NATIONAL 1 LEAGUE-GLA CONFERENCE

A NATIONAL STAGE. A REGIONAL HOME.

Niagara Surf boys and girls teams are entering the National One League, connecting local development to a stronger national competition pathway.

SURF NATION
why this move matters.

Registration is now open for our National 1 League (N1) I.D. Tryouts.

What Is the National 1 League?

National 1 is a new high-level youth soccer competition created through a landmark partnership between US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, it brings together the former National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer National League within one unified platform.

N1 is the top team-based competition offered by these two national organizations. Unlike club-based platforms, it creates opportunities for high-performing individual teams to compete within a recognized national pathway.

Why Is N1 Important?

National 1 brings greater clarity and connection to the youth soccer pathway. It gives ambitious teams a meaningful competitive environment while providing top-performing teams with an opportunity to qualify for the ECNL Conference League Playoffs.

For players, this means:

• Stronger and more meaningful competition
• Opportunities to test themselves against high-performing teams
• Continued technical, tactical, physical and personal development
• Experience competing in a demanding travel environment
• A team-performance pathway leading toward postseason opportunities
• Greater experience within the U.S. youth soccer landscape
  
  

N1 participation does not guarantee advancement, exposure or future selection. Players and teams must earn their opportunities through development, commitment and performance.

What Does N1 Provide for Families?

Families become part of a structured, competitive program supported by national organizations and established competition standards. The experience can provide memorable matches, team travel and the opportunity to support a player pursuing a more demanding soccer pathway.

It also requires a significant family commitment. Our participation will involve travel to the United States, so families must be prepared for the time, planning and potential expenses connected with training, matches and travel.

Who Can Attend Window One?

• Boys: U13, U14 and U16/17
• Girls: U14, U16 and U18/19
  
  

This opportunity is intended for motivated, competitive and coachable players who are ready to challenge themselves in a high-performance environment.

Is the Tryout Free?

Yes. The First I.D. Tryout Window is free, but advance registration through PlayMetrics is required.

The free offer applies to the tryout only. Program and travel costs associated with accepting a place on a team will be communicated to families before they make a commitment.

What Commitment Is Required?

National 1 competition must be treated as a priority. Selected players will be expected to attend training, remain available for scheduled matches and consistently contribute to the team environment.

Before registering, players and parents should consider:

• The required training and match commitment
• Travel to and within the United States
• Valid passports and any other required travel documentation
• Transportation, accommodation and related travel expenses
• The importance of reliable attendance and availability
• The player’s readiness for a competitive environment

Both the player and their family must be fully committed before accepting a position.

What Should Players Bring?

Players should arrive ready to participate and bring:

• Appropriate soccer training clothing
• Suitable footwear
• Shin guards
• A water bottle
• Any required personal medical items

What Happens After Registration?

Tryout dates, times, locations and instructions will be communicated to registered families through PlayMetrics.

Players will be evaluated by the coaching staff during the identification process.

Attending a tryout does not guarantee selection, and all next steps will be communicated directly to participating families.

Space may be limited. Click the link below to register through PlayMetrics and secure your place in the free First I.D. Tryout Window.

YOUTH PLAYER AGE DIVISIONS/BIRTH YEAR AND SEASON MATRIX.

Please refer to the table below for player age divisions as well as birth year and season matrix. Be advised that US Club Soccer – along with US Youth Soccer and AYSO – will return to an age group formation based on Aug. 1-July 31, rather than Jan. 1-Dec. 31, beginning with the 2026-27

N1L GIRLS TEAMS

2026-2027 SEASON-SCHOOL AGE GROUPS

N1L BOYS TEAMS

2026-2027 SEASON-SCHOOL AGE GROUPS

PROVEN RESULTS

OPPORTUNITY FOLLOWS DEVELOPMENT.

Since 2019, Niagara Surf players have turned daily work into college commitments, international trials, and professional opportunity.

Player spotlight

“Playing at Niagara Surf changed my view of soccer. It brought a more competitive atmosphere while also being able still have fun. The opportunities the club provides changed my soccer career for the better. With the clubs focus on development, it led me to a top division 2 school in Florida. I am so thankful for everything that the club did for my soccer career.”

Emma Besl- NSU, NCAA D2, Florida

Your next step

FIND THE RIGHT NEXT STEP.

Tell us the player’s age, experience, and ambition. We’ll point you to the right team, program, or ID opportunity.