THE WPSL WELCOME HOUSTON-BASED YOUTH POWERHOUSE CLUB AHEAD OF 2022 SEASON

HOUSTON (December 28, 2021) – The Women’s Premier Soccer League announced today, Challenge Soccer Club will join the league for the 2022 season. With the announcement, Challenge joins AHFC Royals and Houston Aces as the league expands its Houston footprint. Challenge’s WPSL team will operate as Challenge Red Devils.

“Joining the WPSL is a unique opportunity for Challenge, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this platform to our alumni and other college players in 2022,” Pat O’Toole, Challenge executive director, said.

Formed in 1987, Challenge Soccer Club is a founding member of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and has been at the forefront for women’s soccer in the United States for over 30 years. The club’s long list of accolades includes 14-Time USYS National Finalist, four-time ECNL National Finalist, 17 USYS Regional Championships, and over 100 USYS National Cup State Championships. Challenge has also served as host for several prestigious events including ECNL’s Texas National Event, the Adidas International Cup, Texas Shootout College Showcase, and three-time Final IV National Showcase and College Cup host.

For nearly four decades, Challenge has sought to focus on the growth and development of its players and teams by providing top-level coaching, mentorship, and opportunity on a national level. With over 1300 Challenge players advancing to the collegiate level, the club sees the WPSL as the platform that will continue its mission of building its player pathway as its ECNL alumnae and other collegiate players’ talent and development are showcased on a national stage.

“Our WPSL team will be a great chance for our Challenge families to watch and be around elite-level women’s soccer with many of the participating players being Challenge alums,” O’Toole said. “This is a great way to showcase a level of play that our youngest players can strive to reach while watching it all in Challenge Red.”

For its inaugural season, the club’s staff will consist of over 50 years of coaching experience with O’Toole serving as head coach and Stuart Self, Chris Maravalli, and Dave Smith joining as assistants. Home venue and ticket information will be announced soon.

More information about Challenge Soccer Club can be found at www.challengesoccer.com or on their social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

For additional information on the WPSL visit wpslsoccer.com.

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About the Women’s Premier Soccer League
 

In its 24th season, the WPSL is the longest active women’s soccer league with more than 140 clubs from coast to coast in 35 states – making it the largest women’s soccer league in the world. WPSL rosters feature elite collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and standout prep student-athletes. Many of the United States’ most accomplished women’s players have played in the WPSL, including household names such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Julie Foudy, and Brandi Chastain.