WEST
HARTFORD—The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced
a new format for the 2020 season on Tuesday. The new season will run in two
segments: spring and fall. The spring segment will begin in early March and
continue through late April, breaking from May through mid-August for the
existing NPSL summer season. The fall segment will begin in late August
and continue through October/November, with playoffs, including a national
championship game, taking place in November.
The spring/fall season will not overlap with the
summer season; there will be a separate schedule and standings table for each
season. Teams that participate in the spring/fall season will be required
to participate in the existing summer season as well.
“We are excited to offer our members, players,
staff, fans, and supporters the highest level of amateur soccer available in
the United States,” NPSL Chairman Kenny Farrell said. “This season fills a
great need in American soccer. A longer season will provide more
opportunities for our players, while teams will benefit from a year-round
presence in their market.”
The spring/fall season will have increased standards
with regards to stadia, staffing, budget, and referees. This will result
in a higher level of play and competition on the field.
“There are many talented players that want something
beyond a summer season,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “This season
fills a gap, offering players a longer season that will provide additional
opportunities for development and exposure.”
Players that compete in the spring/fall season will
be amateurs or unpaid professionals. The season will remain under the
sanctioning of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and will not
be subject to Professional League Standards.
“USASA are fully supportive of the NPSL's plans to
introduce additional seasons in 2020,” USASA Executive Director Duncan Riddle
said. “This will allow players and fans more opportunities to play and support
their local teams.”
Teams participating in the spring/fall season will
be announced at a later date. Teams will be required to apply for acceptance to
play in the new season, and will be vetted by NPSL staff based on the increased
standards set by the league. For more
information and FAQs regarding the new season coming in 2020, please visit npsl.com/2020-seasons.
Connecticut is represented in the NPSL by Hartford
City FC. Hartford City FC plays in NPSL’s North Atlantic Conference, with
home matches played at the University of Hartford in West Hartford.
—Staff Reports
#npsl / @HartfordCityFC / @hartfordcity_fc / #hartfordsoccer
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