Our Boys Academy Teams Join the National 1 League

Our U13, U14, and U16 Boys Academy teams have been accepted into the National 1 League for the 2026–2027 season. As the league enters its first year, it is already establishing its place within the broader U.S. Soccer pathway, alongside other national platforms that help guide players through the development pyramid. Being part of the inaugural season gives our players a meaningful step within that structure, and a chance to grow in a league built with long-term development in mind.

Why we chose National 1

We chose the National 1 League because it offers a true merit-based environment for our players. Club-based national systems such as ECNL and MLS Next accept an entire organization regardless of the strength of its individual age groups. National 1 is strictly team-based: any talented, hard-working team has the opportunity to earn its spot and advance on its own results.

That structure keeps the focus on the pitch. Because the level of competition in each age group is earned rather than assumed, players face consistent, high-level games that challenge them to think faster, play cleaner, and grow through meaningful matches week after week.

What it means for our Academy

This opportunity strengthens everything we are building: a development pathway rooted in the Juventus methodology and supported by challenging environments that push our players to reach their potential. We are proud of our U13, U14, and U16 boys for earning this spot, and Executive Director Renzo Bejarano shared that he is confident competing in the National 1 League will elevate the level of our entire club.

Renzo’s full letter on the inaugural season appears in the September 2026 issue of our newsletter, Giochiamo.