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 owner himself. Check out what Brandon Jantz, owner of Temecula FC has to say about his Southern California NPSL Team.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you feel that NPSL is doing a good job with the challenges of amateur/pro men’s soccer?
Brandon Jantz: I think that the fact the NPSL cup final had over 18,000 in attendance says it all. Now it’s down to each individual ownership group to keep working hard to grow the game in their community.
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?
Brandon Jantz: The NSPL Southwest Conference has seen steady growth this year and now the goal is to help our local clubs stay financially healthy and grow in there local markets buy building local business and city leaders support.
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?
Brandon Jantz: Of course, as they will be able use all the resources of their NASL teams.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think about the 2015 National Premier Soccer League AGM being in San Diego?
Brandon Jantz: I think is great – all the owners from around the USA will be able to come to San Diego and enjoy Southern California’s wonderful weather.
Diane Scavuzzo: Would you like to see European style promotion and relegation exist in the USA?
Brandon Jantz: I think everyone outside of the MLS of course would love to see promotion and relegation of soccer teams in the USA.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team do you believe does the best at promoting the game?
Brandon Jantz: Chattanooga FC and Detroit City FC both seem to have very strong and loyal support, which is great for their respective clubs.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you believe is your biggest rival?
Brandon Jantz: Deportivo Coras is our local derby match.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you do to get fans in seats?
Brandon Jantz: We use social media, email marketing and events in local schools to try build our supporters base.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for 2016?
Brandon Jantz: We plan to continue to build our youth program and our relationship with Airdrie FC in Scotland. Our focus us to build strong relationships with local business and city leaders. We are also currently in talks with two separate land owners on building a soccer specific stadium we could call home.
