This is the first of a five-part preview of the NPSL North's 2017 season.

The National Premier Soccer League North Conference kicks off this weekend. Eight teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas will participate in the inaugural season of the league. This new league provides an excellent opportunity for fans to watch local soccer, so here are a few reasons why you should get involved in the NPSL North.

It's local.

Every team’s stadium is located within four hours of the Twin Cities, and most players come from each club’s community. There’s no better way to inject yourself into your local soccer community than supporting the area club. It’s also extremely easy to travel to away games and check out other teams.

You can easily be the ultimate fan.

Only two clubs so far have visible supporters groups (Minneapolis City’s The Citizens and a couple for Duluth FC), so if you’ve been looking for an opportunity to create your own group of fans, there will never be a better chance. Every club will be looking for some hardcore fans, which means anyone get get deeply involved.

This is how a pyramid is established.

If you’re one of the many fans of American soccer who wants to see a soccer pyramid with strong lower leagues similar to European ones, this is where a pyramid starts. There’s plenty of quality in NPSL matches, so that’s not an issue. Supporting your local NPSL North team is the easiest way to help build a strong soccer pyramid in the United States.

These are just a few of the many reasons why you should pay attention to the NPSL North this season. Why are you excited for the season to start? Let us know in the comments section!

Come back tomorrow for the second part of our 2017 NPSL North Conference Season Preview, which will introduce all eight clubs.