US Club Soccer announces four new Players First-licensed clubs

Four clubs have been approved as new US Club Soccer Players First-licensed clubs, bringing the total to 94 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. About one-third of all approved clubs have been accepted after their initial evaluations required them to raise standards.

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 four new clubs – and 94 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:

• Juventus Academy Silicon Valley (Redwood City, CA)
• Princeton Soccer Academy (Princeton, NJ)
• Sheriffs FC (Ashland, CA)
• Vienna Youth Soccer (Vienna, VA)

“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. For example, Players First-licensed clubs are currently participating in a virtual skills contest, hosted by TopYa! and US Club Soccer, as a complimentary player development offering during a time of widespread postponements and cancelations. All licensed clubs also have access to the annual Players First Summit – an educational and collaborative experience exclusively for Players First-licensed clubs. The inaugural event was held in December 2019 in Miami Lakes, Florida.

Details about the licensing process can be found on this web page, including the terms and eligibility information. These four new clubs enjoy Players First licensing status until March 31, 2022, at which time there will be a renewal opportunity.