USL W-LEAGUE
Exceptional competitive women’s soccer lives in the USL W-League, USL’s highest level of women’s soccer in the US and Canada. The 2012 W-League features a 30-team format in three conferences playing 12 regular season matches. The top women’s players throughout the world compete in the USL W-League through the summer months. In addition to the league featuring international and former professional stars, elite collegiate players have the opportunity to also compete in the league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is recognized throughout the world for providing elite competition for women’s players, while providing affordable family entertainment to many fans in each of the team locations.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA MAJESTICS CLUB HISTORY
Established in 1998, the Northern Virginia Majestics have become one of the oldest continuously operating women’s soccer clubs in North America. With the W-League team serving as the top amateur level of a very broad youth structure, the Majestics maintain their focus of providing the highest developmental opportunities for the players graduating from the Super Y-League teams. With the addition of the Majestics Super 20 team, more opportunities are now available for players intent on preparing for future soccer careers.
The Majestics have reached the W-League playoffs four times in the clubs previous thirteen seasons: 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007. The Majestics program has garnered numerous league awards to include several All W-League First and Second Team selections and Players of the Week. The club won both W-League Rookie of the Year (Elizabeth Baidu) and Coach of the Year (Hank Leung) in 2002. Administratively, the Majestics won Executive of the Year honors in 2000. On the youth side, Northern Virginia Majestics and Royals were named the fifth best Super Y-League club program in North America. The Majestics were inducted into the USL Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008 as a 10+ Club, earning recognition for their longevity in North America.
Most recently, Owner/General Manager Tim Schweitzer was inducted into the 2011 USL Soccer Hall of Fame under the Builder category for his contributions to women’s soccer. Schweitzer also was named the 2011 Executive of the Year for serving as GM for both the Majestics and the newly formed D.C. United Women.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS THAT PLAYED IN THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA MAJESTICS PROGRAM
Ali Krieger (US National Team, FFC Frankfurt - Germany)
Mary Casey (WPS LA Sol Draft Selection)
Claire Zimmeck (WPS Washington Freedom)
Amanda Detterline (Fjolner FC - Iceland)
Keri Sarver (WUSA New York Power)
Britain Maas (Carpisa - Italy)
Melissa Cary (CF Bardilino - Italy)
Anabel Jimenez (VFL Wolfsburg - Germany)
Wu Yao (Bejing FC - China)
Wang Fei (Beijing FC - China)
Elizabeth Baidu (Ghana National Team)
Alberta Sackey (Ghana National Team)
Adjoa Bayor (Ghana National Team)
Basilea Amoah-Tetteh (Ghana National Team)
2012 DIVISION ALIGNMENT
The Northern Virginia Majestics will compete in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the W-League in 2012. The Majestics are one of 30 teams that will compete in the W-League across North America. The Mid Atlantic Division consists of these 5 teams:
Northern Virginia Majestics
Dayton Lions
D.C. United Women
Fredericksburg Impact
Hampton Roads Piranhas
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.
Northern Virginia Majestics System: As a part of the Northern Virginia Majestics, the player will be exposed to the complete soccer club from Super Y-Leagues to Super 20 League, through W-League and finally on to future professional/national level careers.
Can College players play in the W-League and retain their college eligibility? Yes! The W-League is an amateur league affiliated with the United States Amateur Soccer Association. College players participating in the league sign amateur registration forms with W-League clubs.
Can College players play alongside professional players in the W-League? Yes! College players can be on a W-League roster with pro players as long as the pro players are not paid (signed to a $0 contract). A team is considered amateur as long as all players are only receiving reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.
Can more than one player from the same institution participate on the same W-League team? Yes! Up to five players from a Division 1 school may play on a W-League team. There are no restrictions on the number of players from Division II and III schools.
