Great Lakes Alliance to expand for 4th season in US Club Soccer NPL program

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Great Lakes Alliance (GLA) is expanding ahead of its fourth season within US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues.

For the 2020-21 season, the league is adding a 10-U age group and will now offer two divisions for 13-U through 19-U age groups: GLA NPL and GLA Premier. The GLA NPL (most competitive) and GLA Premier will be divided into two conferences per age group with geographical considerations to minimize travel.

In totality, the GLA now serves as a 10-U through 19-U regional soccer league for competitive boys and girls clubs. The 10-U through 14-U age groups begin play in the fall, with 15-U through 19-U age groups starting at the conclusion of the high school season.

The GLA consists of 400 teams from 62 clubs, spanning Ohio, Indiana, western New York, as well as western and central Pennsylvania:

“The Great Lakes Alliance has had significant success during its time within the National Premier Leagues, each year expanding and growing its footprint,” said Leo Garcia, NPL General Manager and US Club Soccer VP of Competitions. “The extensive list of impressive clubs speaks to the league’s success in building a better environment for its members.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of US Club Soccer’s NPL platform,” said Ed Bernstein, President of the Great Lakes Alliance. “The NPL gives us great guidance, while simultaneously allowing us the independence to meet the needs of our members. Becoming a part of the NPL was the best decision we could’ve made.”

The league has made significant progress on and off the field. Several clubs including CAPS FC, FC Pride SC, Ohio Premier SC, SCS United and Western New York Flash are approved as Players First-licensed clubs.