Midwest Soccer Association Launches the Development League for Boys and Girls Ages U8 to U12

New Chicagoland league is designed to support player development and provide clubs with a new competitive travel option for Zone 1 players

LISLE, Ill., April 1, 2026 – Midwest Soccer Association (MSA) today announced the launch of the Development League, a new soccer league for boys and girls ages U8 to U12 in the Chicagoland area.

The league is intended to meet the development needs of young players while giving clubs an alternative competitive travel league option focused exclusively on Zone 1 players, ages 12 and under.

The Development League is the first grassroots competitive soccer league in Chicagoland created specifically for both boys and girls and the first new competitive league in the region in decades.

“We are excited to finally launch the Development League,” said Zac Ludwig of Midwest Soccer Association. “This process has taken a lot of work – both from our team at MSA, as well as from many clubs in the area who participated in many conversations, surveys, and focus groups. We are very thankful to the clubs who have helped us in designing the league’s features, and especially to the clubs who have committed to playing in this new league.”

MSA said the league was shaped through extensive input from area clubs to ensure the league reflects the needs of players, families, and clubs. The organization also said that they will continue to receive and implement feedback from league members to ensure that it evolves in accordance with the soccer community’s needs.

The new league plans to play its first games in the fall 2026 season. More information about the new league can be found at www.midwestsoccerassociation.com/development-league.

About Midwest Soccer Association

Midwest Soccer Association provides soccer-specific programming for players, clubs, coaches, parents and referees in the Chicagoland area. Its goal is to substantially grow and improve the game of soccer by becoming the preeminent provider of soccer programming in the region and delivering the best possible soccer experiences to players, families and clubs. Midwest Soccer Association was founded in 2026.

Media Contact:

Zac Ludwig

Co-founder

Midwest Soccer Association

Phone: 630-474-5449

Email: admin@midwestsoccerassociation.com

Website: www.midwestsoccerassociation.com