By Ben Nicholson
December 30 – Oklahoma City Energy FC is adding to its USL (United Soccer League) franchise with a PDL team (Premier Development League). The PDL is an amateur league tailored mostly for players under the age of 23 that attracts college players during their university’s off-season.
The club is affiliated with MLS club Sporting Kansas City, bringing the total amount of PDL teams linked with MLS or USL teams up to twelve.
Such affiliations provide partner clubs with access to the rising youth prospects in US soccer.
The advantage to the current USL roster of Energy FC is that it will be able to look at more U23 players without the risk of those players losing their college eligibility – NCAA rules mean US college players are not allowed to have played professional football.
The PDL stated that the team name will be announced January, suggesting that a re-branding exercise may be in order.
PDL Executive Director Todd Eason stated, “We are very excited to see Energy FC join the PDL. Over the past two seasons, Energy FC has been one of the leaders on and off the field in the USL, and will provide an outstanding platform for young players to progress on the path to the professional ranks.”
Energy FC General Manager Jason Hawkins stated, “This is the next step in our quest to unite the sport of soccer in Oklahoma City. The PDL is a proven track for success at all levels of soccer. This franchise gives local college-aged players the opportunity to compete at a high level during the summer and still maintain their eligibility. Our PDL team has the opportunity to train alongside the professional players in our area, as well as other players we are considering for the future.”
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