US Club Soccer launches 17-club Great Lakes Alliance league
(Via US Club Soccer) – US Club Soccer has announced the launch of the Great Lakes Alliance as a competitive league covering Ohio, western New York and western Pennsylvania. The Great Lakes Alliance includes 17 clubs with more than 80 teams in U-10 through U-15 boys and girls age groups.
Member clubs are:
| Arsenal FC of PA (PA) | Internationals (Ohio) |
| Century V Soccer (Pa.) | MSA (Pa.) |
| Cleveland Cobras SC (Ohio) | Northern Steel Soccer (Pa.) |
| Cleveland Soccer Academy (Ohio) | Ohio Premier Soccer Club (Ohio) |
| Cleveland United SC (Ohio) | Pennine United SC (Ohio) |
| Cleveland Whitecaps SC (Ohio) | Soccer Vision Academy (Ohio) |
| Croatia Cleveland SC (Ohio) | Syracuse Development Academy (N.Y.) |
| Empire United Soccer Association (N.Y.) | Toledo Celtics (Ohio) |
| Everest Premier SC (Ohio) | – |
As a member league, Great Lakes Alliance now affords its clubs a wide range of US Club Soccer opportunities, including Players First and the National Cup. As the league develops, it will be considered for other national platforms, including National Premier Leagues (NPL).
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“Clubs are always looking for new competition to expand the boundaries of the learning experience for their young athletes,” said Mike Sweeney, Great Lakes Alliance President and US Club Soccer Board of Directors member. “When it is done in cooperation with like-minded directors and clubs within a reasonable drive time, it makes for a quality environment for all involved. The model has been proven across the country. We are very happy to help organize our Great Lakes Alliance and become part of the bigger picture.”
“The primary reason for creating the Great Lakes Alliance is to produce a predictable and logical next-step environment focused on the players and their development,” said Ed Bernstein, Great Lakes Alliance League Executive Director. “We are very excited about the new opportunities that the Great Lakes Alliance creates for our clubs and their players.”
