Image credit: Central Florida SC

A new NPSL expansion team, Central Florida SC, has arrived in Orlando, Fla., the league announced Friday. Affectionately known as the Panthers, the side will join the Sunshine Conference and take the pitch this year.

“We expect to showcase the wealth of talent that participates in the Central Florida Soccer League and our affiliate, the Florida Suncoast Soccer League,” club president Eddie Loyola said in a release. “With an NPSL membership, we will be able to provide a pyramid of opportunities for our league’s amateur players and coaches.”

Loyola heads the executive board of directors that operates the team, which also includes vice president Giovanni Taliaferro and treasurer Alphonse Amato.

“The NPSL is thrilled to grow its presence in Florida,” said NPSL managing director Cindy Spera. “We expect Central Florida Soccer Club to do many great things on and off the field. They bring so much to the league, including strong leadership and many talented players and coaches.”

Image credit: Central Florida SC/NPSL

Central Florida SC will retain its affiliation with the local Central Florida Soccer League (CFSL) while in the NPSL. The CFSL is the home to “nearly 3,000 adult soccer players,” per NPSL director of membership development Dina Case.

The club expects its addition of an NPSL side — while maintaining its presence in the Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based CFSL — will ultimately open doors for both the club’s players and coaches.

“While other clubs may be standalone organizations with some having a youth infrastructure, our organization will be a vehicle to serve two main purposes,” Loyola added. “First, we will provide league players with exclusive opportunities to further their careers in the beautiful game with increased exposure via an NPSL membership. Second, we will provide league coaches with exclusive opportunities for hands-on experience coaching at a higher level.”

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