Sixteen more clubs awarded US Club Soccer Players First licenses

(Via US Club Soccer) – US Club Soccer’s Players First movement throughout the country continues, as 16 more clubs have been awarded Players First licenses, bringing the collective community to 75 approved clubs in 24 states.

Through a rigorous application process, these clubs have all proven their commitment to providing a 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 16 new clubs – and 75 total – stand out locally and nationally as improving the club soccer experience for players and parents. In addition to its philosophy statement, 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:

Barca Academy Columbus (Columbus, Ohio)
Chantilly Youth Association (Chantilly, Va.)
CSA Impact United (Cleveland, Ohio)
Diablo FC (Concord, Calif.)
FC Pride (Indianapolis, Ind.)
FC Prime (Lauderhill, Fla.)
Kansas City Legends (Merriam, Kan.)
Magic Soccer FC (Bismarck, N.D.)
Morris Elite SC (Madison, N.J.)
NASA Tophat (Marietta, Ga.)
NEFC (Holliston, Mass.)
San Ramon FC (San Ramon, Calif.)
St. Croix SC (Stillwater, Minn.)
Tampa Bay Rowdies SC (Tampa, Fla.)
Titans FC San Antonio (San Antonio, Texas)
Union Sacramento FC (Sacramento, Calif.)

“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’ll also be invited to a Players First summit to be held later this year.

Details about the licensing process can be found on this web page, including the terms and eligibility information. These 16 new clubs enjoy Players First licensing status until June 30, 2021, at which time there will be a renewal opportunity. Club applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and approved clubs will be announced quarterly. Clubs that apply but do not meet the standards and requirements outlined in the application all receive a detailed letter explaining any deficiencies with suggestions and resources to correct those.

The application includes seven sections, in which clubs must demonstrate their commitment to the Players First pillars: