CHICAGO (April 2, 2021) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) proudly announces an amateur league affiliation with La Mirada, Calif.,-based SoCal Premier, stretching its network of affiliations from sea to shining sea. The first amateur affiliation of 2021 for NISA follows a busy 2020 where NISA scored affiliations with the Gulf Coast Premier League, Eastern Premier Soccer League, the Mountain Premier League, and the Midwest Premier League.

"Solidifying this relationship with SoCal Premier is a big deal for NISA from both perspectives of geographic reach and amazing talent,” says NISA Executive Vice President of Expansion Josh Prutch. "NISA has a great presence in southern California with clubs San Diego 1904 FC, Los Angeles Force, and Cal United Strikers FC. As we strive to create a stronger system of growth and opportunity, we are eager to align with SoCal Premier as that league expands its brand awareness and geographic footprint.”

Like the other recent affiliation agreements, NISA will allow SoCal at least two merit-based spots in the annual NISA Independent Cup tournament. SoCal also will be an active participant on the NISA Alliance Board which manages the interconnectedness of the growing number of affiliates.

“We have had a strong promotion–relegation system in place for more than 25 years,” says SoCal Premier President Matt Morse. “We are eager to work with NISA to identify additional high-level solutions for amateur soccer to Southern California. This affiliation continues us on a path to provide players an opportunity to play the game at a very high level. This is something we have been seeking and planning for over the last 10 years.”

SoCal Premier's top division (Premier) boasts 11 teams from across southern California, including: FC Golden State, Chula Vista FC, Real Sociedad Royals, LA Monster Crew, FC FCUK, Olympiacos CA, City Legends FC, and Lobos FC. Newcomers for 2021 include MAGIA Futbol Academy, LA Power, and Forza Soccer Academy. These teams will be vying for a spot in the 2022 NISA Independent Cup along with a spot for one of our U23 teams.

About SoCal Premier

SoCal Premier is the largest adult soccer league in California with more than 100 adult teams in several divisions and age groups from Men's & Women's Open, U23, Over30, Over45, Over55, and Coed. It began as an adult league out of Orange County in 1976 with a small group of teams. In 2018, SoCal Premier merged with West Coast Adult Soccer League (WCASL) to create southern California’s only organization to provide high-level amateur and grassroots competition for players from ages 15 to 65+ years old. For more information about SoCal Premier, visit www.socalpremier.org or contact SoCal Premier at info@socalpremier.org.