U.S. Soccer Federation & US Club Soccer Launch New Shared Services. Partnership is Part of U.S. Soccers Pathways Strategy to Create a More Unified, Player-Focused & Affordable Soccer Ecosystem
Editor’s Note: This announcement was originally published by U.S. Soccer.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 13, 2026) – The U.S. Soccer Federation today announced that it has entered into a new strategic relationship with US Club Soccer as part of the organization’s ongoing Pathways Strategy to make soccer more affordable, drive higher participation and produce more world-class players for its national teams. Under the terms of a managed services agreement (MSA), leading global sports, music, and entertainment company Wasserman, who previously managed US Club Soccer’s internal operations, will enter into a new strategic partnership with U.S. Soccer, and U.S. Soccer will take over operational shared services of US Club Soccer’s internal operations from Wasserman.
As part of this new agreement, U.S. Soccer will support US Club Soccer’s core back-end operations, including HR, IT, and finance. This approach enables both organizations to focus on better support to clubs and leagues, participation growth, and affordability across the ecosystem. This management services agreement also reflects U.S. Soccer’s commitment to building a system that works better for everyone in the soccer ecosystem and marks a natural next step in U.S. Soccer’s broader Pathways Strategy. Pathways is focused on three goals: lowering the cost of running soccer programs so more people can participate affordably; growing access and opportunity across all levels of the game; and improving the experience for players, coaches, parents, referees, leagues, and clubs to provide better, more accessible developmental opportunities.
“Our focus at U.S. Soccer has never been clearer – we exist in service to every player, coach, and referee in this country. And we know that people are seeking a youth soccer system that is more aligned, more transparent, more affordable, and easier to navigate,” said Dan Helfrich, Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Soccer Federation. “This relationship with US Club Soccer is a critical first step toward making this happen, as they are a critical connector of clubs and leagues across the country. We will continue to pursue additional ways to accelerate our Pathways strategy and bring the US Way to life”.
“This is a momentous time for our organization and the sport,” said Mike Cullina, CEO of US Club Soccer. “We’ve often told our staff, board and league partners: ‘If it’s good for soccer, it’s good for US Club Soccer.’ The order of that statement is intentional; we’ve always considered ourselves as serving the sport first, trusting that by doing so – even structuring ourselves as such – that our organization will grow. This is a huge step forward in unifying soccer, and we appreciate the trust placed in the US Club Soccer team to serve the sport.”
Cullina is helping to lead the transition and will remain as CEO of US Club Soccer. For US Club Soccer staff, its thousands of clubs and leagues, and more than 800,000 annual participants nationwide, operations remain the same, with the added benefit of more direct access to U.S. Soccer’s systems, expertise, and support.
U.S. Soccer is also engaging with other National Associations and members to explore managed services agreements and related areas of collaboration. These discussions are focused on improving coordination and supporting a more connected competitive environment aligned with the Pathways Strategy. U.S. Soccer will actively work with members interested in this new partnership model in the future.
For more information on U.S. Soccer’s Pathways Strategy visit: https://www.ussoccer.com/pathways-strategy
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused on three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.
Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.
US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Gatorade and Siete Foods.
