Association Football
While Major League Soccer does not have any affiliated minor leagues, several lower-level leagues that operate on both sides of the U.S.–Canada border exist as part of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids. As is standard for sports in both countries, the formal promotion and relegation system is not used, although teams have been informally "promoted" from lower leagues up to Major League Soccer. Today, the second level is the current North American Soccer League. The third level is USL Pro, operated by the United Soccer Leagues (USL). The USL also operates the Premier Development League, a semi-professional league that has some age restrictions.
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Famous quotes containing the words association and/or football:
“In this great association we know no North, no South, no East, no West. This has been our pride for all these years. We have no political party. We never have inquired what anybody’s religion is. All we ever have asked is simply, “Do you believe in perfect equality for women?” This is the one article in our creed.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)
“Idon’t enjoy getting knocked about on a football field for other people’s amusement. I enjoy it if I’m being paid a lot for it.”
—David Storey (b. 1933)