BREMERTON, WA — The Northwest Premier League completed its second season of play at the end of July with an exciting championship match that culminated the league’s first season using a playoff system to decide the trophy. A motto and hashtag like #FastForward doesn’t leave you any time to rest though. The off season is a time when the NWPL welcomes conversations from parties interested in joining up and grown the sport for women in the Northwest.

“We are always open to talking to prospective new clubs and owners,” says NWPL President Bill Wright. “We want to grow the game, and our motto is pretty much ‘the more the merrier.’ We know there are players and towns out there still without elite adult regional soccer opportunities for women.”

The Northwest Premier League was founded in 2016 with 7 clubs. Two more joined to make it a 9-club circuit in 2017. Rather than slipping because of the added sides, the overall level of play increased in 2017, most watchers agree.

The online NWPL “Application of Interest” allows clubs to present themselves in a formal way. Less formal dialogues and Q & A sessions can and are happening via email at NWPLsoccer@gmail.com.

So what makes a great candidate club to join the regional Northwest Premier League? “We are looking for properly financed, committed operators who have a business and soccer plan and a competitive pool of players that need a place to play,” says NWPL Media Director David Falk. “Access to top women’s soccer talent (college players, older youth club stars, elite amateur adult players) is important for any club. So is wanting to make something special for their community.”

The NWPL is now open to conversations and accepting applications for new clubs for the 2018 season which will kick off in May of next year.