United Premier Soccer League Names Derek Barraza as Executive Director

LOS ANGELES - Aug. 22, 2018 - PRLog -- The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to announce the addition of Derek Barraza as Executive Director.

Barraza arrives with the UPSL having served the last four years as California South Soccer Association (Cal South) President (2014-'18), the last 14 years in service on the Cal South board.

United Premier Soccer League Commissioner Yan Skwara said, "We're excited to welcome Derek Barraza as Executive Director of the UPSL. Derek's proven himself in a leadership position over the years as the former President of Cal South, and we know he'll contribute that tremendous experience, skill and passion to the UPSL in his new role. Derek brings significant experience to the table in many fronts that will contribute to elevating the UPSL as a league nationally. We also look forward to having Derek lead the charge with heading the UPSL Strategic Advisory Board."

Barraza, 56, is a native of Southern California having graduated from Hawthorne High school and studied Information Technology at Torrance (Calif.)'s El Camino College, CS Dominguez Hills and later UC Irvine.

Barraza holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential from the Project Management Institute (PMI), and served as chair of U.S. Youth Soccer's Strategic Advisory Group among his numerous roles with U.S. Soccer, U.S. Youth Soccer Association, and U.S. Adult Soccer Association throughout the years.

United Premier Soccer League Executive Director Derek Barraza said, "I believe in the UPSL's mission, vision and values. Over the years, I have developed very similar ideas and goals for growing the game. Serving our members and creating opportunities for advancement through Promotion/Relegation. UPSL is the fastest-growing league in the country by far. The unprecedented growth is attributed to the UPSL's leadership living the values of their league."

Barraza continues working to expand opportunities in America for players, referees and coaches at all levels.

"We are working on the launch UPSL Youth Academy League. The UPSL Youth Academy League is an exciting player development opportunity for our members. We will create better-defined pathways from first kick to reaching the pinnacle of the game, whether it is playing for the U.S. National team, playing professionally or playing college soccer. We will establish the UPSL Strategic Advisory Board to support the UPSL's long-term goals and tackle the more complex issues facing soccer in the U.S."

Barraza will promote UPSL's Pro Development structure to players and clubs that fit with the league's model, and continue to work on nationwide scouting and structure.

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 200 teams in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 300-plus teams targeted for 2018 Fall Season. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated, and is responsible for maintaining either UPSL Pro Premier Division or Championship Division minimum standards.

UPSL teams are all eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the leagues affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upslsoccer.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 310-415-5691

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
upslcommunications@gmail.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
www.upslsoccer.com
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague