TCSL SCOUTING REPORT
TCSL Members,
As winter settles in across the Twin Cities, one thing remains unmistakably warm and vibrant: our soccer community. From domes and turf fields to classrooms and meeting rooms, the passion, commitment, and momentum surrounding the game continue to grow—and TCSL is proud to play a key role in facilitating this growth.
This issue of our magazine reflects an exciting moment in Minnesota soccer. We are seeing unprecedented participation across leagues, record-setting winter programming, and a player pathway that continues to expand opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and clubs alike. The inaugural season of ECNL Regional League – Twin Cities, the continued strength of Minnesota NPL, and the growth of our winter leagues and festival experiences all speak to a thriving, competitive, and development-driven environment close to home.
At its core, TCSL exists to serve the game and the people who make it special. We are grateful for the dedication of our member clubs, club leaders, coaches, referees, families, and—most importantly—the players. Your investment in development, sportsmanship, and community is what allows TCSL to deliver meaningful competition and best-in-class experiences year-round.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the winter and into spring and summer, there is much to be excited about: marquee league weekends, expanded events, enhanced postseason pathways, and continued collaboration with several key partners. Each initiative is rooted in our commitment to provide clear pathways, high standards, and opportunities that prepare players for the next level—wherever that may be.
Thank you for being part of the TCSL community. Together, we are shaping the future of soccer in the Twin Cities, and the best is still ahead.
Matt Tiano CEO Twin Cities Soccer Leagues
TCSL Magazine is the official publication of Twin Cities Soccer Leagues. It is published three times per year, featuring content about youth soccer in the Twin Cities and highlighting the many accomplishments of TCSL clubs, players, coaches and referees. Visit tcslsoccer.com for past issues. To advertise, reach out to us at info@tcslsoccer.com.
WHAT'S NEW
TCSL Launches Spring Festival
Inaugural event slated for April 11-12, 2026
As TCSL’s festival events (Summer Festival, Fall Festival, and Winter Fests) continue to grow in popularity, we are providing a new opportunity for these 9U and 10U teams to engage in a fun, family-friendly event: Spring Festival. Teams will play two games on a single day, making this event a perfect tune-up for the Summer league ahead. TCSL expects space to fill quickly for this event - register now!
TCSL Reps 2011’s Head to Phoenix Cup Boys and girls teams to take on top talent in March
The 2011 age group (boys and girls) will travel to Phoenix to compete in the Phoenix Cup. Expectations and excitement are high following the Reps 2010 Boys and Girls experience in Phoenix in March, 2025 - the girls left as champions and the boys left as runners-up. The 2011 teams will face top competition from across the country, as they are pushed to grow and develop in a new environment for the benefit of their club teams.
Tournament dates
• Girls Weekend - March 13-15, 2026
• Boys Weekend - March 20-22, 2026
TCSL to Host ECNL RL / NPL League Weekend
ECNL Regional League and Minnesota NPL teams compete together April 17-19
TCSL is excited to bring ECNL Regional League and Minnesota NPL teams together for a marquee league weekend, hosting all matches at a single location to create a true event environment. By centralizing competition, the weekend enhances the league experience for players, coaches, and families while fostering connection and visibility across clubs.
For 16U–19U teams, the weekend also provides a showcase-style setting, welcoming college coaches to evaluate top local talent in a competitive, organized environment. Teams will play two meaningful league matches over the course of the weekend, ensuring highlevel competition with no additional cost to participate.
The centralized format also supports referee development, allowing TCSL to assign highly qualified officials, create mentorship opportunities, and provide a consistent, professional match environment across all games. This event reflects TCSL’s continued commitment to delivering efficient, high-quality, and development-driven league experiences that elevate the game in the Twin Cities.
More Opportunities for Local Coaches
Register today for the US Soccer C License course
TCSL will host a US Soccer C License course for the sixth consecutive year! Space still remains in the course at the time of this publication. Visit TCSL’s Course Education page for more information and to register.
Phenomenal Competition Continues in Minnesota NPL and ECNL Regional League
Fall 2025 proved to be another exciting season for 13U and 14U NPL and ECNL RL - Twin Cities teams, with nearly 65% of matches being determined by 2 goals or less. Their race for Finals qualification continues into the Winter months with 15U-19U teams taking the field as well. Early matches have proven similarly close, promising highly competitive matchups to come.
TCSL Winter League Sees Record
Growth and Participation Play heats up over cold winter month
The TCSL Winter League reached new heights this season, growing by 39 teams compared to last year and engaging 275 total teams across 33 clubs.
The league continues to provide meaningful, highquality competition during the cold weather months, giving players a structured environment to develop and compete year-round.
Youth Soccer Age Group Update | Effective 2026–27
Transition to a school-year-based age group system coming next year
Starting with the 2026–27 soccer year, TCSL—along with the broader youth soccer community across the United States—will transition to a school-year-based age group system, shifting from the current calendar birthyear format (January 1–December 31) to an August 1–July 31 age cutoff. This adjustment aligns youth soccer more closely with the school calendar, helping players compete alongside classmates and peers throughout their developmental journey.
The change will impact how teams are formed across all youth age groups beginning August 1, 2026. To support a smooth transition, TCSL has developed comprehensive resources—including FAQs, comparison tools, and age group matrices— to assist clubs, coaches, and families as they plan for upcoming seasons.
This shift reflects a nationwide effort within youth soccer to streamline age classification and create a more consistent, cohesive playing experience for players at every stage of development.
LEAGUES
2025-26 ECNL Regional League
Competing for national postseason honors
ECNL RL - Twin Cities sits atop the TCSL player pathway pyramid, providing an opportunity for deserving Minnesota NPL teams to qualify for the top league in Minnesota, competing for coveted sports in the annual ECNL Regional League national postseason in June and July of 2026.
16U-19U ECNL RL - Twin Cities teams also have access to ECNL college showcases, and clubs that perform consistently and at a high level within the ECNL Regional League have the opportunity to be evaluated for invitation to the ECNL (National) club competition. The natural evolution of the Minnesota NPL, TCSL is excited to bring this level of opportunity to Minnesota soccer!
Minnesota NPL
Top-level competition close to home
December saw the kickoff of the 2025-26 Minnesota National Premier League season for over 130 teams. For 13U-14U teams, this marked a continuation of their fall campaigns, while 15U-19U teams were just getting started.
The Minnesota NPL is a qualification league for top teams, offering quality competition close to home with a full soccer calendar that culminates in the NPL Finals in Colorado in July 2026 for division winners.
NPL League Information
Winter 2025-26 TCSL
Local indoor competition for 11U-19U teams
The TCSL Winter League is successfully meeting the needs of soccer clubs of all sizes, attracting a record number of teams. Its flexible format is perfect for teams with multi-sport athletes or those facing challenges securing indoor space.
Open to 11U through 19U teams, the league offers valuable, local indoor competition with six matches scheduled across four months. Club administrators also benefit significantly from the league's centralized scheduling of match officials and facility support.
NPL Schedules/Results
TCSL Fives Fests
8U play dates in a fun, festival atmosphere
remaining event dates
February 14 at Academy of Holy Angels South Dome
February 28 at Maple Grove High School Dome
TCSL Fives Information
TCSL Winter Fests
Keep your 9U-10U teams sharp this winter with Winter Fest! These play dates provide a meaningful festival environment, offering two matches per date across two competitive levels.
remaining event dates
January 31 at Maple Grove Dome
February 28 at Sanneh Dome
March 14 at Maple Grove Dome
TCSL Winter Fests Information
Objectives
• Provide a fun, energetic, introductory program for this crucial age.
• Retain players at 9U that are better prepared with a better developed skillset.
• 8U soccer should be its own brand of soccer and should not be a mini version of older-aged soccer.
• Support clubs by having a standardsdriven experience for these younger players.
Format
• Festival days - 2 matches on each play date, concluded within a 2-3 hour span (convenient for families)
• 5v5 - 4 field players + a goalkeeper. Developing thinking players with good technique.
EVER WONDER WHERE THAT GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY COMES FROM?
NOW YOU CAN PURCHASE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER AT AN AFFORDABLE COST!
Collaboration with our members to ensure appropriate competition at every level of play
Scheduling that considers
Coaches coaching multiple teams > Blackout dates > Home venue availability > Matches spaced appropriately throughout the season>
TCSL Player Pathway
A home for every player
• Commitment to exceed expectations from start to finish (registration, support, communications, event execution).
• Facilities meet or exceed standards (as much turf reserved as possible to avoid weather delays and/or cancelations).
• Referees assigned are the most qualified in the Twin Cities.
• Events have meaning and are rooted in our developmental principles (as much as possible, one match per day).
SUMMER EVENTS
TCSL Spring Festival
New for 2026! All matches played on turf fields at the National Sports Center
Get your season started with the TCSL Spring Festival! Open to all TCSL 9U-10U teams, this event is designed to help your team get tuned up for the Summer season ahead, while bringing the same fun, family-friendly atmosphere you’ve come to expect from other TCSL festivals!
april 11-12, 2026
National Sports Center in Blaine, MN
Saturday, April 11: Boys 9U-10U
Sunday, April 12: Girls 9U-10U
Format: Jamboree-style
• All teams play 2 matches
• 2x25 minute halves
Competition: Teams will be matched up with other similarly skilled teams, with the goal of avoiding teams they’ve already played in recent Winter Fests or will play in Summer league.
Highlights:
• All players receive a medal!
• Family-friendly festival atmosphere!
• Competitive games against new teams!
Register by March 10, 2026
Information & Registration
Minnesota Cup 2026
Expanded and enhanced I Register by February 28, 2026
The 2026 Minnesota Cup, Minnesota's premier soccer event, is rolling out exciting updates to enhance the tournament and broaden its reach.
• Expanded Age Groups: 11U-12U divisions have been added to the Minnesota Cup! Note: There is no advancement pathway for 11U-12U teams beyond the Minnesota Cup.
• New Dates: The 2026 Minnesota Cup will be held earlier in the calendar, running from May 9 to May 17. This updated schedule is designed to give players more rest between matches and provide additional planning time ahead of national events.
Path to National Competition (US Club Soccer National Championship Series):
• Super Group: Teams advance to the US Club Soccer National Cup Finals in Denver, Colorado.
• Premier Group: Teams advance to the US Club Soccer Midwest Regional in Waukegan/Libertyville, Illinois.
May 9-17, 2026
Hosted at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN with other metro locations as needed.
Information & Registration
TCSL Summer Festival
Presented
by TRIA
Celebrate the end of your season at the TCSL Summer Festival! Open to all TCSL 8U-10U teams, this event offers a fun, festival-like atmosphere for the whole family.
June
27-28, 2026
Kingston Park in Cottage Grove, MN
Saturday, April 27: Boys 9U-10U and TCSL Fives (8U) boys and girls
Sunday, April 12: Girls 9U-10U
Format: Jamboree-style
• 9U-10U teams play 3 matches.
• TCSL Fives (8U) teams play 2 matches.
Information & Registration
Competition: Teams will be matched up with other similarly skilled teams they haven't played in the league as much as possible, ensuring competitive and enjoyable matches.
Highlights:
• All players receive a medal!
• Food trucks and fun for everyone!
• The whole family can get involved!
Register by June 1, 2026
TCSL Summer FINAL 4
Presented by TRIA
The Final 4 Summer League Championship is Back! | July 10-12, 2026
A fan-favorite event, the Final 4 Summer League Championship, returns to conclude the summer league season. Top league teams will compete for the title!
What to Expect:
• Competition: Good competition across all ages and divisions.
• Schedule: All participating teams will play two matches between July 10th and 12th. Semi-Final winners advance to the Championship match, while SemiFinal losers compete for 3rd Place.
• Celebration: Celebrate your season with music, food, photo-ops, awards, and fun!
Qualification:
The top 4 teams in each age, gender, and division automatically qualify based on their final standings in Summer League play.
Event Information
• Be recognized for your effort and talent: Standout.
• Become a leader: Excel.
• Leave your comfort zone: Growth.
• Train and compete with and against other high-level players: Develop.
• Represent - Take pride in representing your team, club and league: Honor.
2012 and 2013 Boys and Girls squads battle at Midwest Select Games
TCSL Reps teams traveled to Illinois to compete in the Midwest Select Games against top talent from within Northern Illinois Soccer League, Great Lakes Alliance (Ohio), Club Development League (Iowa), and Heartland ECNL Regional League (Illinois). The teams were competitive in the event against highly talented opponents, and most importantly, represented their clubs and TCSL well.
2012 Boys
2013 GIRLS
2012 GIRLS
2013 boys
2011 Boys and Girls to travel to Phoenix
The 2011 age group will travel to Phoenix in March to compete in the Phoenix Cup, a highlevel competition that draws teams from across America. Expectations and anticipation are high for this event, after the 2010 Reps teams finished as champions and runners up (Girls and Boys, respectively), in Spring 2025.
Girls weekend: March 13-15, 2026
Boys weekend: March 20-22, 2026
Winter Development Training Program begins in January
Reps players will undertake a series of trainings and local matches against high level opponents in the Winter Development Training Program, which runs from January – March.
Age Group Calendars
PDP and id2
PDP event seeks out top performers for National Training Camp invite
TCSL was thrilled to host an id2scouted PDP event for the 2012 age group on December 6, 2025, in Richfield, Minn.
• Approximately 35 boys and 32 girls participated in a day of training and match play.
• Players attended at no cost.
• Top performers were invited to the id2 National Training Camp, held in Chula Vista, Calif., in February, 2026.
Congratulations to Thomas Mueller (Minnesota Thunder Academy) and Alyssa Persby (Manitou FC) for your selection to the id2 National Training Camp, held in Chula Vista, Calif. in February!
COACH EDUCATION
Continuous Improvement: More Education, More Development, Better Players
Continual improvement is the goal! Elevate your coaching and benefit your players. Take a look at our in-progress and upcoming courses!
USSF 9v9*
USSF 11v11*
USSF 7v7*
USSF D License
January 7 (Virtual) January 10 (In-Person)
January 8 (Virtual) January 10 (In-Person)
February 5 (Virtual) February 7 (In-Person)
February 17-May 1
Includes two in-person meetings
USSF C License
February 17-June 7
Includes two in-person meetings
USSF 9v9* March 11 (Virtual) March 14 (In-Person)
USSF 7v7* April 8 (Virtual) April 11 (In-Person)
USSF 11v11* April 9 (Virtual) April 11 (In-Person)
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
Helping Referees Get Ready for Competition in 2025-26
TCSL remains committed to supporting and developing referees through education, mentorship, and meaningful match experiences. In November, TCSL hosted more than 450 referees for in-person education sessions connected to winter competitions, reinforcing expectations and best practices across the league.
Through instruction and a continued partnership with the Minnesota State Referee Committee, these sessions covered essential administrative responsibilities as well as advanced topics, including managing dissent and effective Assistant Referee involvement.
In addition, TCSL is hosting Referee Shadow Events at TCSL festivals (9U-10U) this winter, providing on-field support for new and first- and second-year referees. These mentored experiences are designed to build confidence, accelerate learning, and expand the pool of referees prepared to serve as center referees, strengthening the overall match environment across all TCSL competitions.
Ready to become a referee?
Visit this webpage to learn more.
ADMIN CORNER
Getting Ready for the 2025-26 Season?
TCSL offers multiple resources to help you prep for upcoming campaigns
The slower pace of the Winter portion of the soccer year brings opportunity for club administrators to get a jump on a busy Spring and Summer ahead. TCSL offers multiple opportunities for support and assistance during this time:
• Join us in the TCSL offices for a Winter Work Day, collaborative work sessions with other club administrators. There is no formal agenda for these sessions, but TCSL staff will be on hand to answer any questions that come up. Sessions will begin in late January, look for additional details coming soon.
• Schedule an Admin 1-on-1 for more in-depth assistance or quick one-off questions at your convenience. Reach out to info@tcslsoccer.com to set up a session.
• The TCSL Support Center is here for you 24/7! Full of resources for club administrators, coaches and managers that serve as an overview of best-practices for registration and rostering tasks.
LIMELIGHT 2025 Fall Final 4 Champions
11U
GIRLS
