NEW SOCCER TEAM STARTING IN WATERLOO REGION

K-W United FC will kick off PDL and W-League campaigns in May 2013

K-W United FC News Release www.kwunitedfc.com

Wednesday,February 6, 2013

Waterloo,ON -- K-W United FC was formally presented to the public Wednesday afternoon as the newest PDL/W-League franchise to commence play for the 2013 season.  The announcement was made at a press conference held at Core Lifestyle and Recreation Complex in Kitchener.  K-W United FC is the new moniker of the former Hamilton FC Rage, which has been participating in the PDL and W-League since 2010.

"We are thrilled to bring a PDL and W-League franchise to the Waterloo Region," said Barry MacLean, President of K-W United FC. "The sport has grown dramatically in this area and we expect these teams to be a springboard for our best local talent."

An integral part of the clubs move to the K-W area was the enthusiastic support from the community.

An official partnership was announced with Kitchener Soccer Club to coincide with the inaugural season of K-W United FC.   "The Kitchener Soccer Club is very proud and excited to have formed an alliance with the K-W United FC," said Frank Hivert, President of Kitchener Soccer Club.  It aligns very well with our strategic vision and it will be key in our goal to provide better development programs for our soccer players and coaches for both our house league and competitive teams."

Wilfrid Laurier University will host training and game day operations out of University Stadiumin Waterloo as well as provide administrative and marketing assistance.  "Laurier is proud to be the home of K-W United FC," stated Director Athletics and Recreation Peter Baxter.   "Our partnership marks University Stadium as the destination for high performance soccer; in the Summer with K-W United FC and in the Fall with the Laurier Golden Hawks."

In extending a warm welcome to the K-W United FC, Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr  noted: "This news speaks directly to the strength of community support for this sport, the forward-thinking vision of the Kitchener Soccer Club and the tireless work the club does in this region.  This alliance will offer exciting opportunities for the many talented and budding soccer players in our community."

The mens PDL team will include a 14 game regular season schedule and take part in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.  They kick off their season with a three game road trip commencing in Louisville, KY against River City May 23.  K-W United FC Director of Football Brett Mosen will continue as Head Coach of the PDL side.  "I'm looking forward to building a team that this community will be proud of."

The women's W-League team is scheduled to participate in a 12 game schedule out of the 6-team Central Conference.  They begin their season at home against local rivals London Gryphons on May 22.  The formal appointment of a Head Coach will be announced next week.

Tim Holt, President of United Soccer Leagues: "The launch of K-W United further strengthens what is already an exceptional representation of PDL and W-League teams within Ontario that features both our reigning PDL (FC London) and W-League (Ottawa Fury) Champions.  Under the leadership of Barry MacLean and Brett Mosen, the club will immediately provide opportunities for elite, aspiring professional players in Kitchener and Waterloo to develop and perform on a North American stage.  Not only will K-W United and its players entertain local soccer fans on the field throughout the summer, but through their involvement in the soccer community year-round this club will serve to elevate the sport in the area by establishing a clear pathway for the area's top players."

Premier Development League

The top developmental mens league in North America, the PDL features 65 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada.  The PDL season consists of 14 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility.  The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world, including six players taken in the top 10 of the 2013 MLS Superdraft and 27 players overall.

W-league

The first and longest-standing women's league in North America, the W-League represents the highest level of women's soccer in Canada.  The league features 25 teams in four regional conferences playing 10 to 12 regular season matches.  Elite amateur players have the opportunity to compete in the W-League while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.  The league is recognized throughout the world for providing superior competition for female players, while offering affordable family entertainment for fans across North America.

United Soccer Leagues

USL has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors.  Now in its third decadeof operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean.  USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (Super Y-League/Super-20 League), continuing through the amateur level (PDL/W-League) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USLPRO/MISL).  A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.