The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and the MSSL Player Progression System (MSSL) have entered into a wide-ranging partnership designed to expand the level of coaching education for coaches and players affiliated with MSSL programs.

“The NSCAA is constantly seeking ways to serve our members and the soccer community at all levels,” Joe Cummings, NSCAA CEO said. “Incorporating the MSSL as an education and Club Standards partner elevates the game in those areas by providing coaches and clubs access to the resources they need to improve.”

MSSL president Steve Shilling added, "This is an exciting partnership. It offers our members easy access to NSCAA coaching education, discounts for the annual Convention and membership as well as the opportunity to participate in the world's largest soccer coaches’ organization."

Under the agreement, coaches associated with MSSL programs will receive discounted NSCAA memberships and registration fees for the annual Convention. Teams that are part of EDP Flights will receive an NSCAA membership as part of the annual registration. Participation in NSCAA events will also be a key component of the agreement. This year’s convention will be held in Philadelphia and many EDP players will serve as demonstrators for the clinicians. MSSL will conduct its annual meeting in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention and will be a participating exhibitor as well.

A key component of the agreement is the delivery of NSCAA Level 1 through 6 and Goalkeeping Level 1 through 3 courses within the primary area served by MSSL and its affiliate programs. MSSL also plans to schedule an annual NSCAA National or Advanced National course in New Jersey.

MSSL will also participate in the NSCAA Club Standards Project, an evaluative process focusing on youth soccer organizations, designed to raise the standards and expectations for coach and player development. The Club Standards Project intermediate and advanced assessment will be offered by MSSL as a part of the services it provides to its affiliated clubs.  

Both the NSCAA and MSSL will also initiate a number of joint promotional programs, including web and print branding and content.

About the NSCAA

Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence, and serve the soccer community.

The NSCAA is the world’s largest soccer coaches organization with members at every level of the game. The membership is primarily made up of coaches, but also includes administrators, referees and others in the soccer industry. The NSCAA offers its members ways to enhance the game of soccer by providing a national education program, interaction and networking opportunities, and membership benefits.

For more information about the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, visit NSCAA.com.

About MSSL

MSSL is a Player Progression System dedicated to providing soccer clubs and training academies with the platforms for meaningful competition, and helping young players to develop character, discipline, and perseverance through the game of soccer.

The MSSL Player Progression is made up of leagues and tournaments designed to promote player development. The most competitive flights are called the Eastern Development Program (EDP), followed by the MAPS flights. All league participants can nominate players for our Talent Identification Program (TIP), a developmental program preparing children to compete with professionalism both on and off the field, at the highest levels. The MSSL program strives to offer “more than a league,” including guaranteed acceptance at select tournaments, NSCAA membership, coaching education programs, and a host of other programs whose aim is to promote youth player development.

By growing players with dedication and professionalism, MSSL hopes to enhance America’s position among soccer’s world powers.

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