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 Steven Wagoner, owner of Virginia Beach City FC 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?
Steven Wagoner: The NPSL continues to serve as a development and identification pathway for players both into college and professional levels. Multiple Virginia Beach City FC players have had success at the highest levels of the game in the United States. Former VB City FC forward Sidney Rivera signing a professional contract with Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer in 2015 is one of many examples where the NPSL has helped bridge the gap. Peter Pearson is another great example. He is a home grown player from Virginia Beach and in addition to competing with Virginia Beach City FC in 2014 he also won a NCAA I National Championship in 2014 as a freshman at the University of Virginia.
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?
Steven Wagoner: We are very happy about our product in Virginia Beach and have had a great response from the local soccer community.
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?
Steven Wagoner: We have a lot of respect for NASL teams fielding competitive rosters in the NPSL. We have not crossed ties with any NASL sponsored teams yet during the regular season or playoffs, however at looking forward to the opportunity in 2016.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you feel about the upcoming 2016 season?
Steven Wagoner: We are very excited to kick off the start of the 2016 season. Virginia Beach City FC had a very exciting year in 2015 including advancing to the 2nd round of the US Open Cup, Sidney Rivera signing a professional contract with Oralndo City SC, MLS and tied for 2nd place the the Mid Atlantic conference during regular season play.
Diane Scavuzzo: Would you like to see European style promotion and relegation exist in the USA?
Steven Wagoner: Both models have pros and cons. However, I personally like the fact that promotion and relegation requires clubs to continue to improve their product and never get complacent. If you perform you will be rewarded and if you don’t other clubs will be coming for your spot. It’s healthy for competition.
Diane Scavuzzo: What team do you believe does the best at promoting the game?
Steven Wagoner: I’m bias toward Virginia Beach City FC. I think we have a lot of unique player development programs for the local soccer community and marketing initiatives coming out for 2016 that the community will respond to positively.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you believe is your biggest rival?
Steven Wagoner: There are many great choices, however, we have built up a healthy rivalry with Fredericksburg FC. Both clubs have earned U.S. Open Cup bids and playoff berths during NPSL play. I have a lot of respect for the product they put on the field and always know it will be an exciting game for the fans and players.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you do to get fans in seats?
Steven Wagoner: We have a supporters group called Neptune’s Armada which we are very grateful for and have supported us since inception. Our goal is to grow our fan base consistently to 1,500 to 2,000 fans per game in 2016. We are currently just under 1,000 fans in attendance at home games.
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 did Virginia Beach City FC perform?
Steven Wagoner: Virginia Beach City FC had the honor of competing in the 2015 U.S. Open Cup advancing to the second round before getting knocked out by USL’s Richmond Kickers. Our team competed well with a 0-0 result heading into half time and conceding one goal over 80 plus minutes played. We had many goal scoring opportunities but ended up falling short of advancing to the next round. We have a lot of respect for the Richmond Kickers organization.
We were just two games shy of drawing a match against a Major League Soccer club which would have been great for the Virginia Beach community. Opportunities to compete at the highest levels of soccer in the United States are always exciting for our fans, players and staff. We have put a lot of effort into our Virginia Beach City FC Player Development model over the off season and believe it will continue to pay off for the Virginia Beach community.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for 2016?
Steven Wagoner: The creation of the Virginia Beach City FC was built on the ideology that successfully bringing awareness and professionalism to the sport, specifically in Hampton Roads, Virginia, runs in parallel with the growth and success of soccer in the United States. It is our goal to continue to provide a quality experience for fans to enjoy watching live Virginia Beach City FC matches at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex as well as provide player development and identification opportunities to soccer players in the community through our Virginia Beach City FC Player Development system.
