Genesis Futbol Club is proud to compete in the very first season of the National 1 League (N1) in 2026–27. Two Genesis teams, our U13 squad and our U18–U19 Girls, will play in N1 this year, giving players from Gresham and the Portland metro area a place in the newest national competition in American youth soccer.
For a club built in Gresham on hard work, family and character, this is a big step. Here is what N1 is, how it fits with the rest of our teams, and what it means for players and families.
What is the National 1 League?
National 1 is a new league platform created together by US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer and the ECNL. It brings two existing competitions under one roof: US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League. The result is described by its founders as the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer.
A few things make N1 different:
- It is team-based, not club-based. Individual teams earn their place, so a club like Genesis can enter the teams that are ready to compete at this level.
- It is national. N1 connects regional leagues across the country into one unified platform.
- It has a real postseason. The season leads into the ECNL Conference League Playoffs and Finals, with the inaugural postseason scheduled for summer 2027.
- It is a pathway. According to USYS Oregon, top-performing clubs can become eligible for promotion toward the ECNL Regional League.
In Oregon, N1 is offered through USYS Oregon (formerly OYSA, the Oregon Youth Soccer Association), the state association of US Youth Soccer.
Which Genesis teams are playing in N1?
U13: N1 fall and spring seasons
Our U13 team plays both the N1 fall season and the N1 spring season, plus a run at the Presidents Cup or State Cup. The team trains from September through April.
U18–U19 Girls: N1 winter season
Our oldest girls team plays the N1 winter season, competes in the State Cup or Presidents Cup, and takes part in three showcase tournaments during the year.
How N1 fits into the Genesis player pathway
N1 sits at the top of a full pathway that runs from our youngest players to our high school age teams:
- U6 Mini Minis: fall and spring recreational league
- U7–U8 and U9–U10: USYS Oregon fall and spring seasons
- U11–U12: USYS Oregon State League, plus Founders, Presidents or State Cup
- U13: National 1 League
- U14 Girls and U17 Girls: USYS Oregon State League, plus Founders or Presidents Cup (U17 Girls also play three showcase tournaments)
- U18–U19 Girls: National 1 League
That means a player who starts with Genesis at six years old can see a clear path all the way to national-level competition, without leaving their home club. You can see every age group on our Teams & Leagues page.
What N1 means for players and families
Tougher games, faster growth. Playing against strong teams week after week is one of the best ways for young players to improve. N1 gives our most competitive teams that challenge.
A stage that gets noticed. National competition and showcase tournaments put players in front of a wider audience, which matters for older players thinking about the next level.
The same Genesis values. Competing at a higher level does not change who we are. Genesis is a faith-inspired, family-first non-profit club, open to every family. Our coaches still care about character, teamwork and confidence as much as results.
Close to home. Our teams train at Red Sunset Park (2403 NE Red Sunset Dr, Gresham) and Gradin Community Sports Park (2303 SE Palmquist Rd, Gresham), so families from Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Portland and Beaverton get high-level soccer without long drives to practice.
How to join Genesis FC
Every player is welcome to try a free practice with us. There is no commitment and no experience needed. We will help place your player on the team where they will feel confident and challenged, whether that is our Mini Minis program or one of our competitive teams.
We also offer 5-month payment plans and financial assistance, so cost does not have to stand in the way.
¿Prefiere español? Visite nuestra página en español para reservar una práctica gratis.
Follow the season
We will share updates, results and photos from our N1 and State League teams throughout the 2026–27 season here on our news page and on Instagram and Facebook. Game day photos from our partner Gambeta are on our Photos page.
Vamos Genesis!