TCSL Magazine Summer 2026

TCSL SCOUTING REPORT

TCSL Members,

As the Twin Cities soccer community transitions from the cold of winter to the energy of a full outdoor season, there is much to celebrate — and even more to look forward to.

This past winter was one for the record books. More than 500 teams competed in meaningful, organized competition across our leagues, festivals, and play dates — a testament to the health and momentum of soccer in the Twin Cities. That level of participation doesn't happen by accident. It reflects the commitment of our member clubs, coaches, families, and players who make TCSL what it is.

One of the highlights of the spring thus far was our inaugural ECNL RL / NPL League Weekend, held April 17–19 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Bringing ECNL Regional League and Minnesota NPL teams together under one roof — creating a true event environment with centralized competition, highquality officiating, and a showcase setting for 16U–19U players — was a vision we have been working toward for some time. To see it come to life and receive such positive feedback from clubs, coaches, and families was incredibly gratifying.

Looking ahead, we are excited to share news about the continued evolution of the TCSL player pathway. The National Premier Leagues will be transitioning into the National 1 League — a development that reflects the growth and ambition of competitive club soccer in Minnesota and across the country. More details are included in this issue, and we look forward to sharing the full picture with our clubs as this transition unfolds.

Summer is here, and with it comes an outstanding slate of events — from the TCSL Summer League and Minnesota Cup to the All-TCSL Games, Summer Festival, and Final 4. The AllTCSL Games return on May 29 at the National Sports Center, expanded this year to include 11U and 12U players alongside the existing 13U/14U matches — a reflection of the talent and enthusiasm we see growing across the league. These experiences are what our players work all year for, and TCSL is committed to delivering them at the highest level possible.

Thank you, as always, for your trust and your partnership. The best soccer in Minnesota is happening right here — and this summer will be no exception.

Matt Tiano CEO

Twin Cities Soccer Leagues

STARTING LINE-UPS

WHAT'S NEW

Making a (Spring) Splash

Teams compete in a tune-up event on turf at the National Sports Center

The inaugural TCSL Spring Festival delivered exactly what it promised — a fun, competitive, family-friendly experience on premium turf fields at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Held April 11–12, 2026, the event welcomed 9U and 10U teams for a jamboree-style tune-up ahead of the Summer league season. Boys teams took the field on Saturday, April 11, with girls teams following on Sunday, April 12. Each team played two matches in 2x25-minute halves, facing opponents they hadn't played recently — keeping competition fresh and meaningful.

All players received a medal, the fields were in excellent condition, and the atmosphere was everything TCSL festival events are known for. The Spring Festival joins the TCSL festival calendar alongside Summer Festival, Fall Festival, and Winter Fests as a fixture that clubs can count on each year. Based on the turnout and energy from this inaugural edition, registration is expected to fill faster than ever in 2027 — mark your calendars now.

A Message on Sportsmanship to Kick Off the Season

As we kick off a new season, there is a sense of excitement that returns to our fields each year — fresh uniforms, new teammates, and the belief that anything is possible. Every team begins with opportunity ahead of them. Not just the opportunity to win matches, but to grow, compete, and represent their team, club, and community in the right way. Youth soccer provides players the chance to challenge themselves, build resilience, and experience both success and disappointment. But what matters most is not the final score — it is how we compete and how we treat one another along the way.

That standard is built in everyday moments — in how players respond to adversity, how coaches lead through challenges, and how parents and spectators support from the sidelines. Respect for opponents, teammates, officials, and the game itself creates an environment where players can truly thrive.

Our officials play an essential role in every match and deserve respect at all times. Like players and coaches, they will make mistakes — but without them, the game cannot happen. The example we set in those moments matters, especially to the young athletes who are watching and learning from us.

We also remain committed to ensuring our fields are places where every participant feels safe and respected. There is no place in our game for abusive behavior, harassment, or discriminatory language of any kind. Participation in any match (whether as a player, coach, or spectator) is a privilege, and it requires respect for the game and everyone involved at all times.

As a league, success is measured in more than standings. It is reflected in the character of our players, the leadership of our coaches, and the example set by our families and supporters.

Thank you for being part of this community and for helping make this season a positive experience for every player who steps onto the field.

I wish every team, coach, referee, and family the very best as we begin the season. Let’s make this one defined not just by great competition, but by respect, sportsmanship, and pride in the way we represent the game.

Matt Tiano CEO

Twin Cities Soccer Leagues

All-TCSL Games Return — Bigger Than Ever

May 29, 2026 | National Sports Center, Blaine, MN

The All-TCSL Games are set to return on May 29, 2026 — bringing back the league's All-Star event for a second year and expanding to new divisions for the first time.

Following the strong success of last year's inaugural event, the All-TCSL Games will grow in Summer 2026 to include 11U and 12U players, joining the existing 13U/14U matches. This expansion reflects the continued growth of talent across the league and the enthusiastic response from players, families, and clubs after the first event.

Selected athletes — nominated by their club directors — will compete alongside and against peers from other clubs, creating a memorable experience built around development, sportsmanship, and league-wide excellence.

We look forward to building on the momentum of last year's event and delivering an even bigger All-TCSL Games experience in Summer 2026.

Player eligibility

• 11U–14U TCSL Regional, State, and Cities players

• All players nominated by their club directors

Match format

• 11U/12U and 13U/14U composite rosters will be formed

• 11U/12U will play 9v9; 13U/14U will play 11v11

All-TCSL Match Schedule

Referee Season Kickoff

TCSL's commitment to referee education and development hits the ground running

As the outdoor season opens, TCSL is prioritizing referee support at every level. The Referee Season Kickoff initiative was launched to provide structured guidance, mentorship, and resources for referees preparing to take the field this spring and summer.

Whether you are a first-year official stepping onto a pitch for the first time or a veteran referee looking to sharpen your skills before a busy summer schedule, TCSL's referee development infrastructure is here to support you. Details on mentorship opportunities, education sessions, and how to get involved are available at tcslsoccer.com.

LEAGUES

Summer 2026 TCSL

Competitive outdoor play in full swing

The 2026 TCSL Summer League officially kicked off April 27, and the Twin Cities soccer community is back on the outdoor fields in full force. Open to teams 11U through 19U across National, Regional, State, and Cities divisions, the Summer League offers meaningful competition, prioritizing player development, well-organized match environments and “Good Games Close to Home”. With scheduling that accounts for coach conflicts, home venue availability, and balanced match spacing throughout the season, TCSL Summer League continues to provide an experience that clubs of all sizes rely on as the foundation of their competitive calendar. Summer League play concludes in July, with the top teams in each division advancing to the TCSL Summer Final 4.

Minnesota NPL & ECNL RL

Qualification taking shape as the

season

heads toward its postseason

The 2025–26 Minnesota NPL and ECNL Regional League seasons are entering their final stretch, and the qualification picture is coming into focus across divisions and brackets. The competitive depth across both leagues has been on full display this season. Close matches, tight standings, and meaningful results have characterized the campaign from start to finish — exactly the kind of environment that prepares players for the next level.

TCSL Fives — Summer 2026

Locations and dates announced for Summer season

TCSL Fives returns for Summer 2026, bringing structured 8U play dates designed to better prepare players for the transition to 9U. The program is built around a fun, energetic environment for players at this crucial developmental stage — one where the focus is on introductory experiences, not mini versions of older-aged soccer.

Format

• “Match Day” format — family-centric and completed within a 2-hour window as much as possible

• All games played 5v5 — 4 field players + goalkeeper

• 2×20 minute halves

• Each team plays two (2) matches per play date

2026 dates and locations

More locations may be added.

May 17 at Flying Cloud Fields (Eden Prairie, Minn.)

May 31 at Chippewa Middle School (North Oaks, Minn.)

June 7 at Minnetonka Middle School West (Excelsior, Minn.)

June 14 at Flying Cloud Fields (Eden Prairie, Minn.)

June 21 at Chippewa Middle School (North Oaks, Minn.)

June 27 at Kingston Park (Cottage Grove, Minn.)*

*at Summer Festival

National 1 League — The Next Evolution

Minnesota NPL transitions to National 1 League

Minnesota soccer is on the move. US Club Soccer's National Premier Leagues will evolve into a new, unified national competition — the National 1 League — aligned with US Youth Soccer's National League beginning with the 2026-27 soccer year. Twin Cities Soccer Leagues has been announced as an Operator of this new platform, building upon the strong foundation of the NPL while creating greater alignment and connectivity across the national landscape.

The new structure will maintain the existing NPL standards and team-based model currently in place, while establishing stronger connectivity across eight geographic conferences with multiple districts in each. TCSL will operate within the Central District, continuing to serve clubs throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin as it does today.

A key enhancement is an updated postseason model. Beginning next year, the ECNL Conference League Playoffs, operated by ECNL, will include champions from this competition alongside selected additional ECNL Regional League qualifiers. Importantly, the existing ECNL Regional League postseason structure will remain fully intact.

While the national platform evolves, the broader TCSL pyramid remains unchanged — and in many ways serves as a model for the country — with clear promotion pathways within TCSL and advancement opportunities into ECNL Regional League.

"This is an important step toward greater clarity and alignment within youth soccer in America," said Matt Tiano, CEO of TCSL. "By building upon the strong foundation of the NPL and integrating it into a more unified national framework, we are creating a more connected competitive environment for clubs and players. TCSL is proud to help lead this next phase of alignment and evolution."

SUMMER EVENTS

2026 Minnesota Cup

Minnesota's marquee soccer event — May 9–17

250+ teams. 11U–19U. Minnesota's biggest stage.

The 2026 Minnesota Cup is here, and it is shaping up to be the most expansive edition yet. Hosted primarily at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN, with additional metro locations as needed, this year's event features expanded division coverage — including the newly added 11U and 12U divisions — alongside the established 13U–19U competition that has defined the tournament for years.

For teams 13U and older, the Minnesota Cup is more than a state title — it is a gateway to national competition through the US Club Soccer National Championship Series:

• Super Group: Winners advance to the US Club Soccer National Cup Finals in Denver, Colorado

• Premier Group: Winners advance to the US Club Soccer Midwest Regional in Waukegan/Libertyville, Illinois

May 9–17, 2026 | National Sports Center, Blaine, MN (with additional metro locations as needed)

Event Information

Schedules and Divisions

TCSL Summer Festival

Presented by TRIA — June 27–28, 2026 | Kingston Park, Cottage Grove, MN

Cap off the Summer League season the right way at the TCSL Summer Festival, presented by TRIA. Open to all TCSL 8U–10U teams, this beloved event brings the whole family together for a day of great soccer, great food, and great memories.

• Saturday, June 27: Boys 9U–10U and TCSL Fives (8U) boys and girls

• Sunday, June 28: Girls 9U–10U

Format

• Jamboree-style — 9U–10U teams play 3 matches; TCSL Fives (8U) teams play 2 matches

• Teams are matched with similarly skilled opponents they haven't faced frequently in league play

Every player receives a medal, food trucks will be on site, and the festival atmosphere makes it an event the whole family can enjoy.

Register by June 1, 2026.

Information and Registration

TCSL Summer Final 4

Presented by TRIA — July 10–12, 2026

The Final 4 Summer League Championship returns to close out the summer season in style. The top 4 teams in each division bracket automatically qualify based on their final Summer League standings — earning their spot in a bracket that delivers semifinal action, a third-place match, and a championship game.

All participating teams play two matches across the July 10–12 window. Championship winners are celebrated with music, food, photo ops, and awards in a festival atmosphere that is one of the highlights of the TCSL summer calendar.

Think your team has what it takes? It all starts with how you perform in Summer League play.

Qualification Criteria & Event Information

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

TCSL Reps — Phoenix Cup Results

Girls claim the title. Boys show strong in competitive field.

The TCSL Reps 2011 squad made the trip to Phoenix, Arizona in March to compete in the Phoenix Cup — one of the premier youth tournaments in the country, drawing top clubs from across the United States.

The Girls team rose to the occasion, winning the championship — a remarkable result that continues the strong tradition of TCSL Reps girls teams at this event. The 2010 Girls took the title in 2025, and the 2011 Girls have now carried that standard forward in impressive fashion.

The Boys team delivered a strong performance as well in a highly competitive field, representing their clubs and the TCSL community with the kind of effort and character the Reps program is built around.

Congratulations to both squads, their coaches, and the clubs they represent on an outstanding showing in Phoenix.

TCSL Reps — 2026-27 Season

More information to follow about the TCSL Reps 2026-27 season!

Coach education

Continuous Improvement: More Education, More Development, Better Players

The 2025–26 coach education calendar has been a busy one, and TCSL is proud of the coaches who have invested in their development this year.

Multiple USSF D License courses are wrapping up this spring, completing a multi-month journey for participants who have committed significant time to elevating their craft.

The USSF C License in-person sessions were held April 9–12, bringing coaches together for one of the most intensive and valuable components of the licensing process.

Congratulations to all coaches who have completed or are in the process of completing their licenses this season — your players are better for it.

Looking ahead, the 2026–27 Coach Education calendar will be published soon. TCSL will again offer a robust slate of USSF licensing courses — 7v7, 9v9, 11v11, D License, and C License — across virtual and in-person formats. Coaches are encouraged to plan ahead and register early, as popular courses fill quickly.

TCSL

Education

Soccer Learning Center

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

Building a Strong Foundation for the Season Ahead Shadow Program at TCSL Winter Fests

TCSL hosted Referee Shadow Events at Winter Fest play dates throughout the winter — providing on-field mentorship for new and early-career referees in a 9U–10U festival environment. These sessions paired newer officials with experienced mentors, creating a low-pressure learning environment designed to build confidence, reinforce technique, and accelerate readiness for larger match assignments.

The Shadow Program, in addition to the Referee Season Kickoff series mentioned previously, reflects TCSL's belief that developing great referees requires more than classroom instruction — it requires real match experience with qualified support alongside you.

Referee Season Kickoff Information

EVER WONDER WHERE THAT GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY COMES FROM?

NOW YOU CAN PURCHASE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER AT AN AFFORDABLE COST!

ADMIN CORNER

Preparing for the 2026–27 Season

The 2026-27 roster transition, key dates, and resources

The summer stretch is a critical window for club administrators — and TCSL is here to make sure you are ready.

Overview

Effective with the 2026-27 soccer season, US Club Soccer — TCSL's sanctioning partner — along with other youth soccer organizations, has transitioned to a school-year-based age group system. This changes the method by which TCSL member clubs form teams. Under the current model, teams are formed using a birth-year method (January 1–December 31). Beginning August 1, 2026, the cutoff shifts to August 1–July 31.

Full Age Group Change Information

Why the change?

US Club Soccer and other youth soccer organizations have cited several reasons for the switch:

• Playing with schoolmates: One of the primary reasons children enter soccer is to play with their friends. Under the current birth-year model, a player born in December is unable to play on the same team as a schoolmate born in January. The school-year system corrects this.

• Trapped players: Minnesota club soccer is affected by MSHSL rules, which prevent players in the fall high school season from also participating in a club sport during the same period. Under the current system, players of a U15 birth year not playing high school soccer had no fall playing options. This change will significantly reduce the number of players in this situation.

• Under-19 teams: A similar issue affects U19 teams, where a large number of players typically leave for college mid-cycle, leaving high school juniors without a full roster. The school-year alignment addresses this gap.

• College recruiting: Under the current system, teams in college-recruitable brackets are composed of players from two different graduating classes. College coaches recruit primarily by school grade, which can require additional evaluation time and increase the risk that players are overlooked. Aligning teams to school grade streamlines the process for coaches and players alike.

Age group matrix

The following table shows how birth year ranges shift between the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons for each division.

Age group 2025-26 season 2026-27 season

U-6

U-7

U-8

U-9

U-10

U-11

U-12

U-13

U-14

U-15

U-16

U-17

U-18

U-19

U-20

Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020

Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019

Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018

Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017

Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2016

Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015

Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014

Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013

Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012

Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011

Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010

Aug 1, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021

Aug 1, 2019 – Jul 31, 2020

Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019

Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018

Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017

Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016

Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015

Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014

Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013

Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012

Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011

Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2009 Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010

Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2008

Jan 1, 2007 – Dec 31, 2007

Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2009

Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2008

Jan 1, 2006 – Dec 31, 2006 Aug 1, 2006 – Jul 31, 2007

TCSL Support Center

The TCSL Support Center is available 24/7 with the resources you need.

TCSL Support Center

LIMELIGHT TCSL Winter League Division

BOYS

Boys 11U/2015 - A Fusion Soccer Club Boys 15 Academy 1

Boys 11U/2015 - B Fusion Soccer Club Boys 15 Navy 1

Boys 11U/2015 - C East Ridge Soccer Club 15 Boys Black

Boys 11U/2015 - D North Suburban SA 2015 Boys Academy Carolina

Boys 11U/2015 - E Fusion Soccer Club Boys 16 Academy 2

Boys 12U/2014 - A Minnesota Rush 14 Boys EDT 1

Boys 12U/2014 - B MN Thunder Academy 2014 Boys Swoosh

Boys 12U/2014 - C United FC Rush 14 Boys Select 1

Boys 12U/2014 - D North United SC NUSC 14 Boys Platinum

Boys 12U/2014 - E Salvo SC Salvo SC 14B Central Steel

Boys 13U/2013 - A St. Croix 2014 Boys Academy

Boys 13U/2013 - B Keliix-Intra Soccer Club 13 Boys State (U13)

Boys 13U/2013 - C Shakopee SA 2013 Boys State

Boys 14U/2012 - A Minneapolis United 2012 Boys Copa/Minnesota Rush 12 Boys NPL

Boys 14U/2012 - B North United SC NUSC 12 Boys Platinum

Boys 14U/2012 - C North Suburban SA 2012 Boys Academy Silver

Boys 15U/2011 - A MN Thunder Academy 2011 Boys

Boys 15U/2011 - B North United SC NUSC 11 Boys Platinum

Boys 16U/2010 - A Boreal FC 2010 (BU16) Black - Warren

Boys 16U/2010 - B United FC Rush 10 Boys Select

Boys OPEN/2009-2007 - A Lakeville Soccer Club 2009 Boys Select

Boys OPEN/2009-2007 - B Tonka United SA 07/08 Boys Academy

Division Winners GIRLS

Girls 11U/2015 - A North Suburban SA 2015 Girls Academy Black

Girls 11U/2015 - B Fusion Soccer Club Girls 16 Academy 1

Girls 11U/2015 - C EPSC 2015 Girls Red

Girls 12U/2014 - A Lakeville Soccer Club 2014 Girls Academy 1

Girls 12U/2014 - B Keliix-Intra Soccer Club 14 Girls Regional (U12)

Girls 12U/2014 - C EPSC 2014 Girls Red

Girls 12U/2014 - D MapleBrook SC 2014 Girls State - Soukup

Girls 13U/2013 - A CC United Soccer Club 2013 Girls Regional

Girls 13U/2013 - B St. Croix 2014 Girls Academy

Girls 13U/2013 - C Fusion Soccer Club Girls 13 Select 1

Girls 14U/2012 - A Park Valley United FC 12 Girls Black

Girls 14U/2012 - B Force Soccer Club 2012 (U14) Girls - Trainis

Girls 15U/2011 - A CC United Soccer Club 2011 Girls Regional

Girls 16U/2010 - A Salvo SC Salvo SC 10G Navy

Girls 16U/2010 - B Keliix-Intra Soccer Club 10 Girls Regional (U16)

Girls OPEN/2009-2007 - A Fusion Soccer Club Girls 07/08 Select