The Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA), an eight-team statewide premier men’s adult soccer league that will kick off in May of 2014, is now officially affiliated with the Washington State Adult Soccer Association (WSASA).

“It’s very important for the Evergreen Premier League to be affiliated with WSASA because it makes us part of the overall US Soccer league system and places us within its’ pyramid,” says EPLWA President Peter Ostrovsky. “As the league goes forward it will be part of our pedigree and the foundation that the eight selected clubs will build upon together.”

Washington State Adult Soccer Association President Tim Busch adds, “The motto of the United States Adult Soccer Association is “Soccer, Your Game for Life.” The mission of the WSASA is to provide player opportunities for interested individuals regardless of age, skill level or gender. The creation of the EPLWA is very important extension of that mission to provide quality competition for everyone.”

Busch says the EPLWA is a perfect fit for what is happening in local adult soccer. “The Evergreen Premier League was created by individuals who had the vision to see that there is a need to provide quality competition for college and post college age players. The idea of developing elite competition by using the “city league” model provides continuity between high level youth play and elite adult play. I am already aware of individuals in Yakima and other parts of Washington interesting in joining the league in 2015. I believe the league has a bright future in the Evergreen State.”

Practically speaking, the affiliation allows EPLWA clubs to play in insured venues via WSASA-granted certificates, and also allows all players to be covered for injuries on the field of play. All EPLWA players will be required to register and obtain a WSASA Player Card. Further, the affiliation connects the Evergreen Premier League with the United States Adult Soccer Association, US Soccer, and FIFA.

Tim Busch explains, “The Washington State Adult Soccer Association is a charter member of the United States Soccer Federation, charged with operating adult soccer in Washington. Affiliation in WSASA provides the players and teams in the EPLWA membership in the world soccer family including the United States Adult Soccer Association, USSF and FIFA, the

governing body for soccer around the world.”

“Affiliation in the WSASA is very reasonable. The cost is $200 annually for the league, with each player required to purchase a player pass from us. This provides liability insurance for the venues used by the teams and a secondary medical policy for the players.”

Soccer fans can connect with the WSASA at www.WSSA.org. The Evergreen Premier League is online at www.EPLWA.com, Facebook.com/EvergreenPremierLeague and Twitter.com/EPLWA.

About the Evergreen Premier League

The EPLWA is an eight-club adult semi-pro men’s soccer league that will kick off play in May 2014. The grass-roots movement features the following teams: Bellingham United FC, FC Three Rivers Tri-Cities, Seattle Stars FC, South Sound FC (Tacoma), Spokane SC Shadow, Vancouver Victory FC, Wenatchee United FC, and WestSound FC (Silverdale.)