Three teams will represent PA West Soccer Association in the 2025-26 National League Winter Events.
Pittsburgh Independence FC U14 girls and U16 girls are among the first teams that have been accepted for winter events. Century United Boys 2011 NL was among the second batch of teams accepted and will compete in the U15 Boys event. Among the third batch of teams accepted, BVB IA Pittsburgh 2007/08B will also represent PA West Soccer at the National League Winter Event in Arizona.
The winter events, which are open to only teams playing in the National League, present participating teams with chances to qualify for the 2026 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life, and the inaugural edition of The National League Cup. Each winter event will take place at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, in Mesa, Ariz.
Each participating team will play at one of the two event options. Competition is available for boys and girls teams that are playing in the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups during the 2025-26 youth soccer season.
Teams are being accepted for the winter events based on their history of performance — giving any applying team the chance to earn its way into the highly competitive field. Within each age group, 40 total teams will compete in the winter events, with the teams divided evenly among two events (20 teams per event).
At the events, teams are split into five groups of four, and each team plays its three group opponents over three days. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss.
Teams that finish in first place in their four-team group will advance to the 2026 USYS National Championships as a National League representative. Teams that finish in second place in their four-team group at the winter events will earn a wildcard spot into The NL Cup at the end of the 2025-26 season.
PA West would like to wish them good luck heading into the National League Winter Events.
Applications for the 2025-26 National League Winter Events are still being considered, and applications are still being accepted. The next round of acceptances will occur in early August.
For more information on the winter events and application process, click here.