Eight youth clubs launch Southeastern Clubs Champions League

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Via US Club Soccer) – The inaugural season of the Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL) begins this fall, spurred by the collaboration of eight clubs in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Each of these clubs will field one team per gender per age group in 12-U through 19-U divisions.

• Birmingham United SA (Ala.)
• Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (S.C.)
• Concorde Fire (Ga.)
• Gwinnett Soccer Academy (Ga.)
• NASA TopHat (Ga.)
• Southern Soccer Academy (Ga.)
• United Futbol Academy (Ga.)
• Vestavia Hills SC (Ala.)

The creation of the SCCL mimics some other leagues that were built by a collection of top clubs working together to form the best environments for the players. Examples of those leagues are: United Soccer Clubs (Texas) in 2015, Oklahoma Premier Clubs in 2017 and the newly announced Arkansas Premier Clubs, Carolina Champions League and Carolina’s Premier League.

The SCCL receives a wide array of benefits as part of its US Club Soccer membership. This includes Players First, which is the primary vessel for US Club Soccer to accomplish its mission to foster the growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States to create the best possible development environment for players of all ages in every club.

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Players First is a branded, holistic club soccer experience for parents and players which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play. Players First is anchored by five pillars:

• Club Development
• Coaching Development
• Player Development
• Parent Engagement & Education
• Player Health & Safety

US Club Soccer has been consistent that Player Health & Safety is US Club Soccer’s “first and most important responsibility.” That commitment has been demonstrated through various initiatives and Players First partnerships, including 11+, Fit for 90, Player’s Health and Sideline Sports Doc. Information about Players First club licensing is coming soon.

US Club Soccer has implemented best-in-class background checks, as part of its background screening process for all registered staff. The effort is coupled with a requirement for those registered staff to complete a Sideline Sports Doc/US Club Soccer online injury recognition course.

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SCCL members will also enjoy exposure to Player Development Programs (PDPs) and the id2 Program. These programs help provide identification and development to the entire country, including those regions traditionally underserved by opportunities.

Outside of consistent league play, SCCL clubs are encouraged to participate in the National Cup – US Club Soccer’s cup-based tournament that includes a network of state cups, Regionals and Finals.

Quote from participating clubs:

Andrew Brower, Birmingham United Soccer Association Executive Director: “BUSA is excited to participate as an inaugural member of the Champions League. We feel this will be an important platform for player development within our organization and cannot wait to get started.”

Andrew Hyslop & Pearse Tormey, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy Co-Executive Directors: “The formation of the Southeastern Clubs Champions League will allow our players the opportunity to compete on a weekly basis with clubs that will challenge us to play at a high level. We have been very impressed with the willingness of our fellow SCCL member clubs to work together to provide a much needed platform for all involved.”

Ken Kurilec, Concorde Fire Director of Coaching: “Concorde is thrilled to be a part of the inaugural season of the SCCL. To be a part of the SCCL will provide our club with the opportunity to further develop the culture of our club and strengthen our relationship with the best youth organizations in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. The league will expose the players to great competition in an environment where the players come first.”

Drew Prentice, Gwinnett Soccer Academy Executive Director: “This new club-centric platform is another example of what can happen when competitors work together instead of against one another. We are excited to start a new chapter of competitive youth soccer in our region. GSA is proud to be an inaugural member of the SCCL.”

Dave Smith, NASA-TopHat Executive Director: “NTH is excited to be a part of the inaugural season of the SCCL. The SCCL will give NTH players access to high-quality competition in a well-run league with a chance to compete both regionally and nationally. We look forward to kicking off the league in the fall.”

Simon Davey, Southern Soccer Academy Executive Director: “To be part of the inaugural season of the SCCL with seven of the biggest clubs in the Southeast is exciting. The SCCL will provide our members meaningful quality competition right on our doorstep with the opportunity to also compete regionally and nationally. To us, a league with Concorde Fire, UFA, NasaTophat, CESA, Busa, Vestavia, GSA and SSA says it all.”

Iggy Moleka, United Futbol Academy Director of Soccer: “UFA is proud to be a part of a consortium of clubs forming the new Southeastern Clubs Champions League. The SCCL gives our players access to high-quality competition and a chance to compete regionally and nationally. We are looking forward to being part of this exciting new league beginning this fall.”

Rocky Harmon, Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Executive Director: “This league will fill a huge void for our top players – we will now be guaranteed a steady diet of high level competition in a travel-friendly, home and away league format. We are excited to be a part of this.”