TO: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Member Organizations
FROM: David Jones, Director of Competitions
DATE: September 25, 2025
RE: US Youth Soccer Announces Format Change for National Championships
US Youth Soccer has announced a major format change to its National Championships, aimed at creating the best youth sports experience in the country. Beginning with the current season, State Cup champions from all 54 state associations will directly advance to the National Championships, eliminating the Regional Championship round.
For Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, this does not change the structure or format of our State Cup. Our competition will continue to operate as it always has, with the same rules, format, and schedule in place. Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup will also remain the unchanged.
This exciting change is designed to:
- Enhance the value and visibility of State Cups as core qualifying events
- Streamline the championship pathway to reduce travel demands
- Celebrate tradition while embracing progress to deliver a more focused, player-centered experience at the national level
Along with the State Cup champions, group winners from National League Winter events will also qualify, bringing even more representation and competition to the national stage.
This format change reflects the feedback of member associations, clubs, coaches, and families, aligning with USYS’ long-term vision of enhancing competition while easing the burdens on players and parents. The result is a streamlined, meaningful, and memorable pathway to the National Championships.
More details about qualification timelines, host locations, and event details will be shared in the coming weeks.
