TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced the expansion of USL Youth, the foundation of the league’s youth-to-professional pathway, with the addition of the new SoCal Division for the 2026 season. The new division will be active from May to August and receive bids to the 2026 Electrolit USL Youth Finals this December in Tampa, Florida.
The division will contain five new clubs in Southern California, including two organizations who are new to the USL ecosystem in Oceanside Breakers and Rangers FC. For Capo FC, LASC, and West Coast FC, this expansion builds a connection between their youth and pre-professional programming within the USL.
“We are thrilled to see USL Youth’s presence return to Southern California as we continue to grow the footprint of the league,” said Joel Nash, USL SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “This expansion represents an important milestone as more clubs expand their player programming and give their community more opportunities to support their teams.”
“Joining USL Youth strengthens and completes our player pathway by creating a clear, unified progression within our environment,” said Peter Carey, Capo FC President and Club Director. “It allows our younger, high-level players to seamlessly advance from the youth club into our USL Academy, then on to USL League Two and USL W League, and ultimately into the professional level. This fully integrates the pathway from grassroots to pro, all within our community, providing consistency in development, identity, and opportunity at every stage.”
The SoCal Division will be comprised of the following clubs for the 2026 season:
Capo FC
LASC
Oceanside Breakers
Rangers FC
West Coast FC
“Joining the USL allows our players another opportunity to showcase their ability in the U.S. pathway,” said Greg Aviles, Rangers FC National Platform Director. “We are excited to be a part of USL Youth by adding to our current league structure, and to compete in another top U.S. Soccer platform.”