Oaklyn United FC announced on Tuesday that they will be entering an expansion team into the Eastern Premier Soccer League, a regional competition that occupies the 5th tier of the American league system.
The EPSL features a promotion/relegation system that links top regional feeder leagues from several states on the east coast with the fully professional National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Through EPSL, clubs can promote all the way up to the 3rd tier as they grow.
"Joining the EPSL is a crucial next step for our club," said OUFC President Alex Lewis. "We've been on an incredible path of growth since deciding to expand from an informal team to a true community club a few years ago, and we know how much talent often goes overlooked in South Jersey. We view this new squad as a chance to provide competitive football to an even wider and more diverse base of top-notch players."
OUFC’s entry into the EPSL will be an addition to its current team structure, rather than a replacement of any existing teams. Oaklyn’s current first team will continue to play in the CASA Soccer League, an unaffiliated regional league based in Philadelphia, where it recently won promotion to the Segunda Division. The reserve team, Oaklyn United Pride, plays in CASA’s Quinto division.
The new team, to be known internally as Oaklyn United Pro/Del, is designed to be a development and pre-professional team for younger and more competitive players who can commit to a more rigorous training and travel schedule.
“One of the cores of our mission has always been to provide a route to the highest level of the games for players who didn’t go through the ‘regular channels’ of college ball or elite clubs, in addition to those who have,” Lewis said. “Focusing on a younger group of talent, while incorporating some senior players who will play double-duty between CASA and the EPSL, really allows us to shine a light on good players who might otherwise go overlooked.”
The new league comes with an increased administrative burden, as the semi-pro status conveys requirements in coaching licenses, facilities, and overhead that amateur leagues typically don’t require. But Lewis is certain that OUFC is up to the task.
“Expanding into the EPSL is a huge step, but it’s just one part of our growth plan. We’re submitting our application to achieve official non-profit incorporation status, and we hope to be announcing even more ways for players, coaches, and staff to get involved at the grassroots level.
“We owe a huge debt of thanks to Bill Marth at EPSL, as well as Aaron Sexton at Danubia SC and Jim Breslin at Kensington for helping to make this league happen for the entire conference.”
The Lions’ new Pro/Del team will begin play in the EPSL’s Delaware River conference starting in the Spring of 2022.
