Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer: Competing at the Highest Levels with NL Club Premier 1 & 2

As part of our continued commitment to providing elite-level opportunities for our players, Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer is proud to compete in the National League Club (NL Club) Premier 1 and 2 platforms — among the most competitive and prestigious leagues in the country under the updated USYS National League structure for the 2025–26 season.

What is NL Club Premier 1?

NL Club Premier 1 is a national platform that represents the highest tier of competition within the USYS National League system. Clubs are selected based on merit and performance, creating an elite competitive environment for players striving for college and national-level opportunities.

Phoenix Rising is one of only two girls’ clubs in Arizona and one of just four boys’ clubs in Arizona to be awarded a spot in NL Club Premier 1 — highlighting the strength of our program on both sides and giving our players the chance to compete against top teams from around the country.

Key features of NL Club Premier 1:

• Postseason pathway: Teams have the opportunity to qualify for the USYS National Championships and the NL Cup — two of the most prestigious national events in youth soccer, with strong college coach presence.
• Winter events (14U–19U): Teams participate in grouped showcase-style events designed to help players earn direct qualification to Nationals or entry into the NL Cup.
• National exposure: Group-stage winners at Winter Events advance directly to Nationals. Runners-up move into the NL Cup, which includes playoffs and finals with major scouting and recruiting opportunities.
• Elite competition: Our Premier 1 Pacific Division includes only a handful of Arizona clubs, with the boys and girls sides competing in separate divisions alongside top-tier clubs from Southern California. On the girls side, Phoenix Rising and CCV Stars represent Arizona. On the boys side, only four Arizona clubs, including Phoenix Rising, have earned a place.

Competition and travel:

• Two out-of-state (with a potential third) travel weekends during the season
• Four in-state home match weekends

Player experience and expectations:

• Players are expected to meet high performance and preparation standards, aligning with the level of the competition.
• Participation comes with strict compliance and accountability, building habits that mirror college and professional environments.
• The platform is built to challenge players technically, tactically, and mentally — while also maximizing visibility for college recruitment and long-term development.

Click here to learn more about NL Club Premier 1 through our site

What about NL Club Premier 2?

NL Club Premier 2 is also a highly competitive platform that serves as a stepping stone for teams working toward Premier 1 placement. It features strong regional matchups, high-level coaching environments, and similar recruiting exposure through league events and showcases.

Premier 2 offers a great environment for continued development, preparing players and teams to progress further within the National League system.

Currently Phoenix Rising offers boys NL Club Premier 2 exclusively in two of our expanding regions, the Southeast Valley and West Valley.

Click here to learn more about NL Club Premier 2 through our site

Why choose Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer?

Phoenix Rising is proud to offer both boys and girls the chance to compete in one of the most exclusive and well-structured league platforms in the country. Being selected to participate in NL Club Premier 1 is a recognition of the quality of our program — but more importantly, it’s an opportunity for our players to grow, compete, and be seen.

If you are looking for a pathway that supports college recruitment, elite competition, and player-focused development, Phoenix Rising and NL Club Premier 1 and 2 provide that foundation, along with our other platforms MLS Next, MLS Next New Tier on the boys side. ECNL and ECNL RL on the girls.

Tryouts for the 2025–26 season are now open. If you believe your player is ready for the next level, we invite you to register and take the next step in their soccer journey.

Register for Tryouts today.

Learn more here.

NL Club Premier 1 Teams: