We’re two weeks away from professional soccer returning to the United States. 

The NWSL is set to kick off the Challenge Cup in Utah on June 27th for the nine teams in that league. 

The MLS Communications Department announced earlier this week a plan to kick off a tournament in Florida in July as they return to action. 

With the two top professional leagues heading back to action, the question turns to the levels below MLS and NWSL. 

Pennsylvania officials gave the green light to amateur athletics this week, which included colleges, high schools, and clubs that met certain requirements. Various other states have also slowly resumed outdoor activities. A positive sign for the hope of college soccer this fall, as the University of Pittsburgh announced a return to the campus. 

Utah clubs have returned to training and the local league is set to resume action on June 22. The league was designed in place of summer tournaments, but leaves open the possibility for tournaments in August for those clubs. 

California is moving forward with the plan to reopen gyms, zoos, and other business on Friday (June 12). The reopening plan also includes summer camps - California put in place guidelines for camps hoping to happen this summer. 

Under the guise of “camps” SoccerNation reported that clubs in San Diego have returned to practice this week. Coaches and club officials are responsible to uphold proper safety measures according to the guidelines California put in place.  

These positive developments are leading up to perhaps the first major events in the youth club soccer game since the shutdown in March. Jefferson Cup and Surf Cup and both scheduled for August. 

Jefferson Cup, which is held in Richmond, Virginia, opened applications for the tournament on Monday (June 8).  The Jefferson Cup Summer Showcase is scheduled for August 1-3. The Jefferson Cup Girls Fall Showcase is scheduled for August 15-16. 

Surf Cup, which is held in Southern California, adjusted its dates this year so the tournament is now scheduled over four weekends in August with the older boys teams kicking off on August 1. The older girls teams the following weekend. 

“Sport is essential to the health of children and their lives, but you’re also talking about a massive economic impact,” Brian Enge, CEO of Surf Cup Sports, told the San Diego Union Tribune last month in an article about growing frustration of youth sports being shutdown. “We really struggle with the idea that golf courses can be open when the average age is 56, and youth sports fields where the average age is 12 can’t? It doesn’t make a lot of sense to us.”

Assuming everything continues along this path, the summer of soccer might be brief but August looks to be the real return to the field as clubs hope for a regular schedule in the fall.

TopDrawerSoccer, and Advanced Sports Media, recommend following the guidelines of your local health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please take precautions and practice social distancing whenever possible so we can get back to playing again!

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