March 18, 2019 – Los Angeles – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is excited to announce Arctic Rush as a new league member kicking off with the 2019 Summer Season.

Based in Anchorage (Alaska), Arctic Rush will begin play in the UPSL Pacific Northwest Conference, and is finalizing its home venue in compliance with UPSL Minimum Standards.

United Premier Soccer League National Director Matt Kahla said, "Momentum is truly starting to build in Alaska, and we're pleased to welcome Arctic Rush to the UPSL. Alaska is important to the UPSL, and continuing to add quality clubs like Arctic Rush, which have rock-solid connections in their respective communities, will establish the UPSL in the Great White North for seasons to come. We wish Arctic Rush great success and look forward to seeing their talented players in action this summer."

Arctic Rush marks a partnership between Alaska Rush SC, an Anchorage (Alaska)-based affiliate of the internationally-known youth club, and Arctic North FC, a local men's Pro Development team.

Mike Naylor is owner of Arctic North FC and will serve as General Manager of Arctic Rush. An Anchorage native, Naylor, 26, establish Arctic North FC in 2015, playing in local leagues. A three-year varsity player at South Anchorage High School, Naylor concurrently coaches Alaska Rush SC Boys 2006 and 2008.

Arctic Rush General Manager Mike Naylor said, "I personally think this is the next step for soccer in Alaska. For a long time us soccer players had to choose between soccer and staying home, and more often than not home ends up winning. Whether it's right off the bat and they don't go to college, or they do a year a junior college or at a four-year (university) and are uncomfortable there. You're just so far away from family and there's something about being here, and I know there's a lot of player still here that are just going to school and not playing, and a lot of these guys are sitting around and they still have that bug to play at a competitive level. This will bring those guys back out of the woods, especially now that there's something to play for. We're excited about the possibilities with the UPSL look forward to getting on the field as Arctic Rush."

Brian Lux is Technical Director of Alaska Rush SC and will be Head Coach of Arctic Rush. Lux holds a USSF 'A' Coaching License and previously worked with Colorado Rush SC.

Billy Decker currently serves as Team Manager. A regular with Arctic North FC, Decker is recovering from an ACL injury and intends to try out for Arctic Rush when ready.

Arctic Rush soon will announce tryouts and its upcoming game schedule.

About Arctic Rush

Arctic Rush is an American Soccer club currently based in Anchorage, Alaska, and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. Arctic Rush will play in the UPSL's Pacific Northwest Conference.

Founded in 2019, Arctic Rush can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact:
Mike Naylor
Direct: 907-317-7690
Email: mnaylor-10@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/alaskarushsoccerclub
Instagram: @alaskarush
Twitter: @Alaska_Rush

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 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, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 400-plus teams targeted for 2019 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

2019 Fall I - 10 Cup - SAsoccer.org

2019 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - The Cup.US

2018 UPSL Press Release