 | |
| Founded | 1902; 123 years ago (1902) |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Confederation | CONCACAF (North American Football Union) |
| Number of clubs | 31 |
| Domestic cup | U.S. Open Cup |
| International cup | CONCACAF Champions League |
| Website | www |
TheSan Francisco Soccer Football League orSFSFL, established in 1902, is "the oldest American soccer league in continuous existence."[1][2]
The SFSFL is a men's semi-professional and amateur soccer league consisting of teams fromSan Francisco, California and surrounding cities in the Bay Area. The SFSFL is affiliated with theUnited States Adult Soccer Association region IVCalifornia Soccer Association-North[3] and regularly sends teams to theNational Amateur Cup.[4] SFSFL teams have won theLamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup four times.[5][6]
Established in 1902 as the California Football Association, the SFSFL is the oldest soccer league continuously operating in the United States,[7] pre-dating even the 1913 foundation of theUnited States Soccer Federation. The next-oldest U.S. leagues, theCosmopolitan Soccer League of New York City and theNational Soccer League of Chicago, were formed in 1923 and 1938, respectively. With several community leaders and soccer enthusiasts, alike, they created football (soccer) clubs, such as: Pickwicks, Pastimes, Barbarians, Hornets, Vampires, American Rifles, Independents, Albion Rovers and the Thistles FC. These clubs help lay the foundation for organized adult soccer which led to the inception of the SFSFL. Teams played soccer matches on Sundays, competing with teams as far north as Sacramento when transportation was only by ferry-boat. Over time, the SFSFL helped launch the California Soccer Association and would compete in the first California State Cup in 1904. Dominating the national soccer scene from the earliest days, SFSFL teams have won four Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; numerous state and national titles; to hosting and playing international matches in the historic Kezar Stadium. The SFSFL would be known across the country, producing memorable clubs, players, personalities, all-star games and national champions. SFSFL members have been inducted into both the US Soccer and CSAN Halls of Fame for contributing to the game.
Some of the league's earliest teams still in operation are:
The league currently has three divisions, playing from March through November. Premier Division games are played atBoxer Stadium. Other divisions split games betweenCrocker Amazon Park,West Sunset, Beach Chalet, and thePolo Fields inGolden Gate Park.
Each team is individually owned and team owners approve new team membership. Annual divisional promotion and relegation occur keeping teams competitive. Division winners are awarded a permanent trophy with teams' names placed on the century-old trophy as well as awarded prize money. Players are granted amateur status preservingNCAA eligibility.[11] StandardFIFA games laws are used.[12] Teams are allowed 22 roster players of which 17 can play on game day. A three-referee crew are assigned to each match. Elite officials from FIFA to state level travel across California to officiate in the SFSFL.
This is a list of the participants in the 2025 season:[13]
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Champions:
National Amateur Cup Finalists:
National Soccer Hall of Fame members:[15][16]
United States men's national soccer team coachLothar Osiander[17]
United States men's national soccer team capped players:[18]
Major League Soccer players:
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