New York Surf to Play in Second-Tier United Women’s Soccer
Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that New York Surf Soccer Club will operate an official amateur reserve team for the club, which will play in United Women’s Soccer (UWS) beginning in 2017.
“We are very excited to add this level to the developmental pyramid of our club,” said Christy Holly, Sky Blue FC head coach. “The addition of an amateur reserve team presents an incredible opportunity for players who aspire to compete at the professional level. The alignment and shared philosophy between Sky Blue FC and NY Surf also allows a consistent learning curriculum for all of the players who are developed within this system.”
United Women’s Soccer will open its second season of play this May, with NY Surf competing in its inaugural UWS match against the Western New York Flash on Sunday, May 14. Kickoff for that contest is set for 2:00 p.m. and will also serve as the NY Surf home opener at Reinhart Field on the campus of SUNY Maritime in the Bronx.
“We are honored that Sky Blue FC has selected the NY Surf UWS program as one of its amateur reserve teams,” said Matt Popoli, founder and President of NY Surf. “In order to ensure that our UWS team trains and plays at the highest level, we have assembled one of the finest coaching staffs in United Women’s Soccer.”
The NY Surf UWS program will be led on the pitch by head coach Michele Canning, who will be joined by assistant coaches Selma Tarik, Jen Leaverton, Scott Waddell and goalkeeper coach Emily Morphitis. Canning is also the current head coach of the women’s soccer program at New York University (NYU), where she led the Violets to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA College Cup tournament in 2015. Before arriving at NYU, she spent six years as an assistant coach at St. John’s University. As a player, Canning enjoyed a successful career at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.
New York Surf Soccer Club is a non-profit premier soccer club based in metro New York and operates as the East Coast affiliate of San Diego Surf Soccer Club, one of the most successful clubs in the country. The mission of NY Surf is to ensure that players are coached and mentored to play at their highest level in a positive and challenging environment, while also promoting high ethical and academic standards, good sportsmanship, diversity and community involvement.
To find out more information about the New York Surf Soccer Club, make sure to check them out online and follow on social media: @NYSurfSoccer
Sky Blue FC will play its 2017 home opener when it hosts FC Kansas City this Sunday, April 30, at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. Kickoff for that match is slated for 6:00 p.m., and tickets are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).
For all of the latest news on Sky Blue FC, visit the team online and follow us on social media: @SkyBlueFC
