FC Alliance North Accepted Into National Premier League.
FC Alliance North Joins US Club Soccer’s National Premier League
FC Alliance North is proud to announce its acceptance into US Club’s National Premier
League. This milestone not only marks a significant step forward for the club but also
brings a host of benefits to the local soccer community. The membership offers our
players enhanced competition and exposure within the National Premier Leagues (NPL)
framework, thereby raising the standard of soccer in Northeast Tennessee. FC Alliance
North will compete in the competition as a part of the South Atlantic Premier League.
Established to serve Johnson City, Bristol, and the broader Northeast Tennessee soccer
community, FC Alliance North has rapidly developed a reputation for excellence in
player development and community engagement.
The club’s inclusion in the SAPL aligns with its mission to provide top-tier opportunities for youth athletes in the region.
“Joining the South Atlantic Premier League is a testament to the hard work and
dedication of our players, coaches, and families,” said Chad Stocton, Director of
Operations at FC Alliance North.
“This opportunity will allow our athletes to compete at
a higher level and further their development on and off the field.”
“Our goal from the start has been to bring the highest level of club soccer to Northeast
Tennessee,” said Matt Yelton, FC Alliance North’s Director of Coaching.
“By becoming the first club in the area to offer a club-wide competition platform, we are taking a
significant step towards providing our local players with the highest level of competition
available to them.”
The SAPL, a member of US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues, encompasses
competitive clubs from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Tennessee. FC Alliance North’s entry into the league underscores the club’s
commitment to providing its players with pathways to collegiate and professional soccer.
As a part of league play, FC Alliance North will host at least three home weekends
hosting twelve teams from competing clubs, and likewise, when competing out of town,
all six (U13 to U19 team) of FC Alliance North’s teams will travel together.
With training facilities in both Johnson City and Bristol, FC Alliance North offers
comprehensive programs for boys and girls across various age groups. The club’s
holistic approach to player development emphasizes technical skills, tactical
understanding, and personal growth.
What is the South Atlantic Premier League (SAPL)?
The SAPL is a regional league within US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) platform, designed to
offer high-level competition and a pathway to national postseason play for elite youth soccer clubs.
Which regions are represented in the SAPL?
Clubs from Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and parts of Virginia participate in the league.
Which FC Alliance North teams will compete in SAPL?
Boys: U13 through U19
What are the key benefits of SAPL participation?
High level Home matches with three to four weekends of games in the Tri-Cities
High-level regional competition
Pathway to the NPL Finals
College coach exposure opportunities
Player development-focused environment
How does SAPL fit into the NPL structure?
League champions advance to national postseason events such as the NPL Playoffs or NPL Finals.
How many games are played each season?
U15 and older Teams generally play 14–16 league games during the fall season, U13 and U14 will have a fall
and spring season
Is travel required?
FC Alliance North will host teams from Nashville, Chattanooga or Atlanta, However travel will occur to those
same areas for three to four weekends. All teams participating in SAPL will play on the same weekends at the
same venue.
Who oversees SAPL operations?
US Club Soccer sanctions and supports the SAPL. League operations are managed by club directors and NPL
administrators to ensure competitive standards and postseason qualification protocols.
What about the girl’s teams
Our hope is to provide a similar club wide league competition for our girls, but to do so requires that we are
able to form teams in each age group and that is a process we will be working towards in the upcoming year.
Where can I find more information?
www.southatlanticpremierleague.com