Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League now stands as the largest and most competitive pro-development league in North America. The league was started in Santa Ana, California by Leonel Lopez, with 10 teams. Today the league has nearly 400 clubs competing nationwide, and the Premier Division for Spring 2022 has 255 clubs competing for 32 places in the National Playoff Bracket to become National Champion.

The league occupies the 4th  tier of the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers in the pyramid. With a participant average age of 22.5 years, the UPSL fills the large gap that exists between the youth game and the professional game, serving thousands of aspiring players and coaches as they strive to further their aspirations and fuel their passions.

Each UPSL club is independently owned and operated. The league operates year-round, comprising two seasons each calendar year, with the Spring season beginning in March and ending with national playoffs the first weekend in August,and a Fall season with play beginning in September with national playoffs the first weekend in February. The league prides itself on openness, inclusion and accessibility. Currently players with origins in 90 different nations are participating, and over 50% of players and coaches are of Hispanic descent.

An organization dedicated to success of its members; the UPSL is focused on raising the minimum standards throughout all levels of the sport. In doing so, the league aspires to bring international exposure to the talent in local communities throughout North America. 

As a modern and socially responsible private soccer association, the UPSL continues to evolve by utilizing technology to uplift the sport in every facet of society. In January 2020, it was acquired by ELP Brands. By 2021, the league announced its joint-ventured partnership with the launch of UPSL MX, thecommencing of the UPSL Women’s division, and in 2022 direct membership of the US Soccer Federation as a National Affiliate and the establishment of the UPSL Foundation. The United Premier Soccer League is headquartered in Miami,Florida and functions parallel to its satellite office in Los Angeles, California.

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Mission

Mission

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is generally focused on providing aplatform for aspiring amateur soccer players to develop their skills and compete ata high level while fostering a positive sportsmanship environment within theirlocal communities; essentially, aiming to be a stepping stone for players looking toadvance their soccer careers.

Philosophy

Philosophy

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) has a philosophy of openness,inclusion, and accessibility. The UPSL's core values include:

  • Grassroots development: The UPSL aims to elevate talent to the highest levels of soccer through a platform for grassroots development.
  • Diverse participants: The UPS includes a diverse mix of community-based teams, youth academies, and clubs with professional aspirations. Players from 90 different nations participate in the league,and over 50% of players and coaches are of Hispanic descent.
  • Competitive environment: The UPSL provides a competitiveenvironment for its participants.
Vision

Vision

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) has a vision to:

  • Provide a platform for players and coaches to advance from grassroots to the highest levels of soccer
  • Raise minimum standards across all levels of the sport
  • Bring international exposure to local talent in North America

The UPSL is North America's largest and most competitive professional development league. It's positioned in the fourth tier of the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers. The UPSL has nearly 400 clubs competing nationwide, and also has teams in Canada and Mexico.

The UPSL is affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), which allowsUPSL clubs to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds. The UPSL isalso known for its openness, inclusion, and accessibility, with participants fromdiverse backgrounds.