Committed. Strategic. United.

WUSC x NUSA Club Partnership

WILSON UNITED SOCCER CLUB AND NASHVILLE UNITED SOCCER ACADEMY ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE YOUTH SOCCER DEVELOPMENT IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Lebanon, TN – Wilson United Soccer Club and Nashville United Soccer Academy are proud to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at growing the game of soccer and making a lasting impact on youth development across Middle Tennessee.


This collaboration unites two like-minded organizations driven by a shared commitment to:

  • Keeping high-quality, professional training affordable and accessible
  • Creating fun, positive, and inclusive learning environments
  • Supporting the personal development of every player


Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Sharing coaching best practices through joint in-person and online education opportunities
  • Utilizing professional, age-appropriate curriculum and training resources
  • Providing parent education and club development tools to support a unified approach across both organizations
  • Creating guest playing opportunities for players across both clubs
  • Establishing a pathway for selected Wilson United players to compete at the highest levels, including MLS NEXT and Girls Academy (GA)
  • Launching joint community outreach initiatives that use soccer to drive positive change


All guest playing decisions and player advancement opportunities—including invitations to train or compete with NUSA’s MLS NEXT or GA teams—will be made collaboratively by the leadership of both organizations, ensuring alignment with each player’s developmental needs and long-term goals.


“We look forward to growing the relationship between Wilson United Soccer Club and NUSA—two like-minded organizations whose leadership align in values,” said NUSA’s Executive Director Robbie Stewart “Our goal is to help support Wilson United Soccer Club’s continued growth in the community and provide additional opportunities for players from both clubs through this partnership.”


“At Wilson United, we are always seeking opportunities to grow the game and enhance the experience for our players, families, and coaches,” said WUSC Sporting Director James Branch “Partnering with NUSA allows us to collaborate with an organization that shares our values and commitment to long-term player development. We’re excited to build something meaningful together that not only benefits both clubs but also strengthens the broader soccer community in Middle Tennessee.”

MLS NEXT & Girls Academy

Club Directors will work together to provide opportunities for select players to participate in MLS Next / Girls Academy games with the possibility of joining the MLS Next / Girls Academy program on a part-time or full-time basis. As a result of the partnership between WUSC and NUSA, your players will have a concrete pathway to compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.

USYS & TSSA

Club Directors will work together to provide guest playing opportunities to players when either organization is in need of guest players for a tournament or event. These opportunities will only be initiated by club directors when a need arises

WUSC x NUSA Strategic Partnership

Member FAQ

As we embark on this exciting new partnership with NUSA, we understand families may have questions about what this means for their player’s experience. Below are answers to the most common questions we’ve received:

  • Is this a merger between Wilson United and NUSA?

    No. Both WUSC and NUSA will continue to operate as independent clubs. This is a strategic partnership—not a merger.

  • What does this partnership mean for my child’s current team or coach?

    WUSC athletes will remain on WUSC teams coached by WUSC staff. The 2025/26 Select coaching announcements will be published prior to tryouts. NUSA teams and coaches will remain unchanged and continue operating under their club.

  • Will Wilson United players be required to move to NUSA?

    No. WUSC players will stay within Wilson United. However, players from both clubs may be permitted to guest play in specific situations when approved by both clubs’ directors.

  • How are players selected for MLS NEXT or GA opportunities?

    Through this partnership, WUSC players now have access to the MLS NEXT and Girls Academy (GA) player pathways. These opportunities will be considered on a player-by-player basis and must be approved by club leadership.

  • Will tryouts or evaluations be combined or change in any way?

    Tryouts will remain club-specific. Players who register and try out for Wilson United will be evaluated for WUSC teams. The same applies for NUSA. There will be no shared or joint tryouts.

  • Will this partnership affect the cost of playing at Wilson United?

    No. Select team fees for WUSC and NUSA remain separate and specific to each club’s programming.

  • Can players participate in both Wilson United and NUSA programs?

    In some cases, players may be permitted to guest play with the partner club when approved by both club directors. These decisions are based on developmental need and availability and are not automatic.

  • How does this partnership impact athlete development at Wilson United?

    Our players will benefit from shared coaching best practices and collaboration on age-specific, player-focused development plans. This strengthens the quality of training across all levels.