US Club Soccer sanctions newly-formed boys' Atlantic Soccer League; 7 local clubs participating

US Club Soccer has sanctioned the Atlantic Soccer League (ASL), a newly-formed boys’ league for U-15 through U-18 teams set to begin play in November 2010.
 
The ASL has announced an initial acceptance of 14 high-profile clubs and will select up to a total of 16 clubs to participate in its inaugural season of play. Serving teams from throughout the East Coast, the ASL promises to provide top-level competition, facilities and exposure for college-bound players from elite-level clubs.
 
“We are very excited about the initial 14 member clubs and the interest from elite clubs that are looking to provide the proper environment for their players and teams,” said ASL President Dewan Bader. “The timing is right for this league, the selection process is competitive and the ASL product will be second to none.”
 
The 14 initial ASL clubs are:
 
Beach FC (Va.)
Bethesda SC (Md.)
Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (S.C.)
Charlotte United FC (N.C.)
Chesterfield United FC (Va.)
FC Frederick (Md.)
Freestate Soccer Alliance (Md.)
Massapequa SC (N.Y.)
New York Elite (N.Y.)
Prince William Soccer, Inc. (Va.)
Soccer Association of Columbia (Md.)
South Jersey Elite Barons (N.J.)
Triangle FC (N.C.)
Yardley Makefield Soccer (Pa.)
 
“The Atlantic Soccer League is a unique concept that addresses the needs of the member clubs without impacting their existing schedules,” said US Club Soccer Executive Director Bill Sage. “The format for the league will also allow the clubs to reinforce their own events.”
 
The ASL concept began when top soccer minds came together to develop a league that would truly serve the needs of elite players and teams. Directors from Freestate Soccer Alliance, Soccer Association of Columbia, Beach FC, Triangle FC and Yardley Makefield Soccer met in Richmond in February and began the process of creating the Atlantic Soccer League model.
 
“It was obvious to all of us that there was a need for a league such as the ASL and it was a matter of getting the top clubs and directors to support the idea and work to make it a reality,” said league Vice President Steve Campbell. “We have an outstanding group of clubs that are committed to the ASL and a long list of clubs that are interested in becoming members. We have a rolling application and acceptance process in place to identify the final list of members for the inaugural 2010-11 season.
 
“The soccer landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years and ASL will be an attractive, affordable opportunity for clubs with the proper structure and level of play.”
 
The league has scheduled three major events throughout the fall, winter and spring and will culminate in a season-ending championship tournament. The inaugural season will kick off at the Virginia Club Champions League College Showcase on November 12-14 in Williamsburg. Triangle FC will then play host for the second event weekend in Fayetteville as part of the Triangle Friendlies and SAC will host a late-spring event weekend in Columbia, Md., prior to the ASL Championships in July 2011.
 
“This is a great beginning to what promises to be an extremely competitive league,” said board member Steve Danbusky. “The ability to play great competition at top events is what our players and teams are looking for and deserve. The college-bound players seek exposure from college coaches and the ASL events will provide just that.”