United Premier Soccer League Announces Jacksonville Armada Academy FC as Florida Expansion Team

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 26, 2018 - PRLog -- The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to welcome Jacksonville Armada Academy FC as a member starting with the 2019 Spring Season.

Based in Jacksonville (Fla.), Armada Academy FC will begin UPSL play in the Southeast Conference Florida Central Division and play its UPSL home games this season at Patton Park Stadium (2850 Hodges Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32224) in compliance with UPSL's Minimum Standards.

United Premier Soccer League Florida Divisions Manager Christian Vallejos said, "Jacksonville Armada is one of the most respected clubs and brands in Florida soccer, and we're very excited to have Armada Academy FC join the UPSL. Pat Cannon is an awesome coach who everyone in Jacksonville knows and respects, and the team will be a welcome addition to the league."

Pat Cannon is Jacksonville Armada FC's Youth and Development Academy Director. A native of Jacksonville, Cannon, 38, previously founded Jacksonville United (NPSL) following an accolade-filled prep and collegiate career in North Florida.

Jacksonville Armada FC Youth and Development Academy Director Pat Cannon said, "Our goal is to build another level between the Armada Youth Academy for guys leaving for college – or just coming back – and serve as a buffer to the next level. The UPSL is a perfect fit for what we're trying to do as we try to build a professional academy for the bottom to the top, so getting that next layer in with the U-20s is very important for us, and for our academy players to challenge themselves against the higher-caliber UPSL players."

Jacksonville Armada FC General Manager Nathan Walters said, "Player development has always been a priority for the club and the main reason we created Armada Youth Academy Partnership. This step allows young players to experience another level of competition within the pathway that our club provides. Our goal is to create opportunities for players to reach the professional ranks and we are all excited about the next step."

Jacksonville Armada Youth Academy will operate Armada Academy FC, a new competitive link to Jacksonville Armada FC U-23s (NPSL) and Jacksonville Armada FC.

The club will announce tryouts and its upcoming game schedule.

About Jacksonville Armada Academy FC

Jacksonville Armada Academy FC is an American Soccer club currently based in Jacksonville, Fla., and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. Jacksonville Armada Academy FC will begin play in the UPSL Pro Premier.

Founded in 2018, Jacksonville Armada Academy FC can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact:
Direct: 904-294-5897
Email: pcannon@armadafcyouth.com
Website: www.armadafcyouth.com

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 400-plus teams targeted for 2019 Fall Season. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated, and is responsible for maintaining either UPSL Pro Premier Division or Championship Division minimum standards.

UPSL teams are all eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the leagues affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upslsoccer.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 310-415-5691

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
upslcommunications@gmail.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
www.upslsoccer.com
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague