The Illinois Youth Soccer State Premiership Division brings together top teams from Illinois Youth Soccer Member Competitive Leagues to compete in a statewide league format. Teams are placed into divisions based on the number of accepted entries and compete throughout the season to determine division champions. The State Premiership Division is designed to provide meaningful competition between the strongest teams across Illinois. Teams compete against opponents from outside their local league, creating a true statewide championship experience.
Competition Structure
Divisional Play
Teams are grouped into divisions by age group and competitive level. Division sizes may vary depending on the number of accepted teams and seasonal registrations.
Illinois Youth Soccer reserves the right to organize divisions to provide the most balanced and competitive playing environment possible.
Home & Away Matches
Each team will play a league schedule against the other teams within its division. Matches are hosted by participating clubs, with home and away assignments determined as part of the league schedule.
League Champions
At the conclusion of the season, division champions are determined based on league standings.
Teams earn:
- 3 Points for a Win
- 1 Point for a Draw
- 0 Points for a Loss
If teams finish level on points, official tie-breaking procedures outlined in the State Premiership Rules are used to determine the final standings.
Age Groups
The State Premiership Division offers competition for boys and girls teams in the following age groups:
| Boys | Girls |
|---|---|
| U12 | U12 |
| U13 | U13 |
| U14 | U14 |
| U15 | U15 |
| U16 | U16 |
| U17 | U17 |
| U18/U19 | U18/U19 |
Age groups offered each season may vary based on registration.
Match Format
| Age Group | Match Length | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|
| U12–U14 | 35-minute halves | Size 5 |
| U15–U16 | 40-minute halves | Size 5 |
| U17-U19 | 45-minute halves | Size 5 |
All matches follow FIFA Laws of the Game as modified by the Illinois Youth Soccer State Premiership Playing Rules.
Team Rosters
To participate in State Premiership, teams must:
- Be registered through an Illinois Youth Soccer Member Competitive League
- Submit an approved Illinois Youth Soccer roster
- Present valid player and coach passes at every match
- Comply with all roster eligibility requirements outlined in the competition rules
Guest players from other clubs are not permitted.