Club Development League Inc

Overview

The Club Development League Inc, identified by EIN 85-1875934, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the player development environment in Iowa. It operates as a competitive state-wide player development soccer league, focusing on enhancing the skills of players aged 13U through 19U.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Club Development League is to create a standards-based league that allows member clubs to effectively manage resources, schedules, budgets, and time. This aims to provide an enjoyable and financially prudent platform for players to compete at appropriate competitive levels. The league strives for excellence in soccer, guided by principles that emphasize player development, meaningful competition, and club growth.

Structure and Governance

The Club Development League is fully sanctioned under US Club Soccer, which supports its objectives and provides resources to enhance player development. The league's structure includes a Board of Directors responsible for management and operation decisions. Member clubs play a significant role in shaping league standards, programming, and the annual calendar, ensuring that decisions are made locally and reflect the needs of Iowa's soccer community.

Member Clubs and Participation

The league comprises ten member clubs, encompassing more than 300 teams across age groups from 6U to 19U. This collective effort supports over 7,000 players and coaches. The CDL works closely with Iowa Soccer, enabling participants to engage in the Iowa Soccer Championship Series (State Cup).

Equity and Inclusiveness

The Club Development League is committed to equity and inclusiveness. It fosters a diverse membership reflecting various cultures, ethnicities, genders, and financial backgrounds. Member clubs have shown a strong commitment to accessibility by providing substantial scholarships and financial assistance, exceeding $240,000 in recent years, to ensure participation is not hindered by financial constraints.

Programming and Resources

In addition to competitive matches, the Club Development League offers coaching education and various programming resources supported by US Club Soccer. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall soccer environment in Iowa by aligning with US Soccer's Player Development Initiatives.