The American Football Association (AFA) was the first attempt in the United States to form an organizing soccer body.
Though it only lasted for 17 days, the AFA still barred any players who had signed contracts with the new league from playing in AFA-sanctioned events.
[11] The AFA suffered from their initial problems in 1899, after the Panic of 1893,[16] which had a negative effect on the Northeast's economy and when the textile workers went on strike, in addition professional players started becoming part of the New York and New Jersey teams, resulting in the cancellation of the American Cup from 1899 to 1905.
in 1906 brought interest in soccer back to the region and the AFA reformed under the encouragement of Hal Holden.
[18] AFA was allied with The Football Association, becoming a member on February 22, 1909, at an FA meeting chaired by Charles Clegg,[20] and drew on that organization's approach to the game.
As part of its efforts, the AFA directly organized cup competitions as well as overseeing the operations of member leagues.
[21] In addition, those involved in American Soccer had concerns about the AFA concentrating on professional players and their strong ties to the FA.
The AAFA quickly moved to reform itself as the United States Football Association, receiving FIFA recognition in 1913.