Marcos:While there is a natural assumption that teams within the current USL structure could field their own Super Y-League teams, we realize that due to financial reasons, such affiliations may not always be possible. Membership will be open to any USL or non-USL organization, with some preference in principle to USL-affiliated teams. The doors are open to the top clubs in the United States, who, in addition to being Super Y-League teams, can still maintain memberships in their own local leagues.

Weibe: The evolution of soccer clubs over the last decade has changed dramatically. More and more elite level clubs have developed over the last five years. This has also triggered off an increase in the number of clubs in the United States. There are many geographical areas that are over-saturated with clubs. Within some areas, there might be 12-20 clubs virtually on top each other. In effect to this is there are not many organizations that contain all the best players on one team from an area. The SYL is looking to have the best players on a team in each age group. We will recruit and accept applications from clubs that have demonstrated that they have top-level players, teams, coaches and facilities. It is important that it is done this way because in the long term these clubs will have the top players on their squads from their market area.

How are clubs selected to join the Super Y-League?

Marcos: We will be very selective about teams who come into the Super Y-League. We check with regional directors, tournament chairman and other soccer officials. We will talk with directors of ODP programs to find out which clubs have the most sophisticated operations and are most likely to be seek out high level competition. In many cases, the teams themselves provide the best guidance for us in selecting the teams who are admitted to Super Y-League status. Once a team is in, it must prove each year that it belongs. If a team competes well and is well organized, it will be back the following year. This includes meeting all minimum standards developed by the league, including playing facilities, qualifications of coaches and other common denominators. All clubs must be able to live with what the league and the majority of league members want.

What are the reasons for United Soccer Leagues being the organizing body for the Super Y-League and why not the more established national youth organizations?

Marcos: We have run national leagues and competitions for 15 years. While it is not rocket science, there are flexibility issues that invariably come up with running national competitions with which USL is particularly familiar. Additionally, many organizations with fully operating USL teams will be operators of teams in the Super Y-League. We will be the facilitators of the Super Y-League, utilizing our experience and economy of scale to produce the best competition possible. We can do this without asking for exorbitant player fees -- fees that sometimes prevent players from competing. Whereas in many communities, a parent may pay $100 for an eight-year-old to compete in a youth season, the team registration fee of $1,500 is roughly in the same ballpark for prospective Super Y-League teams. There still will be travel costs. However, many teams are already doing this by traveling to games in their region and attending national and international competitions.

Weibe: There are additional programs that we are developing. Since 1999, we have been working on marketing initiatives that will be used to develop player and coaching education programs and reduce costs for teams and players during their travels. Too many teams are paying exorbitant amounts of money to play a tournament schedule. For some teams, playing tournaments is their only source of competition. USL is best at researching and analyzing the soccer market. We strongly believe that through the structure of the Super Y-League we can provide better competition and a more professionalized atmosphere at half the cost of what it takes to play 3-5 major youth tournaments a year. One of the other aspects of USL being the organizing body of this league is that the connection exists between professional soccer and the senior amateur level teams. Once an elite level player completes their youth, they will be looking for these channels to make the next step in their career. For most, this might include a high level collegiate program. For some, such as two of the players from the Atlanta Silverbacks U16 team, it might include residency with an international club like Leicester City or Benfica. USL can provide all of these outlets for players if they are capable at playing at these levels. Much of this exists through our ownership group, Umbro, who has contacts worldwide and is able to provide new relationships to help amplify USL and the Super Y-League.