What is the Canada Soccer National Youth Club Licence, and what does a club get?

The National Youth Club Licence is the top level of Canada Soccer's Youth Club Licensing Program. It recognizes the highest achieving organizations from across Canada and rewards them with the Canada Soccer Approved Youth Soccer Club endorsement and associated MLS Home Grown Player benefits. Canada Soccer's FAQ also says licensed organizations get the opportunity to join the Canada Soccer Player Development Program (PDP).

To qualify, an organization must show behaviours aligned with the highest expectations of governance, administration, infrastructure and technical delivery, support its provincial/territorial sport organization (PTSO) and Canada Soccer pathways, and take part in the highest level of competition in Canada.

The program has other levels. Meeting the baseline Canada Soccer Standards for Quality Soccer leads to endorsement as a Canada Soccer Quality Soccer Provider, and some organizations stay within their current classification rather than working towards the National Youth Club Licence.

Sources: Canada Soccer National Youth Club Licensing page; National Youth Club Licence standards (25 June 2025); Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program FAQ.