The Villarreal Erie Academy has joined the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). The Erie Sports Center says this is another major step for soccer in the Erie region. 

The Villarreal Erie Academy is based out of the Erie Sports Center, a 60 acre soccer facility. This will be the first time that Erie has had a full time, year-round semi-pro soccer team to follow and support. 

The UPSL is the largest semi-professional soccer league in North America. Villarreal Erie will be competing in the Ohio division with Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati. 

"We are really excited to be joining the UPSL and providing top quality year round soccer for our players and fans. The development opportunities for our academy players coming in from different parts of the world, along with the best local players, will be fantastic. This will also raise the visibility and awareness of our facility and soccer development pathways we have created in the region," said Troy Bingham, Owner of Erie Sports Center. "Our long term goal is to build a quality squad capable of competing at the national level of the league whilst providing pathways and development opportunities for our academy players coming through." 

UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league's affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation.