US Club Soccer announces launch of Desert States NPL with clubs in Utah and Nevada

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The US Club Soccer National Premier Leagues (NPL) welcomed its newest member league, the Desert States NPL, with clubs spanning Utah and Nevada. Six founding clubs are split into two conferences, which feature 13-U through 17-U boys age groups:

• Albion SC Las Vegas (NV)
• Comba FC (UT)
• Downtown Las Vegas (NV)
• Las Vegas Sports Academy (NV)
• Red Wolves Academy (UT)
• Utah Surf (UT)

Nevada-based clubs will compete in the Mojave Conference, while Utah-based clubs participate in the High West Conference. The Desert States NPL will also welcome additional members in the coming weeks ahead of its inaugural season.

“The 2020-21 season is poised to be a great year for the NPL, as we continue to gain strength and increase our geographical reach,” said Leo Garcia, NPL General Manager and US Club Soccer VP of Competitions. “The creation of the Desert States NPL is an example of clubs working together to produce an environment that put the needs of their players and families first. We’re just as eager as these six clubs to return to the field and help them grow this league.”

The club directors behind the creation of the Desert States NPL have ambitious plans for the league that will bring enhanced player identification and development opportunities, robust health and safety initiatives, and a collaborative playoff format between conferences.

“We have identified and selected from the top programs in these age groups and included them,” said Bob Martino, owner of the Chattanooga Red Wolves. “The selection was difficult, but having similar mind sets with focus on player development and providing national exposure to showcase these talented players is the key. The NPL system is extraordinarily strong in other parts of the country, and we feel honored to be part of their system as founding members of the Desert States NPL. This time we have done it right with Nevada’s top teams, financial support and a great group of organizations. We are looking forward to the competition that the top Nevada organizations bring and having rivalries for the Desert States Cup.”

At the end of the 2020-21 regular season, qualifying teams from the Desert States NPL will advance to the 2021 NPL postseason to compete for ENPL berths, where top NPLs and ECNL Boys Conferences play for national titles.