Soccer Hall Of Fame Article
The United States Soccer National Club Championships
The United States Soccer National Club is an organization that was formed in order to give young soccer players a chance to win a title of their own. It is called the United States Soccer National Club Championships. It started in summer of 2002, with both male and female U14 (14 years old) athletes. The United States Soccer National Club Championships has since grown to encompass more age group but never allowing a player older than 18 years. It is a way for young athletes to gain notice in the United States. The United States Soccer National Club Championships helps the players build confidence as they compete for the championship title.
Regional winners of the United States Soccer National Club Championships for each age group move on to compete in either the Eastern Final or the Western Final, depending on where their team is located. The finals are held separately then the winner from each is pitted against each other in the National Cup. The first United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup was won by the boys of Chicago Magic and by the girls of FC DELCO.
The United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup grew and expanded in 2003 because of its success the year before. It includes 5 age groups, including U14-U18, and the Premiere and Division 1 levels of play. The Western and Eastern Finals were removed and, instead, Regional champions went directly to the Finals. That same year, seven boys’ and four girls’ teams were crowned with the second United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota.
In 2004, age groups U12 and U13 were added, allowing younger children to be able to compete in the United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup. The total number of awards given at this United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup was eleven for the boys’ teams and six for the girls’ teams. The United States Soccer National Club Championship National Cup was held in North Carolina and included all of the age groups. Also, the Super Group level was added for the boys’ tournament where the best teams from across the country compete for a separate National Final.
The United States Soccer National Club Championship remains an avenue for young athlete to break into national competition. It has allowed soccer to become a popular sport for both children and adult. The United States Soccer National Club Championship has armed these young athletes and they will grow up having the skills and experience to become great adult players and help the United States become a top soccer team where they will become formidable players internationally where Brazil and Italy currently reign supreme.
