarantees each club a minimum three-year involvement in the competition, with 18-month evaluations of every club taking place to ensure standards are met and Elite 64 maintains the highest possible level of competitive balance across the platform.
Hear from the club leaders…
FC WESTLAKE (Elite 64 – Boys)*
“FC Westlake is extremely excited to be accepted into Elite 64. Elite 64 is going to give our players and club the platform to accelerate their development and competitiveness against some of the best clubs from around the country. Our players are not only going to have a high-level experience on the field but also off it with the additional support from STATSports and ProScore. After our experience with these products at the National P.R.O. events, we are fully aware of how it can motivate our players to not only play in college but also make it to the pros! Myself and everyone at FC Westlake cannot wait to get started.”
Andy McClelland, Director of Coaching – Elite
*Also an Elite 64 girls club, announced previously
LIVERPOOL FC INT’L ACADEMY MICHIGAN (Elite 64 – Boys)
“What a privilege to become part of the new Elite 64. There are many strengths, from bringing in the younger U13-U14 teams, to competing with like-minded clubs that are setting the standard for playing and coaching. From the unifying experience of our teams traveling and competing together against other clubs, to impacting player performance and facilitating recruiting through state-of-the-art player tracking technology. We are always striving to give our players the best opportunities to showcase their talent and play at the highest level of soccer, and Elite 64 delivers through its regional competition, showcases, and national events. The coaches and players have put in the hard work in these last years and that has gotten us to this level and moment. We are excited to begin.”
Ben Jones, U12-U19 Technical Director
OHIO GALAXIES FC (Elite 64 – Boys)*
“Ohio Galaxies FC is delighted to be selected to USYS National League’s Elite 64. We believe our players are best served competing against the best clubs regionally and nationally, and Elite 64 is such a platform. The partnership with ProScore and STATSports shows the commitment from US Youth Soccer to support its elite clubs in developing their players. Having real-time data and footage is a huge step in the right direction for individual player development through player metrics and team development through match analysis. Not to mention the ability for players to have footage and create highlights for recruiting purposes. We are looking forward to Elite 64’s inaugural year.”
Neil "Scooby" Daniels, Director of Coaching
*Also an Elite 64 girls club, announced previously
PRINCETON SOCCER ACADEMY (Elite 64 – Boys)*
“It is an honor for PSA to be selected as an inaugural member of USYS National League Elite 64 and to be recognized as a leader in youth soccer development. We are excited to be able to provide our elite players a platform to be able to compete nationally within a league model against like-minded clubs across the region and country. Our players strive day in and day out to be able to showcase themselves at this level. We look forward to the future with US Youth Soccer and Elite 64.”
Ollie Hilliker, Executive Director
*Also an Elite 64 girls club, announced previously
RENEGADES SOCCER CLUB (Elite 64 – Boys)
“Renegades Soccer Club is very excited about the opportunity to be an inaugural member of the USYS National League Elite 64 platform and to have a full player development pathway to national-level programming and exposure for our players. Our commitment will always be to align RSC with an elite level organization and platform that mirrors and mutually supports our club’s vision and mission to our players, families, and coaches. We firmly believe E64 sharpens the tip of the USYS spear. RSC continues to grow into one of the strongest competitive youth soccer organizations in North Texas, and we believe E64 is our opportunity to lead the way in making an impact not just in North Texas but regionally and nationally. We are very encouraged that US Youth Soccer has fully committed to create a strong national platform for the players and families that have made Renegades their home.
“The partnership with STATSports and ProScore not only enhances player evaluation and further solidifies our player development, but it also gives a much clearer picture into the needs of a unit of players, as well. If the whole is the sum of its parts, then the focus on the individual through provided data and metrics only helps the club achieve its goal of complete player development. Not only can RSC evaluate through the life-cycle of a player, but college and professional coaches can evaluate progress, as well. It’s another tool for our club to invest into our players to help them achieve the highest level of success.”
Rick Parker, Club Director
SC DEL SOL (Elite 64 – Boys)
“We are extremely honored to have been selected for the USYS National League Elite 64. After many years of competing in the Desert Conference, as well as the National League P.R.O. events, we feel that the E64 platform will provide a unique, reliable and elevated pathway in the development of our players and teams. We are also very excited to be working with STATSports and ProScore for detailed player feedback. We would like to thank all the National League staff for their foresight and dedication with the Elite 64 program.”
Pete Leebrook, Boys Director of Coaching
SC WAVE (Elite 64 – Boys)
“We are very excited to compete in the top platform offered by US Youth Soccer. Playing other top-level and like-minded clubs from across the country is an excellent opportunity for the players at SC Wave. Competing in Elite 64 will help with the developmental growth of players at our club, and consistent high-level play from across the country will allow our players to be challenged in a top environment. Having STATSports and ProScore as a tool for our coaches and players is an incredible opportunity to analyze our play. These tools will help us review games with our players and staff, and it will give players true data to provide to colleges and scouts. We will begin to see improved players, coaches, and teams with the data we receive from these excellent partners.”
Shan Amini, Executive Director of Soccer Operations