FLIGHTS

Competitive Levels: SOCAL's competitive programming consists of multiple levels, ensuring that every player interested in soccer can find an appropriate level of play.

Flight-Based Structure: 

• The competitive levels are organized into flights, progressing from Flight 4 to Flight 1 and then the NPL (National Premier League).

• Flight 4: Positioned between Recreational and Competitive levels, Flight 4 participates in a fall season, with an optional separate spring season. The teams play 12 games and are not required to participate in SOCAL State Cup. A year-end Tournament of Champions is held for Flight 4 teams, combined with Recreational teams. The event for the 2021 season took place on December 4-5, 2021. These games are scheduled within the teams' communities, similar to recreational scheduling, but with a slightly higher competitive aspect.

• Flight 3: This is the lower level of the competitive division. Teams in Flight 3 have geographically scheduled games within their city/county. They play a 16-game season, starting from the weekend after Labor Day and finishing just before Thanksgiving. The season resumes in Jan/Feb or March/April, depending on the age group and high school schedules for older players. SOCAL State Cup is optional for Flight 3 teams.

• Flight 2: Positioned as a more competitive level of play, Flight 2 teams also have geographically scheduled games, and they play a 16-game season similar to Flight 3. 

• Flight 2 teams, however, do participate in the SOCAL State Cup. Additionally, college-age players have the option to take part in SOCAL's College Showcases.

• Flight 1: Representing the top level of competition, Flight 1 offers multiple options within the level. Specific details about the options available at Flight 1 are likely provided on the SOCAL website or through their affiliated member clubs.