The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is rapidly growing and represents the core of grassroots, pro-development soccer in the U.S. Established in 2011 in California, the league started as a regional competition and now includes nearly 400 clubs nationwide.

In American soccer, the UPSL is classified as part of the fourth tier, above college soccer and below professional leagues like the USL and MLS. It operates at a semi-pro level, where players, coaches, and clubs focus on development and competition, bridging college and professional levels.
          What sets the UPSL apart is its mission: to offer independent clubs and ambitious players a national platform without the restrictions of traditional franchise systems. Each team is locally owned and community-driven, reflecting their city’s culture.
          The league hosts two seasons annually: Spring and Fall, with regional matches leading to national playoffs. This format keeps travel manageable, fosters rivalries, and provides a clear path to national recognition. Its open promotion and relegation system within divisions adds intensity and rewards consistency and growth. The league’s open structure and competitive intensity also open the door to something bigger. UPSL clubs are eligible to compete in U.S. Open Cup qualifiers, giving local teams a pathway to face professional clubs from across the country in one of America’s oldest and most prestigious soccer tournaments.

          For Cleveland United FC, joining the UPSL introduces a new level of soccer to Cleveland, one previously unavailable. It’s more than just a competition. It’s an opportunity to elevate local soccer, offer college and post-college players a platform to stay competitive, and excite fans with a team representing their city nationally.

          This move demonstrates our goal to operate at a higher standard, to develop a club that competes strongly and connects the community to the broader U.S. soccer scene. Through the UPSL, Cleveland becomes part of the next wave of American soccer: fast-paced, ambitious, and rooted in community.

          Like the league, our story is about opportunity and growth. As Cleveland United FC steps into the UPSL, we invite our city to join us in shaping a new chapter in Cleveland’s sports history, driven by passion, progress, and pride.