For more than thirty years, Arizona Arsenal has been offering youth players in the region opportunities and a player pathway to the college level.

Competing in both ECNL Boys and Girls with its top teams, the club continues to look to expand its platform to offer on-field chances for players of high-level aspirations.

Already fielding squads in the United Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League, the organization is set to take another step in 2023. They will field a team in United Soccer League’s League Two competition.

The league is primarily a summer competition for college players looking for higher level games over the summer. Arizona Arsenal is now on the map, expanding the opportunities available for both local talent, and top college players around the country.

“We are beyond excited to join the USL organization and field a League Two team this season,” Pre-Pro General Manager Ty Iannone said. “This is a great opportunity for Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club to raise the standard and put us at the forefront of competitive soccer in Arizona.”

Joining the USL in League Two comes with it the chance to play in the USL Academy. A competition comprised of teams that play at all levels of the league, Arizona Arsenal will field a boys team starting later this year. Competition will include games against youth sides from FC Tucson, Phoenix Rising, Orange County SC, San Diego Loyal and the Ventura County Fusion.

The organization will still field teams in the UPSL and WPSL (with the WPSL offering chances for current top women’s college players) in 2023. But there’s palpable excitement within the organization to get into the mix in USL League Two.

"This being the inaugural season for us here at AZ Arsenal SC playing in the USL 2 is a privilege and a great opportunity for our organization to strive to new heights in the soccer community,” Adam Burke, who will coach the USL side, told TopDrawerSoccer. “We are putting a ton of effort into forming the team, marketing our brand and coming up with more and more ways on the field and off the field to make this a first we don't ever forget. I expect us to have some growing pains but as long as we progress forward then it's a win for us here at AZ Arsenal SC."

Like every other youth club, the organization seeks to continue to aid the development and offer opportunities to players of all levels – not just for those on the path to Division I soccer or beyond. Coaching education is offered quarterly, while players have the chance to take part in extra programs, clinics of camps. Its full professional staff helps cover costs for coaching courses and license.

The move to USL League Two is just the next step. It’s just another step as the organization looks to continue building out chances for players of all abilities.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Best U19 Boys Outside of ECNL and MLS Next

ECNL Boys Las Vegas: Top 2008 Talents

2025 Men's DI Recruiting Ranks: January