NJ Rangers FC, Inc.

FLANDERS, New Jersey – The NJ Rangers FC Inc. is proud to officially announce that they will join the United Soccer League with franchises in the Premier Development League (PDL) and Super Y-League beginning in the 2008 season.

“We are excited about this opportunity to be a part of a well respected and organized entity in the USL.” said club President Aaron Balber. “The PDL showcases some of the best young talent in the country today and serves as a stepping-stone to the highest levels of soccer. Many of the players in the PDL will move on to fill the professional rosters of the MLS and beyond.”

The NJ Rangers FC PDL squad will play 16 regular season games beginning in mid May and concluding in early August.  The games will be split evenly with the team playing eight games at home and an equal amount on the road. The club also hopes to play exhibitions against other USL level teams as well as hosting international clubs visiting the area. The Rangers will also have the opportunity to qualify for entrance into the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tournament. This competition is the oldest standing tournament in the country and features teams from the MLS down to the state amateur level.

“Soccer in the northern New Jersey area has a very deep and rich history. Over the years, this area has produced some of the brightest stars in the US National Team’s history. This trend continues as much of the area’s talent currently fills the top collegiate rosters around the country today.” added Balber. “We look forward to tapping into this talent pool and putting together a very competitive side.”

“We know the competition in the PDL will be stiff and being the new kids on the block presents a challenge in itself. We embrace this opportunity and feel confident we can compete with the top teams in the league”. The Rangers will be placed in the Eastern Conference’s Northeast division along with fellow new club, Newark Ironbound Strikers. “I think it is great to have a local rivalry to add to the excitement. I hope that fans from both clubs travel to the games to create a special atmosphere that will keep the fans coming back for more.”

In addition to the PDL program, The NJ Rangers FC has also entered into the top youth league in the country today. The USL Super Y-League is a professionalized system that is the first step for developing elite youth soccer players in North America. The league is designed for talented youth players destined for professional or international careers. The league contains the youth academies of USL First Division, USL Second Division, Premier Development League, W-League, and Major League Soccer clubs, as well as many of the established premier youth clubs. Through Olympic Development Program status events such as the North American Finals and National ODP Camps, the nation’s top players are identified for selection to US National Team Programs. The 2008 campaign features over 800 teams within the U13 – U17 boys and girls age groups competing within 10 geographic divisions of the U.S. and Canada.