The NorCal NPL makes its return this weekend as the 10th season of the top statewide division for youth soccer in Northern California. This year’s edition promises to be better than ever as more competition, new national partnerships, additional showcasing opportunities, and a few format changes are in the cards for the betterment of the game locally. Below are the changes of note as well as a few links and helpful information.

2021-22 Additions

Boys ECNL Club Promotion Opportunity

Girls ECNL Regional League – NorCal

Increased Showcasing Opportunities

Split Fall Showcase Weekends – Boys November 13-14 and Girls November 20-21

Club vs Club match dates set up in Fall

2021-22 Round 1 Schedules

Round 1 Schedules and Results

NPL Matchday #1 Games of the Week

Teams qualify for Round 2 placement based on Round 1 results. Top placing girls teams qualify for the ECNL Regional League – NorCal while the top boys team qualify for the NPL Champions League.

Round 2 Division Qualification Procedure

National Partnerships

Boys ECNL Promotion/Relegation

• Top NPL Club Plays-Off with Bottom ECNL Club
• NPL Club – Play-off Qualification Points
  • 1 Team Considered Per Age Group
  • Points Given for NPL and State Cup Performance

Girls ECNL Regional League

• Spots earned by top performing NPL Round 1 teams
• Clubs may only play in one ECNL Regional League
• NorCal spots at ECNL Regional League Showcase (April 1-3, 2022 / Arizona / U15-U19)
• Qualifiers for ECNL Regional League Playoffs
• “Proving ground” for full ECNL club status

SoCal Soccer League

• SoCal Soccer League teams attending NorCal Fall Showcase (Boys November 13-14, 2021 and Girls November 20-21, 2021)
• NorCal NPL teams eligible to participate in the SoCal Spring Showcase (April 23-24, 2022)

2021-22 Format

Boys

Round 1

• 2-3 Regional Divisions (ie – North, East, West)
• Starts on August 21st
• Ends first weekend in November
• Teams earn Round 2 placement based on performance in Round 1

Round 2

• Top Division – NPL Champions League (10 teams)
• NPL 1 (2nd Division) and NPL 2 (3rd Division)
• Starts at Fall Showcase
• Ends at Spring Showcase

Girls

Round 1

• 2-4 NPL 1 and NPL 2 Regional Divisions (ie – Bay and Valley)
• Starts on August 21st
• Ends first weekend in November
• Teams earn Round 2 placement based on performance in Round 1

Round 2

• Top Division – ECNL Regional League (10 teams)
• NPL 1 (2nd Division) and NPL 2 (3rd Division)
• Starts at Fall Showcase
• Ends at Spring Showcase

Key Dates

August 21 – Opening Match Day (Round 1)

October 30 – Final Match Day of Boys Round 1

November 6 – Final Match Day of Girls Round 1

November 13-14 – Boys NPL Fall Showcase (Round 2 Begins)

November 20-21 – Girls NPL Fall Showcase (Round 2 Begins)

March 12 – First Match Day following Winter Break

April 1-3 – ECNL Regional League Showcase (for Qualifying Girls Teams)

April 23-24 – SoCal Spring Showcase (for interested NPL Boys and Girls Teams)

May 21-22 – NPL Spring Showcase (Final Match Days)