Arkansas State Soccer Association
Arkansas Competitive Soccer League (ACSL) Announcement
The Arkansas State Soccer Association (ASSA) is pleased to announce the Fall 2018launch of theArkansas Competitive Soccer League (ACSL). This new league is open to eligible competitive youth soccer teams in the 11U through 19U age groups. The structure and rules of the ACSL have been developed through a process of several months of discussion and collaboration between the ASSA and some of the most experienced and knowledgeable soccer professionals in our state.
An all new league, the ACSL represents a reunification of the US Youth Soccer (USYS) competitive league landscape in our state and is a replacement for the Arkansas State League (ASL) and the Arkansas Club Development League (ACDL), a result of the ASSA having listened and responded to the needs of our member clubs. With the trial sanctioning of the ACDL coming to a close at the conclusion of the Spring 2018 season and the ASL in need of improvements, it is time for a new leaguewhich provides a common vehicle for league competition for all competitive teams in the state, both those at an elite level and those striving to get to that level. Participation in the ACSL will be the pathway for eligibility for USYS National Championship Series events, including participation in the Arkansas State Championships and advancement to either the USYS Southern Regional or USYS Presidents Cup.
The ACSL will be operated by an independent seven-member league commission representative of the participants in the league. The members of the commission will be a mixture of both elected and appointed individuals who will be well-positioned to govern the league with the best interests of all participating clubs and teams represented. The league commission will have a high level of autonomy in the operation of the league but will also maintain an appropriate level of accountability to the member-elected leadership of the ASSA.
Participation in the league will be open to competitive teams who are a part of Arkansas-based clubs who are members in good-standing with ASSA and USYS. The league will also be open to non-Arkansas teams who are properly affiliated with USYS or another US Soccer affiliate and are in good-standing with their own state association. There will be multiple levels of competition within the league to provide for teams’ varying ability levels with opportunity for promotion or relegation among those levels.
We hope you will join us in working together to raise the standard for soccer across Arkansas.
Applications for participation in the league will be available by April 30, 2018. Any questions should be addressed to Jim Walker, ASSA Executive Director, at or to (501) 833-0550 Ext. 1.
About ASSA
With over 60 local member affiliates, ASSA is the official Arkansas affiliate of United States Youth Soccer (USYS) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), operating under the umbrella of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and FédérationInternationale de Football Association (FIFA).The ASSA has primary responsibility for oversight of the youth and adult soccer in Arkansas, offering programming for both competitive and recreational soccer teams, advancement to USYSregional and national events, league play for elite-level teams, coaching and referee education, and development and identification of elite-level players through programs like the USYS Olympic Development Program (ODP). ASSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors elected by its member clubs.