There are currently no United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) clubs playing in the state of Washington. The league is growing in Idaho, Oregon and Alaska as it provides a place for adult soccer clubs establish themselves. goalWA.net sent some questions to UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara to learn more about why over 200 clubs have joined the UPSL and what the league expects from and provides for its member clubs.

Describe the factors you see in play that are driving the growth of the UPSL.

Yan Skwara: The explosion of UPSL growth is due to a few factors not to mention there being general market demand. Soccer clubs want to be a part of a league that is cost-effective, that operates on a national level, and plays essentially year round and is professionally managed. The UPSL provides that exact platform. Also, all teams from the UPSL are eligible to participate in the US Open Cup Qualifying Rounds / US Amateur Cup and the league is sanctioned and fully recognized by US Soccer/USASA as a member is good standing.

How is the league infrastructure adapting to the growth?

Skwara: The UPSL established a national office in Westminster, California in 2018 which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and we’re are adding to our staff accordingly to succeed as the UPSL’s conferences grow in scale and depth.

What’s the latest on the UPSL in the Northwest, and specifically Washington state?

Skwara: Washington State is a vibrant soccer market, as you know. We are aware of the strength and prosperity of the EPLWA and ideally would like to connect the dots and work together but also become an option should clubs choose to play in a national league to seek higher levels of play. (Alaska City press release.) Idaho clubs: Boise Cutthroats, Idaho Lobos, Magic Valley. Oregon clubs: Southern Oregon Starphire.

There is a Pacific Northwest Conference listed on UPSLsoccer.com that has three teams in Washington. What is the status of that conference and those teams?

Skwara: The Pacific Northwest is slated for play in Spring season 2019. We are just now starting to focus our energies on building out the PNW Conference and are confident that by Spring 2019 we will have a group of 8-12 teams plus or minus in place and ready for play. We are in talks with a few existing leagues that would get us there overnight. This is how we built the league thus far —from state to state — one Market at a time. (Spokane City, Centralia City, Seattle City listed as teams so far.)

What is the vetting process like for club applications?

Skwara: The vetting process for each club starts first with a team submitting an application to the UPSL front office. Each application is reviewed and a team rep is contacted to begin the process of a series of phone interviews whereby the league explains the league minimum standard requirements, sends them in writing to each club, and the club agrees in writing to follow to our rules and regulations as stipulated.

Specifics

I asked Skwara about things prospective clubs would want to know, including the business numbers of the UPSL. He replied, “Our financial information is openly available through our membership application.” He then continued to give specific answers to the prompts below.

What is the club expansion fee?

Skwara: No expansion fee. We don’t believe in expansion fees as it’s cash out of pocket for clubs.

Yearly League fees?

Skwara: $2,000 per season (note that the UPSL has two seasons per calendar year, but clubs are not required to play in more than one.) $500 UPSL Annual Membership.

Cost / Benefit for member clubs?

Skwara: Clubs receive many of the services required to make them sustainable, with generous support through our numerous sponsors and partners. We are a low season entry, no high franchise fees, great competitive national league comprising over 200 teams and growing. Promotion / relegation footprint and active in selective markets. Games weekly – 10 months out of the year thus producing better players. Pro Combine, exposure for players, coaches, and owners to the soccer marketplace. Feeding ground for MLS, overseas etc. opportunities—many players have taken the next step from our league similar to NPSL and USL. League is professionally managed. Press releases for clubs and players (players of the week, new team announcements, sponsor announcements and sponsorship support for each club.) All teams receive (4) match balls from Molten as part of membership plus 42 UPSL patches for jerseys.

Financial assistance for travel?

Skwara: We’ve created our first playoff travel budget for 2019 ($5,000) for each season, to be given to the club traveling to the championship final on top of the $10,000 cash prize per season. We have two seasons in a twelve month period..Spring/Summer – Fall /Winter.

Match referee assistance?

Skwara: The UPSL works with and has a contract in place with a national ref assignor that works directly with local state assignors to assign and manage games.Teams pay for referees separately from their league fee. Assignors are found for each conference. They are compensated by the league.

Venue requirements?

Skwara: Minimum 500 seating – turf or grass (quality pitch), 68 yards wide minimum. Locker rooms.

Is there a player registration fee in the UPSL?

Skwara: Yes. $30 per player for the calendar year (good for both seasons).

Player injury insurance?

Skwara: Yes, through USASA. $5000 medical / $400 deductible.

Does the UPSL provide insurance certificates for clubs to rent venues (required almost everywhere to get a stadium or field)?

Skwara: Yes – 48 hour turnaround from time club requests one.