OREM - Utah Celtic FC is excited to announce that it will be joining the Desert Academy League (DAL) beginning in the 2026-27 season.


The DAL is our new premier competitive platform for our 2nd boys teams in the U13-U18 age groups. It operates under the National Academy League (NAL), the nation’s largest network of independent academy leagues. This platform provides a direct pathway to NAL Nationals and adheres to professional standards mirrored after the MLS NEXT Academy.


At Utah Celtic FC, we prioritize a high-standard developmental environment. The Desert Academy League represents a shared vision between clubs that are committed to raising standards and creating meaningful opportunities for players. By bringing together strong organizations from Arizona and Utah, the Desert Academy League is creating an environment centered around competition, development, and long-term growth.


The Desert Academy League consists of the second teams from our current MLS NEXT Academy Desert Conference teams. To protect the integrity of the league's rosters and ensure our players get the primary minutes, there are strict limits on how many MLS NEXT players can "guest play" into DAL matches.


The Desert Academy League’s founding members include:

Utah Clubs: Utah Celtic FC, Sparta United, City SC, and Wasatch SC (2nd Academy teams).

Arizona Clubs: RSL AZ North, RSL AZ South, Monarchs

Additional teams joining for the inaugural season: PSG Academy Phoenix, Real Deportivo, Excel


In addition, the Desert Academy League will officially align with the Texas Academy League (TAL), a platform that features many of the top clubs throughout Texas. Together, the two leagues will partner with the NAL, creating a direct competitive pathway for players and clubs to advance toward the NAL National Championship. This partnership structure will provide expanded opportunities for inter-league competition, increased exposure, and meaningful postseason opportunities for clubs across the Southwest and Texas regions.


We are excited about this evolution. This move provides our players with more consistent competition, better exposure to college scouts, and a professional administrative structure that allows our coaches to focus on what matters most: Player Development.

FAQs

How Many games will we play?

The goal is 12–15 high-level games in the Fall. This includes home and away matches against Utah clubs (potentially playing them three times to maximize local competition) and cross-conference play against the Arizona teams.

What does the travel look like?

We will travel to Arizona for one "conference weekend" to play 3 games (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). We will host the Arizona clubs here in Utah for a 3-game series.

What is the Texas College Showcase?

This is a premier recruiting event held the weekend before Thanksgiving.

U15–U19: Participation is required, as 40–50 college coaches are typically in attendance.
U13–U14: Participation is optional but encouraged for early exposure.

What is the plan for U13 and U14 teams in the Spring?

To ensure the best developmental "fit," we have arranged for U13 and U14 teams to play in UYSA leagues during the Spring season. UYSA has agreed to align our teams into the proper competitive levels to ensure meaningful matches and continued growth.

What are the "Academy Standards"?

Expectations for matchday environments—including professional facilities, high-quality officiating, and technical protocols—will be strictly enforced to mirror the MLS NEXT environment. This ensures our players are prepared for the highest levels of the game.