SoccerToday NPSL Spotlight Series
The soccer scene has been exploding and the sport’s popularity increasing substantially. The National Premier Soccer League – NPSL for short – is the country’s largest amateur soccer league with 80 teams competing in 2016. SoccerToday’s special coverage on the this 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, gives soccer fans a glimpse into the life of the teams. Just so you know, NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Soccer Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and some NPSL teams have performed very well. NPSL is affiliated with both the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).
There’s no better way to learn about a team, then to talk to the CEO himself. Check out what Terry Lawriw, CEO of AFC Cleveland has to say about his NPSL Team.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you feel that NPSL is doing a good job with the challenges of amateur/pro men’s soccer?
Terry Lawriw: As the landscape of soccer keeps changing in this country, the NPSL has done a good job keeping up with the necessary challenges.
Diane Scavuzzo: The NPSL has teams in over 70 markets across the country – is your area in need of more competition or are you concerned about future expansion?
Terry Lawriw: It would be nice to have another team in Ohio. As for the NPSL, there are parts of the country where we need to expand the national footprint. In regions like the Pacific Northwest, Midwest Central, Rocky Mountain and South Region — this is where we need expansion to help teams lower travel costs.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you think the four NASL clubs, (Minnesota United, Carolina Railhawks, Atlanta Silverbacks and New York Cosmos B) that have reserve teams in the NPSL have an advantage?
Terry Lawriw: I think there are some advantages for NASL teams — they have bigger budgets, bigger scouting programs, better facilities, coaching and staff.
Diane Scavuzzo: Would you like to see European style promotion and relegation exist in the USA?
Terry Lawriw: Yes, I would like to see promotion and regulation. But there are many challenges in this country in order to make it work.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team do you believe does the best at promoting the game?
Terry Lawriw: In the Midwest, it has to be Detroit City FC and it shows when you go to play there. Great atmosphere and huge crowds.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you believe is your biggest rival?
Terry Lawriw: Once again, I would have to say Detroit City. We have had some great games over the years in regular season and playoffs.
Diane Scavuzzo: As the 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, the NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup. How do you prepare for this competition?
Terry Lawriw: I think it’s difficult to do so because we rely on college players and we are not able to train very often before going into the competition. So what we have to do is get players that have been in big game situations before and have the necessary experience. We also have to perform as much scouting as possible to prepare for what we might face on the soccer field.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for 2016?
Terry Lawriw: Our goal is to win the Midwest Conference, we came so close last year. 2016 is our fifth year anniversary and we want to do some special things for our fans.
