National 1 Youth Soccer League

A Unified National Pathway for Competitive Teams

The National 1 Youth Soccer League is the highest level of team-based competition within US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, National 1 brings together two established national platforms—US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League—into one unified competition pathway integrated with the ECNL.

This collaboration represents an important step forward for youth soccer in the United States. By creating a more connected competitive structure, National 1 provides players, families, teams, and clubs with greater clarity, stronger competition, and expanded opportunities for advancement.

Benefits for Parents and Families

National 1 is designed to create a more organized and sustainable experience for families. Regional competition helps reduce unnecessary travel while providing a clearer understanding of where teams compete and how they can advance.

By helping unify a historically fragmented youth soccer landscape, National 1 offers families a more consistent and transparent developmental pathway.

Benefits for Players

The National 1 League provides players with meaningful competition against high-level teams from throughout their region and across the country.

The league’s eight conferences were constructed to align with planned U.S. Soccer talent identification models. Integration with the ECNL Regional League also increases exposure to college coaches and creates additional opportunities for players to compete at higher levels.

Players benefit from:

  • Strong regional and national competition
  • A clearly defined pathway for advancement
  • Increased college recruiting exposure
  • Opportunities to qualify for national events
  • Competition aligned with player identification initiatives

National Competition Pathway

The inaugural National 1 season will conclude in summer 2027 at the ECNL Conference League Playoffs and Finals.

Qualifying teams from National 1 district competitions and the ECNL Regional League will come together to compete for conference and national championships.

This structure provides teams with the opportunity to progress from regional competition to some of the most competitive national environments in youth soccer.

Missoula Surf and National 1

Missoula Surf Soccer Club is proud to participate in the inaugural National 1 season through the Northwest District 1, serving teams from Montana and Idaho, with our U13 boys and U14 girls teams.

Our participation provides Missoula Surf players with access to high-level regional competition, national pathways, college exposure, and meaningful developmental opportunities—all while representing our club and community on a larger stage.

National 1 reflects our continued commitment to challenging our players, supporting long-term development, and providing clear pathways for teams that are ready to compete at the next level.

The 2026–27 National 1 season features four marquee competition weekends, with travel rotating across Idaho and Montana. Dates and locations are subject to final confirmation.

WEEKEND 1

August 28–30, 2026

Idaho — Site TBD

U13 and U14 teams only

Season Opener

WEEKEND 2

March 19–21, 2027

Idaho — Site TBD

All ages U13–U19

First All-Ages Weekend

WEEKEND 3

April 16–18, 2027

Montana — Site TBD

All ages U13–U19

Out-of-district guest teams eligible

WEEKEND 4

April 2027 — Date TBD

Boise, Idaho

Simplot Sports Complex

All ages U13–U19

Season Finale

Each event is expected to run Thursday through Sunday, with approximately three to four matches per team. Final venues, schedules, travel information, and match times will be shared as they become available.

Ready to Learn More?

Discover how Missoula Surf’s participation in the National 1 League creates new opportunities for players, teams, and families. Use the contact form below to connect with us, ask questions, and learn more about joining the Missoula Surf pathway.

Develop. Compete. Advance.