UPSL Grows – Announces Colorado Conference
Men’s soccer — on all levels — is growing rapidly in America and the expansion of the UPSL and other leagues proves this popularity. This year, the UPSL will kick off its Colorado Conference in 2017 as the league prepares for the inaugural season of its Promotion/Relegation Model. Four teams will compete in the conference with additional clubs expected to be added in coming years.
UPSL Soccer News: The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) has announced the addition of four Colorado clubs – FC Boulder, Colorado Rush, Colorado Springs FC and Indios Denver SC – as the league prepares to launch its Promotion/Relegation Model in 2017.
United Premier Soccer League commissioner Yan Skwara said, “We are very excited to expand into the Colorado market as we have brought in some excellent clubs that now can compete under our regional umbrella in a cost-effective manner.”
“This expansion only continues to demonstrate the desire for the number of quality Pro Development teams across the country, and their desire to play in a league that operates 10 months out of the year as part of our Promotion/Relegation Model,” said Skwara. “Expanding and opening up the Colorado Conference adds to the competition, and we welcome FC Boulder, Colorado Springs FC and Indios Denver SC to the UPSL family of teams.”
The four clubs will compete in the UPSL’s new Colorado Conference, and will play spring and fall seasons beginning next year in the Pro Premier Division.
Colorado Conference manager Don Harmon said, “This is really exciting. The No. 1 thing that brought us in to the UPSL was their business model. They allow the clubs to create their own professional atmosphere with the local travel. That hasn’t been tried in Colorado and we’re so excited to try it. And with the Pro/Rel. Model, the UPSL looked to us like it was for the long term.”
The Colorado Conference is expected to add several additional clubs in the near future.
“We can see it growing, but we have to be in it together for us to succeed,” Harmon said. “We have four committed owners and we’ll start it with four or six, with youth clubs backing them. Colorado can finally be the proving ground for the next generation.”
The Colorado Conference is targeting 8-12 clubs for both Pro Premier and Championship Divisions.
“We’ve been shipping our talents out, but players will play here if there’s an opportunity for professional soccer and a belief to turn it into something,” Harmon said.
About the Soccer Clubs:
FC Boulder:
FC Boulder formed in 2012 through the merger of Boulder Athletic and Boulder County Force. The club has experienced a vibrant period of growth and development over the years as it has developed a thriving soccer culture in Boulder.
Colorado Rush:
Colorado Rush is a non-profit based in Littleton, Colorado, and formed in 1997 through the merger of Club Columbine and Lakewood United SC. At the youth level, the club currently develops more than 5,000 players annually as one of the premier organizations in the nation.
Colorado Springs FC:
Colorado Springs FC was formed this year through a merger of a number of clubs in the Colorado Springs area. The club is currently building its infrastructure that has a solid player base in an emerging soccer market.
Indios Denver SC:
Indios Denver Soccer Club is a non-profit formed in 2008. The club operates boys youth teams from U5 to U17, cultivating a program where young players can develop their skills while helping others who are new to the sport.
Photo Credit: United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)
