Youth Soccer Leagues

RIII Premier League
The US Youth Soccer Region III Premier League provides an opportunity for the most competitive teams in Region III to play each other on a scheduled basis. The league is comprised of boys and girls in the age groups of U-14 through U-18. Each National State Association (NSA) decides what will be the criteria for selecting teams to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming Premier League season. Each NSA is invited to present at least two (2) teams in each age group/gender. In South Carolina , the Challenge state cup finalists are invited to participate in the Premier League.  South Carolina Premier Teams compete in the Challenge State Cup.

Note: No team in Spartanburg has yet qualified for this league.

South Carolina State Challenge League
The South Carolina State Challenge League (SCSCL), is a competitive league for both boys and girls Select teams, U13 thru U18.  The SCSCL is sanctioned and administered by the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA); all teams participating must be sanctioned and in good standing with SC Youth Soccer.  SCSCL provides the highest level of competition in the state of South Carolina , thereby attracting the most highly skilled soccer teams often referred to as “Challenge” teams.  The league season for participating teams culminates in a state tournament (Challenge State Cup) which decides which teams are Champions and will represent SCYSA in the US Youth Soccer Sothern Regional Championships.  Regional champions continue on to the US Youth Soccer National Championship.

Note: Carolina FC is the only club in Spartanburg to have won an age division in the SCSCL. Prior to this year Carolina FC was the only Spartanburg Club participating in this league. In 2007 the Upstate Soccer Alliance entered a team for the first time.

President’s Medal Soccer League (PMSL)
The President’s Medal Soccer League (PMSL), is a competitive league for both boys and girls Select teams, U13 thru U18.  The PMSL is sanctioned and administered by the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA); all teams participating must be sanctioned and in good standing with SC Youth Soc Soccer.  PMSL provides the second highest level of competition in the state of South Carolina thereby attracting less highly skilled teams than those participating in the SCSCL.  These teams are often referred to as “Classic” teams.  PMSL teams have the option to participate in an end-of-season tournament called the President’s Medal Cup whose champions may elect to participate in a regional tournament known as the President’s Cup.

Note: Both Carolina FC and Upstate Soccer Alliance has won an age division in the PMSL


CESA Developmental League

Academy Division
In 2006, after endorsement and strong recommendation from USYS, South Carolina finally mandated specific rules for the playing of small – sided games for ages U6 – U12.  Previously, U11 and U12 age teams played 11 v 11 and were subjected to the same competitive pressures for results as U13 and older players.  In addition, player development of this critical age group suffered as results were emphasized and involvement with the ball in match situations diminished. 

This soccer programming which incorporated the small-sided format and player development focus for U11 and U12 age teams (and even U10) became known as an Academy program and serves as a transition program for players interested in moving from recreational programs to competitive Select soccer. 

To organize matches between small-sided teams and promote the player development focus intended, Carolina Elite Soccer Association (CESA) established an Academy division within its CESA Developmental League. The league is considered an “inter-house” league because it serves primarily teams from the CESA soccer club, but allows teams from other SCYSA-affiliated clubs to participate. The CESA Developmental League Academy division accommodates the player pool concept, allowing the mixing and matching of Academy players within a club’s age group pool for matches.  In addition, as much as possible, teams are paired with other teams of similar ability so that the competition provides the optimum balance of competitive challenge and opportunity for success.  Results are deemphasized and player development is promoted.
     

Recreational / Developmental Division

Along with an Academy division, CESA’s Developmental League has a Recreational division for recreational teams ranging in age from U6 – U19.  A recreational team differs from a Select team in that, tryouts, invitations, or recruiting may not be used to selectively form a team based on talent or ability. SCYSA requires that recreational players play at least ½ of each game.  As the name implies, the focus of the team is for participation and enjoyment of the sport!

Note: Both Carolina FC and USA's Academy and Developmental Teams participate in the CESA league.

Other Leagues in South Carolina

Sandlapper League 
Serving the needs of the recreational and Academy teams in the Midstate

Low Country Youth Soccer League - www.lsysa.net
Serviing the needs of the recreational and Academy teams in the Coastal District