Per a source close to NISA, the league will apply for Division 3 sanctioning for the fall 2019 season. The source informed Soc Takes and Midfield Press reporter, Chris Kivlehan, that due to the planned delay in the start of the season, the deadline for submitting the application to U.S. Soccer is Sept. 1.

The deadline for submission for regular-season sanctioning is Aug. 15. USLD3 applied for sanctioning with 10 teams on Aug. 14.

The source adds that the league plans to play using the European calendar which plays autumn through spring and goes on break during the summer. The source is confident of NISA’s launch in 2018, stating, “NISA will play next year.”

Soc Takes reached out to U.S. Soccer to confirm the validity of the information about the Sept. 1 deadline.

(Update, 6:35 p.m.: A U.S. Soccer spokesperson confirms that the deadline for fall 2019 sanctioning is Sept. 1, 2018.)

EXPANSION CITIES

Soc Takes was previously provided a list of eight cities with their identities embargoed. Three of those cities were in California, while the other five were spread across the country. NISA may have “As many as 10” teams in their application. The source remains confident of submitting a successful application.

One of those expansion teams is believed to be California United. Soc Takes contacted Cal United FC president Michael Collins about the possibility of joining NISA. Collins responded via email, “We are looking very hard at NISA.”

Ex-USSF presidential candidate Eric Wynalda is believed to be currently involved in an advisory role in the fledgling league.

Whether or not the league will be able to apply for sanctioning remains to be seen, as the league failed at this same hurdle last year. However, at least for now, they have another fortnight to arrange the chess board before playing their opening move.

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