US Club Soccer has selected Chattanooga FC Academy as one of three inaugural members of a new select soccer league in Tennessee this fall, called Volunteer State League (VSL).

The club-driven league has been spearheaded by Chattanooga FC Academy, FC Alliance in Knoxville and Tennessee Soccer Club in Nashville. It will feature U-9 through U-19 programming, divvied by a U-9 through U-12 academy division and a U-13 through U-19 state league for second and third division teams.

Among the Volunteer State League’s plans are creating a state championship with advancement to US Club Soccer’s National Cup Regionals and hosting an annual Player Development Program event.

CFC Academy Executive Director Matt Yelton is excited to be a part of the new VSL.

"We believe that by working together and giving the clubs a voice in the organization and structure of the league, we can create a great product for our players to participate in," Yelton said.

"Being affiliated with like-minded clubs is crucial to player development, and we believe that by being a part of the Volunteer State League, our teams and players will have a better route to development than they have ever had before.”

Other club leaders across the state echoed that desire.

“It’s our mission to continue our growth and development as a club, and in doing so, we must remain focused on player development and creating the right environment to foster growth," said Tennessee Soccer Club Executive Director Stuart Brown.

"The Volunteer State League provides Tennessee Soccer Club the opportunity to further develop its relationship with US Club Soccer and its player development initiatives,” Brown added.

FC Alliance Director of Girls Coaching Josh Gray believes member clubs need more voice in the way state league is run.

"We believe that a league where directors set the path of player development, and competition will help us create better players, teams, and coaches," Gray said. 

"When you add the player identification and a strong focus on coaching education, the Volunteer State League will be a great avenue for our players and coaches to reach maximum potential."

CFC Academy will remain a member of TN Soccer and US Youth Soccer.

US Club Soccer is a national association member of U.S. Soccer Federation that fosters development in club soccer. Its other programs include National Premier League, the  id² Program and Player Development Program, and the National Cup.   

Club and team applications for VSL are available here. Other clubs and teams from across the state are invited to apply.