Appalachian Championship League by EDP to begin play in 2019-2020 season

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East Brunswick, NJ – Five soccer clubs from the Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee area today announced they have formed the new Appalachian Championship League by EDP, which will begin play in 2019-20. The league will be for 11U through 19U boys and girls.

The following clubs will be the founding members of the league:

“These five clubs came together to form this league as they were looking for an opportunity to shape the league in which they compete,” said EDP Executive Director of Leagues Jen Marcella, who noted EDP is a club-neutral service provider eager to create an inclusive platform that will meet the needs of its membership.”

“These clubs,” she continued, “will play in a platform that will ultimately provide a good game every week with reasonable travel.”

Technical Director Adam Ritchie from SWVA Rush Soccer Club is excited for his club to be playing in the new Appalachian Championship League. “This give our players the ability to play teams throughout the region that will help develop their ability against some great competition. Having all of the clubs working together is a bonus for all involved!”

Jason Logan DOC of Legacy Football Club said he looks forward to the opportunities the new league will provide for his club’s players, saying “EDP is providing a unique platform for Legacy FC to play in a league with established, competitive clubs who share our philosophy of player development. Through quality match play with member clubs, our players will acquire skills that will lead to success at a higher level of competition. We look forward to working with each other and EDP in an effort to expand soccer in our region.”

Matt Barry, DOC of Tri-Cities United added: “We are very excited at the opportunity to play in the Appalachian Championship League. It gives players in our club a chance to play teams from around our unique region and not just teams from Tennessee. For our younger teams it gives them a chance to be challenged but focus more on development and less on results.”

Brian Stayton, Club President of Greeneville Soccer said: “Our focus, as is the case for many of the clubs in EDP, is to develop our players. GSA wants to be part of a league where all clubs have the same philosophy and we believe EDP will give us good competition which will allow us to focus on our primary criteria: development. EDP will also allow us to create new relationships with these clubs. GSA looks forward to this new venture for our kids and their development, plus creating lasting relationships with clubs in our region. ”

EDP is welcoming additional clubs to apply for the Appalachian Championship League. To apply contact Jim Oman at [email protected].

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