Development Player League

Want to play at the next level?

The Development Player League (DPL) is a distinguished national league that serves as an elite platform for competition among top youth soccer clubs in the United States, specifically targeting female players in the U13-U19 age groups. Established to bridge the gap between grassroots soccer and elite competition, DPL integrates into the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) framework, emphasizing a balance between high-level competition and player development. It not only aims to provide challenging environments for players to hone their skills but also focuses on holistic development, including mental, physical, and leadership qualities, preparing them for success at collegiate levels and beyond.

The league was founded in 2017, inspired by the ideals of the former U.S. Soccer Development Academy, to address a gap in the development league framework. Since its inception, DPL has expanded nationwide, connecting top clubs across the country and offering a broad range of players access to its opportunities. This expansion facilitates a high level of competition and visibility for players, making DPL a significant stepping stone for those aspiring to play at collegiate levels. With its official role as the 2nd tier competition platform for the Girls Academy (GA), DPL also ensures a pathway for talented players to progress within the competitive soccer landscape.

DPL’s structure includes local and regional conferences, national championship competitions across all age groups, and national college showcase events, designed to meet the best interests of the players through minimum standards. These structured competitions and showcases offer players ample opportunities to exhibit their talents to college recruiters and scouts. The league’s commitment to flexible roster solutions emphasizes player development, supported by powerful relationships with industry leaders, ensuring that players receive the highest quality coaching and developmental resources.

Furthermore, DPL’s vision and mission revolve around developing players and empowering individuals within a purposeful and memorable environment. By fostering a standards-driven national league that encourages clubs to compete and grow, DPL aims to maximize player development and raise the bar in youth soccer. This community-oriented approach seeks to create superior experiences where players can showcase talent, discover collegiate opportunities, and build a community around the game, embodying the spirit of competition and development in youth soccer​ (Youth Sports Rater)​​ (Soccer Mavericks)​​ (Coliseum SC – Soccer For Everyone)​.