NFL
By: Joe “Cright” Cardoso
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is the league that many of you have probably never heard of – comprised of over 80 teams from all over the country. What makes the NPSL so cool is the makeup of the league which started in 2005. The league allows each team to have one vote. Each team is individually owned and operated and responsible for maintaining league minimum standards. The owners of current teams get the final say on which new teams can and can’t join the league.
NC Battalion is one of those teams and they are based out of North County, San Diego.
For casual soccer fans, San Diego was just ranked #9 on the Gilt Edge Marketing top soccer markets in the U.S. list. The Battalion will begin its first season on April 2nd and will bring a new level of soccer to an already growing soccer community. One of the things that will make this organization a hit is the involvement in the community. The supporters are valued and involved in the fan experience. The team is collaborating with Swaggerclub CA to provide transportation for fans to the away games.
US Soccer, in my opinion, needs to build from the ground up. One of the ways that the Battalion is doing that is through partnerships with youth clubs and community organizations. As a way to grow the game at all levels, NC Battalion fosters an environment that will help the product on the field as well as the kids who play in local clubs. In a day and age where people seem to be all about themselves the Battalion approach is a breath of fresh air.
They will also be joining up with organizations that support local heroes like the Firefighters Aid Fund. The group is run by San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association, and it helps firemen and their families in need. It also educates them about the health issues that firefighters are faced with. With the threat of wildfires in the southern California area these men and women are always on alert; not to mention that they put their lives on the line daily.
The Battalion is part of the Southwest Conference, and buzz about the team is at a fever pitch. When they announced that their head coach would be former MLS star Ryan Guy, local soccer fans got excited and fans around the nation took notice.
The power of California soccer is being seen and felt nationwide, and the Battalion will just add to the love. With strong backing from the community and talent on the field, the 2016 season is shaping up to be an exciting one.
For more info on NC Battalion visit their website or Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/northcountybattalion
To learn more about the NPSL and to find the team in your area, visit their new website: https://www.npsl.com/
