Oklahoma Premier Clubs Sanctioned By US Club Soccer
Gone are the days when clubs stayed in their US Youth Soccer State Associations — and never looked across the aisle at what another organization could offer.
Unsettling the waters, Oklahoma Premier Clubs has jumped the ‘fence’ and become sanctioned by US Club Soccer and are set to join the National Premier Leagues.
Youth Soccer News: US Club Soccer has announced it will sanction the Oklahoma Premier Clubs beginning in the fall of 2017, which will provide state, regional and national competition opportunities for its U11 through U18/19 boys and girls age groups.
Five of Oklahoma’s top clubs – Northeast Oklahoma FC, Oklahoma Celtic, South Lakes Cosmos, TSC Hurricane and West Side Alliance SC – have committed to the league as their initial competitive platform.
“We’re excited to welcome Oklahoma Premier Clubs to US Club Soccer,” said John Borozzi, US Club Soccer Vice President. “These clubs’ commitment to their players, as well as growth opportunities for coaches and referees, aligns with US Club Soccer’s mission and the Players First philosophy.”
The Oklahoma Premier Clubs will contribute to the Red River NPL, a newly formed league member of the National Premier Leagues.
Additionally, the annual Oklahoma Premier Clubs state championship event will include a direct pathway to US Club Soccer’s National Cup, a national championship series that includes regionals and other qualifying state cup events.
Like other US Club Soccer members, the Oklahoma Premier Clubs will be provided benefits with its US Club Soccer membership. This includes Players First, which is the primary model for US Club Soccer to accomplish its mission to foster the growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States.
Players First is a branded, holistic club soccer experience for parents and players that emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should compete. Players First is anchored by five pillars:
- Club Development
- Coaching Development
- Player Development
- Parent Engagement & Education
- Player Health & Safety
US Club Soccer CEO Kevin Payne described Player Health & Safety as US Club Soccer’s “first and most important responsibility.” That commitment has been demonstrated by various Players First partnerships, including FIFA 11+, Fit for 90, Player’s Health and Sideline Sports Doc.
Additionally, beginning last summer, US Club Soccer began implementing more rigorous background checks as part of the screening process for all registered personnel. The organization required that registered staff must complete a Sideline Sports Doc/US Club Soccer online injury recognition course.
Oklahoma Premier Clubs members will also be exposed to Player Development Programs (PDPs) and the id² Program. These programs help provide identification and development to the entire country.
Oklahoma Premier Clubs membership is open through an application process to clubs in the state. Clubs outside of Oklahoma may apply through a special application process.
