Nine more clubs awarded Players First-licenses by US Club Soccer

MIAMI, Fla. (Via US Club Soccer) – Nine clubs have been approved as new Players First-licensed clubs, bringing the total to 90 clubs in 25 states. These clubs completed a rigorous application process, proving their commitment to Players First, its philosophy and the five pillars.

When clubs apply to become Players First licensed, they’re extensively reviewed by US Club Soccer. Then, they’re either approved in the same term of which they applied, or their applications remain open for up to six months to allow them to meet any additional requirements necessary for licensing. To date, about one-third of all approved clubs have been accepted after their initial evaluations required them to raise standards. This process – and the results – overwhelmingly prove that Players First licensing is elevating standards in youth soccer.

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. This is youth soccer’s “Good Housekeeping Seal” and these nine new clubs – and 90 total – stand out locally and nationally as improving the club soccer experience.

Players First is built on a foundation of five pillars: Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety. Congratulations to these newly licensed Players First clubs:

• Cavalry Youth Soccer (College Station, TX)
• Eagleclaw FC (Seattle, WA)
• FC Copa Academy (Metuchen, NJ)
• Florida Rush (Orlando, FL)
• Livermore Fusion SC (Livermore, CA)
• Norman YS/Oklahoma Celtic (Norman, OK)
• Parsippany SC (Parsippany, NJ)
• St. James FC Virginia (Ashburn, VA)
• Titans FC North Texas (Addison, TX)

“We believe this to be the most rigorous and comprehensive attempt in U.S. Soccer history to identify those clubs that have demonstrated a commitment to creating the kind of infrastructure and culture necessary to provide the best overall environment for players,” US Club Soccer CEO Kevin Payne said.

In addition to this nationally recognized stamp of approval, these clubs also receive more access and special benefits from Players First partners and resources, numerous features on US Club Soccer digital and social channels, customizable content and more. They’re also immediately eligible to the inaugural Players First Summit this weekend in Miami Lakes, Florida.