Nashville United Soccer Academy Upper Academy Teams Accepted into National 1 League After Successful Applications
NASHVILLE, TN (June 18, 2026) – Nashville United Soccer Academy (NUSA) is proud to announce that all Upper Academy Maroon teams that applied have been accepted into the newly formed National 1 League, marking a significant milestone for the club and its player development pathway.
The National 1 League is a new national competition created through a historic collaboration between US Youth Soccer (USYS) and US Club Soccer. The league brings together two of the most prominent competition platforms in the country, the USYS National League and the National Premier Leagues (NPL), under one unified structure. Designed to serve more than 10,000 teams and over 150,000 players nationwide, the National 1 League represents a major step forward in the evolution of youth soccer competition in the United States.
Organized across eight regional conferences, Northwest, West, Central, South, Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast, the National 1 League introduces a layered structure featuring multiple districts within each conference. Tennessee State Soccer Association’s designation as the Mid-Atlantic District 4 operator places NUSA within a highly competitive and geographically diverse landscape, while maintaining a strong emphasis on reducing travel demands for players and families.
One of the defining principles of the National 1 League is its commitment to accessibility and player-centered competition. By structuring competition within localized districts, the league is designed to keep matches closer to home without sacrificing the quality and competitiveness of play. This model ensures that players can consistently compete at a high level while balancing the demands of travel, school, and overall well-being.
The National 1 League also aligns with the broader U.S. Soccer Pathways Strategy, an initiative aimed at simplifying and strengthening the developmental landscape of the sport. The structure introduces clear promotion pathways from local and state competitions into the National 1 League, and from there into higher platforms such as ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL), creating a transparent and merit-based system for advancement.
“National 1 League aligns with the broader goals of the U.S. Soccer Pathway Strategy,” said Marc Frankland, National 1 League Commissioner. “The work to connect pathways into National 1 League begins now. Our team will partner with selected operators and the respective state associations across the country to develop district-level pathways that are more inclusive and easier for players and parents to understand. The goal is not to disrupt local leagues, but to connect them into a clearer national structure.”
Operators across the country were selected based on their commitment to access and inclusivity, quality competition, and player-first decision-making, values that closely align with NUSA’s mission and philosophy.
For Tennessee soccer, this initiative represents a major step forward. With more than 100 member clubs and a history of steady growth, the Tennessee Soccer Association is well-positioned to implement the National 1 League model and provide meaningful opportunities for players across the state.
NUSA’s acceptance into the National 1 League further reinforces the club’s commitment to providing top-level competitive environments for its players. Competing in this platform will offer NUSA athletes increased exposure, higher-level matches, and a clear pathway for continued growth within the national soccer landscape.
“This is an exciting step for our club and our players,” said NUSA leadership. “The National 1 League provides a competitive platform that aligns with our long-term vision, developing players in meaningful environments while creating clear pathways for progression. We’re proud to have our Maroon teams represented at this level.”
Nashville United Soccer Academy continues to build a comprehensive development model that prioritizes both performance and character, preparing players for success at the next level and beyond.
For more information about Nashville United Soccer Academy, please visit: https://nusasoccer.org/