Already one of the largest amateur soccer leagues in the United States, NPSL has increased its numbers by almost two score this offseason. Two more clubs have joined the ranks of the National Premier Soccer League. Beaches FC, based out of Jupiter, FL, and Ozark FC, located in Springdale, AR, are set to make their debut in 2017.
Ozark FC will compete in in the Heartland Conference of NPSL’s South Region. The club is co-owned by Will Broyles and directoed by Dacia Boehmler.
Broyles name might seem familiar to those who follow NPSL. He co-owns Shreveport Rafters FC with his brother, Jim. Shreveport joined NPSL as an expansion side in 2016.
“There was so much interest from many of us who had participated in other NPSL clubs, that we knew it made sense to keep working to develop the sport through this tremendous avenue the league offers,” Broyles said in a league press release. “This league has a bright future and OFC and NW Arkansas belong in that same growing movement.”
Jef Thiffault, NPSL Managing Director, is not concerned about any potential conflict of interest. According to Thiffault, other owners in the conference approved Broyles’s ownership of two clubs, and the league will monitor the situation. There is precedent for multiple teams being operated by a single ownership group. The owners of Seacoast United have operated two teams in NPSL without incident.
Beaches FC will also compete in the South Region, but will be a part of the Sunshine Conference. The club’s home venue will be Benjamin Upper School.
Trevor Adair and Levent Guler will be at the helm for Beaches FC. Adair has head coaching experience at Brown University and Clemson University. Guler is a former member of the Turkish national team.
“We bring a high level of players, coaches, and facilities to the NPSL,” Adair said in a league release. “We hope to continue to promote a high level of soccer for amateur players during the non-collegiate season.”