MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2008) – In a key move that helps to define the future direction of youth soccer in the United States, US Club Soccer has announced a sanctioning agreement with the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL).

One of the most competitive youth soccer leagues in the country, the NISL has grown from four to over 1,200 teams since its inception in 1975. The league currently serves over 12,000 players in 86 Chicago-area communities.

"Clubs have become the foundation of youth player development in the United States, and this affiliation with US Club Soccer will enhance growth in a strong Chicago market," said NISL President Peter Richardson. "It is the right decision at the right time, and good for the game and the players."

Reinforcing US Club Soccer’s philosophy of not applying restrictions on state boundaries, plans are being developed to expand the NISL into southern Wisconsin and northwestern Indiana. This philosophy allows for optimal league growth and increased competitiveness.

Additionally, other events and programs in the Midwest, including the id2 player development program, will be strengthened by the US Club Soccer/NISL partnership.

"Clearly the NISL is one of the most competitive leagues in the country, and we’re glad they have joined us," said Bill Sage, executive director of US Club Soccer. "Actually, Peter Richardson was in on some of the early planning meetings that led to the formation of US Club Soccer, and we know he understands our philosophy of clubs being the key component in player development."

The streamlined online registration system and additional information about the NISL can be found at the league’s Web site: http://www.northernillinoissoccerleague.com.

For more information, contact NISL President Peter Richardson at peter@chicagosoccer.com or US Club Soccer’s Chris Baer at (614) 854-0779 or cbaer@usclubsoccer.org.


About US Club Soccer:

US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. It has been a member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001 and has grown to over 2,300 member clubs and leagues in 49 states. In addition to sanctioning tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup and the National Collegiate Showcase. US Club Soccer also directs its own annual player identification and development program – id2.