The American Premier Soccer League (APSL) is an elite amateur/semi-professional adult soccer league, operating in the fourth tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid. It provides a high-level competitive environment for amateur and semi-professional players and clubs, building a vital bridge between grassroots talent and the professional ranks. The APSL offers a professionalized environment where players, coaches, and clubs can showcase their skills and pursue advancement within the national soccer pyramid.

The APSL was founded on 23 July 2020 as the Eastern Premier Soccer League following the merger of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (New York City, founded 1923) and the Maryland Major Soccer League (Baltimore/DC metro), with a vision to build the first inter-league, merit-based pyramid in American amateur soccer. It was rebranded as the American Premier Soccer League in February 2025 to reflect its national ambitions. Today, the APSL is headquartered in Fairview, New Jersey, and boasts over 70 clubs.

The APSL is regulated by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) to ensure strict adherence to national soccer standards set by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the FIFA-recognized national association. As a sanctioned league, APSL member clubs are eligible for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, USSF insurance coverage, USSF-registered referees, and access to the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS).

A 501(c) non-profit entity, the APSL features over 70 clubs and runs year-round with an open promotion-and-relegation system structured around regional conferences spread out across the country to minimize travel. This ecosystem prioritizes high-standard player development and meaningful community engagement, maintaining rigorous standards for club participation and match-day operations to ensure that member organizations compete at a high level that demands excellence both on and off the pitch.

APSL requires member clubs to pursue long-term sustainability and regional growth. The league structure helps minimize the financial and logistical burdens of travel, allowing clubs to focus their resources on developing local talent and building a loyal supporter base. We work directly with our member organizations to improve infrastructure, enhance the fan experience, and strengthen youth academy pathways, ensuring that each club serves as a point of pride for its community.

Integrity, passion, and inclusivity are the pillars of the league. We promote an inclusive ecosystem that reflects the immense diversity of American society. The ever-evolving American soccer landscape positions the APSL as a leader in the semi-professional space. So, whether you are an athlete, a supporter, or a club looking to test your mettle, join the APSL in elevating the standard of the beautiful game in America.