by Per Gary Moody
The NPSL-Regional League Launches Nationwide through Partnership with GLA
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that their Regional League platform is launching nationwide. This was achieved through a strategic partnership with the Great Lakes Alliance (GLA).
The NPSL-Regional League will be branded and marketed as the NPSL-RL.
“This announcement is all about working together to grow the game,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “This product is available to any amateur men’s team in the country that wishes to apply to compete under the NPSL brand. The Regional League offers more flexible standards compared to the existing NPSL Tier 1 product, while keeping the core values of the NPSL brand: high service levels, defined minimum standards, and a professionally run front office.”
The NPSL-RL will operate year-round, giving NPSL clubs the opportunity to keep their brand active in the fall and spring. This program also serves as an incubator for clubs looking to grow into the traditional NPSL Tier 1 level by offering a professional and organized environment in which to grow.
Ed Bernstein and Jason Brown will lead this new effort. Bernstein is the director and a managing partner of the Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), while Brown has successfully led the Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL) for the past six years.
“Partnering with the NPSL and launching the NPSL-RL is a natural progression in the evolution of the amateur game and our shared mission to provide a unified approach to player and club development,” Bernstein said. “The Great Lakes Alliance and the NPSL share a vision of creating impactful and accessible pathways that connect every level of the game. This collaboration strengthens the amateur pyramid and expands opportunities for players to grow and succeed across the country.”
Brown will also serve as the Managing Director of the NPSL-RL.
“The launch of the NPSL-RL is the evolution of the NPSL and its commitment to providing a unified approach to developing the soccer landscape,” Brown said. “Partnering with the Great Lakes Alliance brings together two organizations that believe in accessibility and competitive opportunity. Together, we can better connect the amateur pyramid, offering players and clubs a clear and meaningful pathway to grow within the game.”
The NPSL-RL will kick off in the spring of 2026 and aspires to have competitions all across the country. An inquiry form can be found at npsl.com/rl.
About the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is a national amateur soccer league affiliated with the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), classified as a Tier 1 men’s amateur soccer league. The NPSL is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the sport across the United States through competitive opportunities and community engagement.
About The Great Lakes Alliance (GLA)
The Great Lakes Alliance (GLA) was formed in 2017 and currently has over 1300 teams participating in its US Club-sanctioned leagues. GLA has member clubs coming out of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with approximately 20,000 players. GLA is a member of the US Club Soccer National Premier League (NPL) platform and the U.S. Soccer Federation.
