EDP Approved as Affiliate Member of US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the country and the leader in youth soccer, is proud to announce that EDP, one of the country’s largest leagues with more than 4,000 teams located on the east coast of the United States, has been approved as an affiliate member by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors.

Beginning in the fall of 2018, all EDP league play, tournaments and college showcases will be US Youth Soccer sanctioned events. Additionally, EDP has been retained to manage US Youth Soccer National League Conferences in the East Region — New England EDP, North Atlantic EDP, Mid Atlantic EDP and South Atlantic EDP.

US Youth Soccer’s commitment to reimagining its family of leagues while establishing a clear alignment with the prestigious National League and National Championship Series, in addition to U.S. Soccer standards, has precipitated this move for EDP.

“EDP could not be more excited for the opportunity to be part of the US Youth Soccer family and fully-embraces the ability to further improve the overall youth soccer landscape in this country hand-in-hand with US Youth Soccer, beginning with the fall of 2018,” EDP CEO Alan Shilling said. “I am confident that the players will be the beneficiaries of this new relationship as EDP joins the outstanding family of US Youth Soccer sanctioned leagues.”

As an affiliate member of the organization, EDP is now a voting member of the National Council of US Youth Soccer.

“This latest development, with EDP joining US Youth Soccer as an affiliate member, only further highlights our commitment to supporting and serving our membership while also serving the athletes,” US Youth Soccer CEO Chris Moore said. “US Youth Soccer is the leader in youth soccer, and EDP will now further our ability to continue driving the beautiful game of soccer forward.”

As part of this new affiliation with US Youth Soccer, the EDP leadership will be working closely with the US Youth Soccer East Region General Manager, Dr. Greg Smith.

“Many positive improvements are being made within US Youth Soccer at this time and I could not be more excited to have an opportunity to further grow, enhance and improve the youth soccer landscape in this country for the millions of kids who play each year through the work that is currently being done and the work that is yet to come,” Dr. Greg Smith said.

About the United States Youth Soccer (US Youth Soccer): US Youth Soccer – "The Game for ALL Kids!®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 Member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

About US Youth Soccer National League - The US Youth Soccer National Leagues Program is for the nation’s top teams in the 13U through 19U boys and girls age groups, offering additional exposure to collegiate, professional and U.S. National Team coaches. The program includes the national tier called the National League, which will hold its 12th year of competition in the 2018-19 season. The reimagined National Leagues Program also includes a new multi-state tier with a network of 13 high-level competitive conferences throughout the country. The conferences provide opportunities for qualification into the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships, as well as the following season's National League.

About EDP: EDP provides the best developmental pathway in support of each player’s journey and adheres to the values of trust, loyalty, quality, respect, fair play, access and adaptability. Furthermore, EDP enables soccer players to reach their full potential on and off the field, with an emphasis on going to college, by providing a full range of the highest quality soccer-related experiences and empowering each player to select the pathway best suited to their goals. EDP works closely with member clubs to develop a positive, fair and competitive environment based on cooperation and communication. For more information, visit https://www.edpsoccer.com.