USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE (PDL)
The top U23 men’s amateur league in North America lives in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the development ground for elite players. The 2009 campaign features a 68-team format within eight divisions that comprise four conferences. The regular season will consist of 16 regular season matches, 8 home and 8 away. The schedule is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and various exhibitions. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA ROYALS CLUB HISTORY
Established in 1998, the Northern Virginia Royals began professional club play in what is now called the USL Second Division. The Royals remained exclusively a professional team until 2005 when the team joined the larger PDL. With the PDL team serving as the top amateur level of a very broad youth structure, the Royals renewed their focus of providing the highest developmental opportunities for the players graduating from the Super Y-League teams. With the addition of the Royals Super 20 team, more opportunities are now available for players intent on preparing for professional soccer careers.
The Northern Virginia Royals were inducted into the USL Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.
From the inaugural season to 2007, the Royals had been led by Head Coach Silvino Gonzalo. Joining the Royals as the new Head Coach in 2007, John Pascarella again assumes the lead role again in 2009. Pascarella was the Royals goalkeeper under Gonzalo in 1998. Working closely with MLS club DC United over the years, the Royals have rostered some historic MLS stars and provided an ideal platform for the launch of some talented careers. With the focus securely on development, the Royals still promise to provide Northern Virginia the best in minor league soccer action.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS THAT PLAYED IN THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA ROYALS PROGRAM
Bryan Namoff (DC United)
Troy Perkins (DC United)
Curt Onalfo (Head Coach of Kansas City Wizards, US National Olympic Team, DC United, San Jose Clash, LA Galaxy)
Tom Presthus (DC United)
AJ Wood (DC United)
Santino Quaranta (DC United, LA Galaxy)
Judah Cooks (DC United)
Mark Simpson (Assistant Coach of DC United, DC United)
2009 DIVISION ALIGNMENT
The Northern Virginia Royals will compete in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the Premier Development League (PDL) in 2009. The Royals are one of over 60 teams that will compete in the PDL across the nation. The Mid-Atlantic Division consists of these 8 teams:
Northern Virginia Royals
Carolina Dynamo
Cary Clarets
Fredericksburg Gunners
Hampton Roads Piranhas
Reading Rage
Virginia Legacy
West Virginia Chaos
FAQs
College Preparation: This high level of competitive play week in and week out in the summer months (May through last week in July) will give the player invaluable preparation for the college season.
Possible Pro Career: PDL is a direct feeder system to MLS and the USL First and Second Divisions. This is where the pro coaches look first. In the 2007 MLS Super and Supplemental Drafts, 66 former PDL participants were drafted.
Northern Virginia Royals System: As a part of the Northern Virginia Royals, the player will be exposed to the complete soccer club from Super Y-Leagues to Super 20 League, through PDL and finally on to future professional careers.
Can College players play in the PDL and retain their college eligibility? Yes! The PDL is an amateur league affiliated with the United States Amateur Soccer Association. College players participating in the league sign amateur registration forms with PDL clubs.
