The MAPL Foundational League is a U7–U11 boys and girls league created to provide clubs, coaches, players, and families with a development-first, geographically sensible alternative to traditional youth league models.

The Foundational League is designed to:

  • Reduce unnecessary travel

  • Support long-term player development

  • Align clubs under US Club Soccer’s mission

  • Create a clear pathway into MAPL, NPL, PDP, and ID2

CORE PHILOSOPHY

The MAPL Foundational League is built on five guiding principles:

1. Geography First
Competition is organized by true geographic divisions to minimize travel and maximize local rivalries.

2. Competitive Development
Age-appropriate formats, two divisions, promotion and relegation after fall and spring

3. Club Alignment
Clubs remain in control of their players, coaches, and development models.

4. Clear Pathway
A structured progression from Foundational League → MAPL → NPL → PDP / ID2.

5. US Club Soccer Mission
Player-centered environments that prioritize safety, education, and development.

Age Groups & Format

U7 Festivals 

  • Development-focused competition

  • No standings or league tables

  • Festival-style play opportunities

    U8–U11 

  • Structured league play

  • Two Divisions (Black & Gold)

  • Promotion and Relegation after fall and spring

  • Age-appropriate formats (7v7 / 9v9)

  • Introduction to competitive standards while maintaining a developmental focus

  • Top 8 Teams Head to Foundational Cup Weekend (June 2027) 

Geographic Divisions

Each division is designed to function as a local soccer ecosystem, allowing clubs to compete meaningfully without excessive travel. We are looking for a maximum 22 teams per age group per division. 

Delaware River Division

  • Bucks County (PA)

  • Mercer County (NJ)

  • Hunterdon County (NJ)

  • Somerset County (NJ)

Jersey Shore Division

  • Ocean County (NJ)

  • Monmouth County (NJ)

  • Middlesex County (NJ)

Metro Division

  • Union County (NJ)

  • Essex County (NJ)

  • Hudson County (NJ)

  • Bergen County (NJ)

Metro Division

  • Union County (NJ)

  • Essex County (NJ)

  • Hudson County (NJ)

  • Bergen County (NJ)

Hills Division

  • Morris County (NJ)

  • Sussex County (NJ)

  • Warren County (NJ)

  • Passaic County (NJ)

NEPA Division

  • Northeast Pennsylvania

What Makes the MAPL Foundational League Different

  • Local competition with 30–60 minute travel maximum

  • Professional league scheduling and administration

  • Clear communication and governance

  • Alignment with MAPL and NPL competitive pathways

  • League-supported referee standards

  • A long-term ecosystem rather than a single-season solution

  • Postseason play through Foundational Cup

  • Promotion and Relegation For Competitive Development

    The MAPL Foundational League exists to provide a better local opportunity for young players and clubs — one that prioritizes development, geography, and long-term growth while strengthening the mission of US Club Soccer across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Contact us to to discuss how the MAPL Foundational League could fit into your club’s long-term development plan!

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