For immediate release
Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Stafford Soccer is pleased to announce their acceptance into the National Premier league (NPL) for all blue teams. “We are very excited about the jump into NPL.” said Barry Hill, Stafford Soccer’s Technical Director. "The league offers many benefits which I believe will help our club development along with the player development. The ability to play in a nationally recognized league brings a lot of opportunities for our players”.  See list of benefits below:

 The league consists of 13 clubs, Prince William, VSA, Richmond Kickers, Richmond Strikers, Gunston, Annandale, Tidewater, Great Falls, Chantilly, FC Virginia, Vienna and Springfield. The league plays a club to club format, meaning one club will go to another club with all their teams.

 The VNPL is a club-based youth soccer league that supports a ‘Players – First’ initiative. Soccer organizations follow a standard of conduct and development that puts the player at the top of the model.

 For more information on the VNPL or US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues, go to: www.vapremierleague.com or www.nationalpremierleagues.com

Stafford Soccer continues to offer multiple levels of play for all of our players.  Our White level teams will continue to grow and develop while playing league games in NCSL [http://www.ncsl-soccer.com/ ]

Stafford Soccer is excited to announce this partnership with NPL and its participating clubs. As we move forward into Fall season, more information will be shared so please keep your eyes on email.

NPL Benefits:

1)      Club to Club format
        a.      Top level competition, all in Virginia
                i.     PWSI, Strikers, Kickers, Annandale, VSA
        b.      All blue teams between U11-U19, boys and girls, compete at the same general location against the same club on the same day
                i.     Allows technical staff to evaluate and support staff and players more effectively
                ii.     Minimizes logistics for families with multiple blue level players
                iii.     Builds camaraderie between our staff, players and families

2)      Focus is on player development
        a.      Participating clubs technical staffs are all on the same page and look to challenge players, but not in lieu of results
        b.      Quality fields & facilities
                i.     Major focus for the league to increase standards of play
        c.      Top level officials
                i.     Referees prefer to officiate high-level league play

3)      College Showcase / guidance
        a.      The league focuses on showcases and high level competition
        b.      College guidance is encouraged for all member clubs