MICHIGAN YOUTH SOCCER PYRAMID  
                                               


US Soccer Development Academy (USSF DA)
The Academy is the highest level of play in boys youth soccer in the state, available for ul6 and ul8 only. Only two clubs in Michigan (Metro Detroit) have Development Academy teams; no other clubs in the state are permitted to play in this league. Players have a huge time and travel commitment. A girls DA does not exist, although several of the top clubs in the nation have formed the Elite Clubs Na­tional League (ECNL); although not endorsed by US Soccer, it follows a similar model.

Midwest Regional League (MRL)
Region-wide league begins play at U14 and concludes at U18. Teams must qualify for participation based on State Cup and league per­formances (MRL or MSPSP). Two tiers of play (Premier and First Division) with multiple brackets at each level. Only eight total teams in Michigan per age group qualify for play in MRL.

State Cup
State-wide tournament to crown State Champions, part of the National Championship Series. It's  organized like the World Cup - teams play three games to determine a group winner, and the group winners advance to the quarterfinals. State Cup champions advance to a Regional tournament, with winners advancing to the National Cup.

Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP)
Often referred to as "Premier" and attracts the more competitive and committed players and teams.  State-wide league begins play at U13 and concludes at U18. Multiple divisions available within each age group: Premier 1 (top), Premier 2, Classic 1, Classic 2, Classic 3, Classic 4 (lowest). Teams are placed in appropriate divisions based on results from previous years. Each season the top teams in each division are promoted up a division and the lowest teams are relegated down a division.

Michigan State Developmental Soccer League (MSDSL)
League currently has eight clubs - TNT Dynamite, Canton Celtic, Force FC, Livonia City Soccer Club, Michigan Alliance, Michigan Jaguars, Michigan Tigers, and WAZA FC. Clubs must apply to join the league and are accepted only if they meet quality standards. Teams formed from U8-U12. League emphasis is on player and team development. Teams formed by tryouts, coached by professional coaches, train 2-
3x per week, attends out-of-state tournaments.

Western Suburban Soccer League (WSSL)
League includes approximately 37 clubs with multiple divisions of play (recreational and select) in the western metro-Detroit area. Coaches are a cross-section of paid and volunteer staff. Team commitment (training frequency, tournaments, etc.) increases from the community level teams.

Capital Area Soccer League (CASL)
Competitive community-based, low cost medium commitment, parent/volunteer coaches, games played against other communities, some tournament participation. This is when quality players start to separate themselves and begin to look for more ways to be challenged above recreational soccer. Many youth players (U8-U12) find this is an excellent feeder league for premier clubs. This tier also includes similar leagues like Mid-Michigan Youth Soccer League (MMYSL) and Central Michigan Soccer Association (CMSA).

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
Recreational community-based, very low cost and minimal commitment, parent/volunteer coaches, games played against other local teams and some nearby communities. This is the typical starting point for most players entering the sport of soccer.