Bend FC Girls Gold Teams Join National 1 for the 2026-27 Season

A New National Platform for Bend FC Girls Soccer

Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Bend FC Girls U13-U19 Gold teams will compete in the National 1 League, a new national competition platform designed to bring stronger, clearer, and more sustainable opportunities to top teams across the country.

National 1 is the top team-based competition jointly operated through US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer. It brings together two established national platforms — US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues and US Youth Soccer’s National League — into one unified structure built to reduce confusion, strengthen competition, improve access, and create a more connected pathway for players, teams, and clubs.

For Bend FC, this move represents an exciting and thoughtful step forward for our Girls Gold teams. It allows our players to continue competing at a high level while creating a more balanced experience for families through stronger regional competition, reduced travel demands, and a clearer long-term pathway.

Why National 1 Is the Right Fit for Bend FC

Bend FC entered the Girls Academy Aspire platform in the 2025-26 season with the goal of pursuing the highest possible competitive opportunities for our players. Our experience in GA Aspire was overwhelmingly positive. Our teams represented Bend FC extremely well while competing across the western region, including travel to Salt Lake City, Southern California, and North Carolina.

At the conclusion of the season, however, the youth soccer landscape continued to shift. Every Oregon club that had participated in GA Aspire moved into Girls Academy, ECRL, or National 1. Bend FC applied for both full Girls Academy and ECRL membership, but our applications were delayed due primarily to our geographic location and the lack of another nearby club that could serve as a travel partner.

After giving GA Aspire additional time to recruit more Oregon clubs, no new Oregon clubs were added. Bend FC was informed that our teams would likely be grouped with Northern Washington clubs, but there was no guarantee of home games. That created major concerns around travel, scheduling, family cost, and the overall player experience.

National 1 provides Bend FC with a strong national platform that better fits our current reality as a Central Oregon club. It offers meaningful competition, a more regional model, and a lower financial burden for families while keeping our players connected to a larger national pathway.

What Makes National 1 Different

National 1 was created to help bring clarity to a youth soccer landscape that has become increasingly fragmented. Instead of forcing clubs into one-size-fits-all models, National 1 is built around team-based competition.

That distinction matters for Bend FC.

Many national platforms require clubs to field teams across every 11v11 age group from U13 through U19. National 1 allows strong individual teams to participate in a national platform based on quality, readiness, and competitive level. This creates more opportunity for clubs outside major metropolitan areas and allows teams to be placed in environments that make sense competitively and geographically.

For Bend FC Girls Gold teams, this means:

• High-level competition within a national platform.
• A stronger regional structure for Oregon and Northwest teams.
• More sustainable travel expectations.
• Reduced overall cost to families.
• A clearer pathway connected to US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and ECNL Regional League opportunities.
• Continued college recruiting support through coaching, showcases, performance, and player development.

Built for Players and Families

One of the most important benefits of National 1 is its focus on reducing unnecessary travel and improving clarity for families. For Bend FC, this was a major factor.

GA Aspire participation would have added approximately $12,000 per team in additional league and event expenses, compared with approximately $3,000 per team for National 1. Those costs are ultimately passed on to families. When combined with the likelihood of regular travel to Northern Washington and no guarantee of home games, the financial and logistical burden became too significant.

National 1 gives our Girls Gold teams the ability to compete in a strong platform while keeping the experience more sustainable for Bend FC families.

A National Pathway With Real Opportunity

National 1’s inaugural season begins in 2026-27. The league brings together more than 10,000 teams and 150,000 players nationwide through a unified competition structure. The platform is designed to connect local, regional, and national levels of play while creating postseason opportunities through the ECNL-RL Conference League Playoffs and Finals.

For players, National 1 offers access to a broader competitive platform, talent identification opportunities, college coach visibility, and meaningful matches throughout the season. For clubs, it creates a pathway for high-performing teams and clubs to continue advancing within the national soccer landscape.

What This Means for Bend FC Girls Gold Teams

Bend FC Girls U13-U19 Gold teams will continue to be held to high standards in training, competition, commitment, and player development. The league platform is changing, but the expectations and goals remain the same.

Our focus remains on:

• Developing confident, technically strong, tactically intelligent players.
• Competing against quality teams.
• Supporting players with college soccer goals.
• Providing a strong club culture.
• Creating the best possible environment for Central Oregon players.
• Balancing ambition with affordability and sustainability.

This move is not a step backward. It is a strategic decision that allows Bend FC to stay connected to a national platform while better serving our players and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bend FC leaving Girls Academy Aspire?

Yes. After evaluating the future structure, travel demands, home game uncertainty, and overall cost, Bend FC determined that National 1 is the best fit for our Girls Gold teams at this time.

Did Bend FC have a positive experience in GA Aspire?

Yes. Bend FC appreciated the opportunity to participate in GA Aspire, and our players, coaches, and families represented the club extremely well throughout the season.

Why was Bend FC not accepted into full Girls Academy or ECRL?

The primary challenge was geography. Bend FC does not currently have a nearby travel partner that fits the requirements of those platforms. This created barriers related to scheduling, travel, and league structure.

Will National 1 still provide strong competition?

Yes. National 1 is designed as the top team-based competition within US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer. It will include strong teams throughout Oregon, the Northwest, and the broader national landscape.

Will there be less travel?

Yes. National 1 provides a more balanced regional model for Bend FC and is expected to reduce travel demands compared with the likely GA Aspire structure.

Will college recruiting opportunities change?

No. College recruiting is built through player performance, coach advocacy, showcases, communication, video, and individual development. Bend FC will continue supporting players who want to pursue college soccer opportunities.

Could Bend FC return to Girls Academy or pursue another platform in the future?

Yes. Bend FC will continue evaluating every opportunity that best serves our players. The youth soccer landscape continues to evolve, and our leadership will remain proactive in seeking the right fit for Bend FC.

Moving Forward

Bend FC is excited for our Girls Gold teams to compete in National 1 beginning in the 2026-27 season. This platform provides the right balance of competition, opportunity, regional alignment, affordability, and long-term pathway development for our club.

We are proud of the progress our girls program has made, and we believe National 1 gives our players a strong environment to continue growing, competing, and representing Bend FC at a high level.

Go Bend FC!



Girls National 1 2026/27

Bend FC Girls Premier Teams (2008–2014)

Calendar & Training Schedule

The following is the schedule for the 2026–2027 season for the High School Academy U15–U19 teams. Dates are subject to change.

• Tryouts: May 2026
• Training (Spring/Summer): Twice weekly, May – early August 2026
• Bend Premier Cup: July 2026 (hosted annually by Bend FC)
• Summer Tournaments: Vary by team (fees and coach travel included in player fees) Click Here to view Summer Calendar.
• High School Season Break: August – November 2026
• Players born in 2012- All players born in 2012 are considered High School Premier Academy. 
• Training (Winter/Spring): 2–3 times weekly, November 2026 – April 2027
• Mandatory: Out-of-State Travel & 1 Showcase Per Seasonal Year
• OYSA National 1: January – April 2027
• OYSA Cup: April/May 2027
• Premier Teams (League Play): Train 2-3 times weekly during competition

National 1 and BEND FC MEMBERS 

The National 1 platform provides Bend FC players with a high-level competitive pathway that includes opportunities to qualify for ECNL Regional League postseason events. Through strong performance and success at these events, teams may have the opportunity to earn promotion into the ECNL Regional League structure. Families should be prepared for regular team commitments, league travel, and potential additional expenses associated with showcases, postseason events, and playoff participation as teams advance through the National 1 pathway.

Travel Outside Oregon or Additional Potential National 1 Extra Costs

In addition to player fees, families should be aware of the following potential expenses:

1. OYSA (Oregon Youth Soccer Association) STATE CUP

2. ENCL Regional League Event

National 1 Program – Fee & Participation Guide

National 1 League Fee Structure

Bend FC has elected not to estimate or front-load National 1 league expenses into player fees at the start of the season. Instead, families will be billed based on the actual costs incurred by their team for National 1 participation.

Billing Date: November 1, 2026

Applicable Teams:

Girls U13-U19 Gold Teams Participating in National 1

This approach ensures families are charged accurately based on confirmed league requirements and actual team participation costs rather than estimates.

Team National 1 Fee

The National 1 league fee is approximately $3,000 per team.

Teams have from now through November 1 to fundraise and offset these expenses. Any remaining balance will be invoiced and divided equally among rostered players on the team.

What the National 1 Fee Covers

National 1 participation requires clubs to meet elevated operational and competition standards designed to enhance the player experience and competitive environment. These expenses may include:

• League registration and membership fees
• Match video recording and analysis
• Increased referee compensation
• Facility and field enhancements
• Additional administrative and operational staffing
• League-mandated compliance requirements
• Athletic training and medical support when required
• Postseason and league operational expenses

Why These Standards Matter

These investments help provide:

• A higher level of competition
• Enhanced player development opportunities
• Improved matchday experience
• Increased professionalism and organization
• Better player safety and support services
• A stronger environment for college-bound athletes

National 1 is designed to create a high-quality competitive platform while maintaining a sustainable pathway for players and families.

Is National 1 the Right Fit?

National 1 is intended for players and families seeking a higher level of competition, commitment, and development. Participation may include additional travel, postseason opportunities, and team fundraising expectations.

If National 1 does not align with your family's soccer goals or level of commitment, we encourage you to discuss options with your coach and/or Director of Coaching as early as possible.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding National 1 participation, team expectations, travel requirements, or associated costs, please contact Bend FC. We are happy to help families understand the opportunities and commitments associated with the National 1 platform.