About the MRLAbout Us
The MIDWEST REGIONAL LEAGUE (MRL) mission is to provide the highest standard
of competitive play for youth teams in US Youth Soccer Region II (the
Midwest Region) and to assure the continued growth and development
of elite level players.
Very simply we are here for the BEST TEAMS…BEST
PLAYERS…BEST
COMPETITION.
All of us associated with the MRL strive to provide
the absolute best high-level competitive environment for our teams. We are here to
serve the elite US Youth Soccer affiliated teams and are cognizant of
the choices that these teams have in participating in events, tournaments
and leagues in order to showcase their players. The MRL offers
the absolute best league competition in our area as teams vie for the
chance to earn spots into the Midwest Regionals as part of the US Youth
Soccer National Championship Series.
League Structure
The MRL features competition in five Age Groups (U14, U15, U16, U17,
and U18) for both Boys and Girls. Two seasons are offered – Fall
and Spring. Based on the number of teams in an Age Group, Premier
and First Divisions are offered. Teams earn spots in the Premier Division
by qualifying through their play in MRL competition. Within the Premier
and First Division, sub-divisions may also be formed. A promotion and
relegation system has been adopted ensuring that success on the field
results in teams participating at the highest levels of the MRL. Teams
in the Premier Divisions compete for the two Wild Card slots that are
available in each age group. Each year, more than 100 MRL teams participate
in the Region II Championships as either state cup champs or MRL wild
card entries.
Relationship with Region II State Associations
In essence, the MRL is an extension of elite team competition for US
Youth Soccer affiliated teams in each Region II State Association. The
top teams from State Associations qualify to participate in the regional
league. The MRL, in conjunction with each State Association,
provides the opportunity for top teams to enter the highest level of
competition in youth soccer. The MRL works with the appointed
MRL State Association Representative from each state association in
serving the teams entered in our league. State Associations register
players and approve team rosters for play in the MRL.
Teams
Teams earn the right to compete in the MRL based on play within their
own State Association‘s competitions (thus receiving State Association
approval); and must exhibit the level of play necessary to compete
at the regional league level (review and approval of teams by the MRL).
Not all teams that apply are accepted into the MRL. Each state association
sets its own standards for approval/endorsement of teams to the MRL.
Teams that participate in the MRL are expected to display the highest
levels of conduct during competition. The MRL recognizes that
teams also expect the highest levels of professionalism from all those
associated with the League (other teams, coaches, referees). It
is the MRL’s goal to provide the absolute best high-level competitive
environment for our teams through professional management and operations.
Governance/Management of League
The Regional Council has adopted the Midwest Regional League (MRL) Commission
Charter which outlines that the management and supervision of the MRL
shall be placed in the hands of the MRL Commission. Members of the
eight-person MRL Commission include: (a) the Commission Chairperson
who shall also be the US Youth Soccer Region II Director; (b) three
(3) Region II member State Association Directors of Coaching; (c) three
(3) Trustees Representing Player Interests; and (d) the League Commissioner.
The DOC’s and Trustees are appointed by the Region II Director
to two-year terms. The MRL Commissioner oversees the day-to-day operations
of the League as its Chief Executive Officer.
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