Pursuant to US Youth Soccer Rule 221, all teams that compete in State Cup (except U19) must compete in a fall, winter, or spring league during the same seasonal year that qualifies through affiliation with MSYSA and is sanctioned by USYS.
League competition must consist of a minimum of one game against each of at least three different opponents for qualification. The list of Qualifying Leagues, as well as their league codes, can be found below.
| Code | League Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| MASL | Mid-Atlantic Soccer League | DE |
| MUSL | Maryland United Winter Soccer League | MD |
| CCL | Club Champions League | MD |
| NCSL | National Capital Soccer League | MD |
| CMSSL | Central MD Short Sided League | MD |
| CWSL | Columbia Winter Soccer League | MD |
| EDP | EDP League (non-USYS conference divisions) | |
| ERL | US Youth Soccer National League Conference – Managed by EDP (Premier I or II) | |
| NATL | US Youth Soccer National League P.R.O |
