CHATTANOOGA FC FULL PATHWAY

Chattanooga FC Youth pathways are designed to serve more youth soccer athletes in Chattanooga and to target all appropriate pathways for athletes from grassroots to elite and professional levels.


Chattanooga FC provides a full athlete pathway for both its Boys' and Men's programs and Girls' and Women's programs.


The club is committed and dedicated to providing a multitude of opportunities and appropriate levels of play for all young athletes in Chattanooga, North Georgia and the greater region.



The pathways serve youth beginning at the U8 level all the way through college and professional levels.

BOYS' AND MEN'S PATHWAY



Professional Pathway


MLS NEXT Pro: Chattanooga FC has been professional since 2019 and has competed in MLS NEXT Pro beginning in the 2024 season. Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. Learn more about MLS NEXT Pro here.


UPSL (U23): Chattanooga FC II competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). This team serves as a bridge between our MLS NEXT Pro team and our MLS NEXT teams. Founded in 2011, the UPSL now stands as the largest and most competitive professional development league in North America. The league occupies the fourth tier on the US Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional tiers in the pyramid. With a participant average age of 22.5 years, the UPSL fills and brings structure to the large gap that exists between the youth game and the professional game, serving thousands of aspiring players and coaches as they strive to further their aspirations. Chattanooga FC II will compete in the Premier Division of the Georgia Conference. Learn more about the UPSL here.


MLS NEXT Homegrown (U13-U16): Chattanooga FC will compete in MLS NEXT with four fully funded elite boys teams—U13, U14, U15, and U16—and competes in the top youth soccer development league in the MLS NEXT Homegrown division. MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Learn more about MLS NEXT here.


SCCL (U11-U12, Elite): Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) boys compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL). The SCCL was formed in 2018 by clubs across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, searching for a better way to offer youth soccer programming for the more committed youth player. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here.


Tier 1 Pathway 


SCCL (U11-U19): Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) boys compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL). *High-performing teams (U13-U19) within the SCCL will have the opportunity to qualify for the National 1 League (N1), providing access to a national platform within USYS and US Club.* The SCCL was formed in 2018 by clubs across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, searching for a better way to offer youth soccer programming for the more committed youth player. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here. Learn more about N1 here.


CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U10): The CFC Development League (CDL) is a CFC-ran league that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition.

The goal of the CDL is to provide a positive, supportive environment where players grow as athletes and teammates.


CFC has partnered with over 20 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

  • Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
  • Balanced competition that matches each player's stage of development
  • A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
  • A clear pathway for long-term soccer development


Tier 2 Pathway


SCCL (U11-U19): Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) boys compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL). The SCCL was formed in 2018 by clubs across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, searching for a better way to offer youth soccer programming for the more committed youth player. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here.


CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U10): The CFC Development League (CDL) is a CFC-ran league that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition.

The goal of the CDL is to provide a positive, supportive environment where players grow as athletes and teammates

.

CFC has partnered with over 20 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

  • Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
  • Balanced competition that matches each player's stage of development
  • A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
  • A clear pathway for long-term soccer development

GIRLS' AND WOMEN'S PATHWAY



Tier 1


WPSL: Chattanooga FC Women competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). CFC plays all home games at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. The WPSL is the longest-active women’s soccer league in the United States. Boasting more than 140 clubs nationwide while occupying 32 states coast-to-coast, the WPSL solidifies itself as the largest women’s soccer league in the world. Team rosters feature elite collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep student-athletes. Learn more about the WPSL here.


Girls Academy ASPIRE: (U13-U19, Elite): Top Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) girls teams play in the Girls Academy ASPIRE (GA ASPIRE). GA ASPIRE offers a high-intensity competitive platform that challenges players to develop both technically and tactically while preparing them for collegiate opportunities. The structured merit-based system incentivizes club growth and excellence, allowing teams and individuals to be rewarded for their performance and development. College coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA programs regularly attend GA ASPIRE showcase events. Learn more about the GA ASPIRE here.


SCCL (U11-U12, Elite): Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) girls compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL). The SCCL was formed in 2018 by clubs across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, searching for a better way to offer youth soccer programming for the more committed youth player. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here.


Tier 2


CFC SHOWCASE (U15-U19): CFC Showcase teams are designed for U15-U19 athletes, tailored to meet the unique needs of players in this stage of development. These teams offer a more local and convenient option for training, development, and competition, while maintaining access to high-quality resources and opportunities. Showcase teams will participate in local friendlies and regional, national showcase events.


SCCL (U11-U14): Chattanooga FC Youth (CFCY) girls compete in The Southeastern Clubs Champions League (SCCL). The SCCL was formed in 2018 by clubs across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, searching for a better way to offer youth soccer programming for the more committed youth player. The SCCL's mission is to provide a high-quality matchday environment allowing players to be students of the game for their growth and development. This environment stresses the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Learn more about the SCCL here.


CFC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (U8-U10): The CFC Development League (CDL) is a CFC-ran league that blends fun, skill-building, and age-appropriate competition.

The goal of the CDL is to provide a positive, supportive environment where players grow as athletes and teammates.


CFC has partnered with over 20 local clubs to create a league that delivers:

  • Exciting, meaningful game days your child will look forward to
  • Balanced competition that matches each athlete’s stage of development
  • A consistent training and game schedule that supports both growth and family balance
  • A clear pathway for long-term soccer development