Arizona Premier League - New 2016
April 23, 2016
The Arizona Youth Soccer Association’s (AYSA) Board of Directors and AYSA’s League Committee is proud to announce the formation of the new competitive Arizona Premier League (APL) to begin in the 2016-2017 season. The Mission of the APL is to change the landscape for elite level youth soccer teams in Arizona through a competitive and selective platform.
The APL will offer competition for boys and girls teams in eight age groups beginning with U-12 and concluding with U-19. Placement of each of these teams, within their respective gender and age, will be determined by team performance. The APL will be composed of elite level players and teams wanting to participate at the highest level of competition available in Arizona.
Teams seeking admittance to the Desert Premier League (DPL) and/or the National League (NL) must participate in either the Arizona Premier or Arizona State League (ASL). In addition, teams applying for the 2017 State Cup must participate in either the APL or ASL as well.
In this inaugural season, teams interested in applying for the APL must complete an application (with DOC approval) between May 15 – June 10, 2016. The AYSA League Committee and their sub-committees, will review the applications and notify applicants of league placement decision by July 1, 2016. Each age group and gender will be composed of one division which will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 teams.
"The Arizona Premier League is a great step for elite youth soccer players in Arizona. A great deal of work has gone into making the APL a reality and this league is going to be something very special," said APL League Commissioner Chris Webb.
The APL is founded on the concept that elite boys and girls player development in Arizona needs a more defined schedule with quality games on the best fields. The mission of the APL is to provide the highest standard of competitive play for youth teams in Arizona and assure the continued growth and development of elite level players.
“AYSA's creation of the Arizona Premier League is in line with all US Soccer and AYSA player development initiatives; and ensures Arizona's players have the best possible league environment in which to develop,” stated Director of Leagues Collier Hill.
It is an exciting time for the Arizona Youth Soccer Association and Arizona Youth Soccer as a whole. This league is a part of a pioneering effort to improve elite level boys and girls soccer teams across the state of Arizona.