Leagues & Seasons

Where you play.
When you play.
What it costs.

SF Fog FC participates in SFYS for youth, NorCal Premier for elite competition, and SFSFL for adult players. Everything you need to choose your path and lock in your spot.

Upcoming Registration Deadlines

⚠ Urgent · 30 Days
May 15–30, 2026
SFYS Fall 2026 Intent to Play Opens
Monitor sfyouthsoccer.org — submit immediately upon opening. Limited slots, first-mover advantage applies.
⚠ Critical · 60 Days
June 15, 2026
SFYS Intent to Play Deadline
Estimated closing date for Fall 2026 registration. Must be submitted before field permit application.
⚠ Critical · 60 Days
June 15–30, 2026
SF Rec & Park Field Permit Applications
3–4 months lead time required before September season start. Secures Beach Chalet, Crocker-Amazon, and neighborhood fields.
01 — League Pathways

Three pathways. One club.

SF Fog FC players compete across three distinct league systems depending on age, level, and ambition.

Youth — Rec & Competitive

SFYS

Ages 7–18  ·  San Francisco Youth Soccer

The primary pathway for all youth players. SFYS runs recreational city divisions and competitive premier divisions, with seasons in fall and spring.

  • Recreational city divisions (social, local, balanced)
  • Premier competitive divisions (U9–U15)
  • Varsity track for high school age
  • League insurance included
  • Fall: Sep–Nov  ·  Spring: Mar–May
Elite — Requires 3+ Teams

NorCal Premier

Ages 8–19  ·  US Club Soccer

The elite development pathway. NorCal club membership requires fielding a minimum number of teams. Opens the door to state and national competition.

  • State Premier & NPL divisions
  • US Club Soccer sanctioned
  • Requires 3+ teams (U12 & under) or 6+ teams (U13+)
  • Merging with USYS in 2026–27 season
  • Next deadline: est. July 8, 2026
Adult — Ages 18+

SFSFL

Ages 18+  ·  Est. 1902

The oldest continuously operating soccer league in the United States. SFSFL runs semi-professional and amateur divisions out of Boxer Stadium and neighborhood fields.

  • Premiership, amateur & recreational tiers
  • Affiliated with USASA and US Soccer
  • Winners advance to US Open Cup
  • Insurance via USASA (included)
  • Register directly at sfsfl.com
📅
Age Group Format Change — 2026–27 Season

Starting with the 2026–27 season, all US youth leagues are shifting to a school-year based age format (August 1 – July 31), replacing the prior calendar-year system. If you're registering for Fall 2026, your player's age group will be calculated based on the new standard. When in doubt, contact us — we'll make sure your player lands in the right bracket.

02 — Requirements

What registration actually takes.

Every league has requirements for players, coaches, and the club. Here's what you need to know before signing up.

SFYS
Youth Rec / Competitive
Player Fees
$80–$160/player
Returning players $80–$110; new players $110–$160 depending on tier
Insurance
✓ Included
General liability + accident medical included in league fees
Coach Certification
✓ Required
Grassroots 4v4/7v7/9v9/11v11 module + SafeSport + Concussion training (~$75–$150)
Background Check
✓ Required
All rostered adults. ~$20–$50. SFYS fingerprinting is league-specific.
Field Permits
✓ Required
SF Rec & Park — apply 3–4 months before season start
D License
Not required
Recommended for coaches of players 14+
NorCal Premier
Elite / Competitive
Team Fees
$125–$275/team
U8–U10: $125/team · U11–U19: $275/team · State Cup: $745/team
Insurance
✓ Included
Via US Club Soccer membership
Coach Certification
✓ Required
Same Grassroots modules as SFYS. D License mandatory for U13+ competitive
Background Check
✓ Required
Via NorCal registration system
Club Minimum
3–6 teams required
3+ teams for U12 & under · 6+ teams for U13 and older
D License
✓ Required (U13+)
Mandatory for competitive teams U13+. ~$150–$250, in-person 2–3 days
SFSFL Adult
18+ / All levels
Team Fees
Varies by division
Contact SFSFL directly for current season fee schedule
Insurance
✓ Included
Via USASA membership (US Adult Soccer)
Coach Certification
✓ Required
Grassroots certification + SafeSport. Confirm requirements with SFSFL
Background Check
✓ Required
For all team staff and officials
Minimum Players
11+ per team
Full 11v11 format. Contact SFSFL for current roster minimums
National Pathway
✓ US Open Cup
League winners advance to US Open Cup & National Amateur Cup
03 — Season Calendar

Fall and spring. That's the rhythm.

SF Fog FC runs two competitive seasons per year. Summers are for camps and development, not travel burnout.

Fall Season
September — November
SFYS Registration Opens Aug 1–31
Season Kickoff Early September
NorCal Kickoff Early October
Season Ends Late November
Intent to Play Deadline Est. June 15
Spring Season
March — May
NorCal Kickoff Late February
SFYS Kickoff Early March
Season Ends Late May
Registration Period Dec–Jan prior
Summer Camps & development only

Fall 2026 registration
opens in 30 days.

Get your player on the list before SFYS Intent to Play fills. Takes 3 minutes. Spot isn't guaranteed until you're in.

Register Your Player