Northern Virginia United FC

Last updated
Northern Virginia United FC
Northern Virginia United 2021.jpg
Nickname(s)NVU
FoundedJanuary 3, 2018 (January 3, 2018)
StadiumCropp Metcalfe Park at Evergreen Sportsplex
Capacity1300
Owner Brian Welsh
Head Coach Brian Welsh
League NPSL
Website Club website

Northern Virginia United FC is an American soccer club based in Leesburg, Virginia. They currently have teams in the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League and fifth-tier United Premier Soccer League.

Contents

The club's primary nickname is 'NVU' and the name used across all of their social media platforms is 'NVUFC'. The club play their home matches at Cropp Metcalfe Park at Evergreen Sportsplex. All home games are broadcast live from Evergreen Sportsplex via the club's YouTube channel.

History

Northern Virginia United FC was founded in 2018 by Brian Welsh and Chris Jennings. [1] They joined the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League and playing out of Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg, Virginia. [2] [3] Their original crest reflected the area's aviation history and status as an Internet hub. [4] However, the crest eventually change to include a lion, a homage to Brian Welsh's former club in Scotland, Dundee United. [5] They played their first match on June 1, 2018, defeating FC Frederick by a score of 2–1. [6]

In 2019, the Northern Virginia United Youth Academy was formed. [7] The academy joined the Super Y League in 2021. [8] [9]

In 2020, they added a club in the fifth-tier United Premier Soccer League, while continuing to operate their NPSL side. [10] However, their debut in the UPSL was delayed as they were unable to compete in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [11]

In March 2021, NVUFC announced a partnership with Scottish Premiership club Dundee United F.C. [7] The partnership's formation was due in part due to Brian Welsh, the owner and manager of NVUFC, being a former longtime player for Dundee United. [12] [13] The partnership will allow for the sharing of resources, with players and coaches being able to travel for training experiences between the two clubs. [14] As part of the partnership, NVUFC rebranded their logo to align with the Dundee United crest, adopting the tangerine color and logo brand assets. [15]

Club management

Front Office
PositionStaff
OwnerBrian Welsh
General ManagerChris Welsh
Director of Soccer OperationsChris Jennings
Director of OperationsDaniel Welsh

Last updated: January 11, 2018
Source: Official Website of Northern Virginia United

Coaching staff
PositionStaff
Head Coach Flag of Scotland.svg Brian Welsh
Assistant Coach Flag of the United States.svg Chris Jennings
Assistant Coach Flag of Scotland.svg Daniel Welsh
Assistant Coach Flag of Scotland.svg Michael Welsh
Player Coach Flag of Scotland.svg Chris Welsh

Last updated: January 2018
Source: Official Website of Northern Virginia United

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References

  1. Pazzalia, Casey (July 5, 2018). "Leesburg-based pro soccer team making waves in inaugural season". Loudoun Times-Mirror .
  2. "Northern Virginia United FC Joins the NPSL". National Premier Soccer League . January 2, 2018. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018.
  3. Makuch, Ryan (May 4, 2021). "From NPSL to MLS: Collin Verfurth Looks to make Impact with the New England Revolution". National Premier Soccer League .
  4. Kivlehan, Chris (January 3, 2018). "Welcome to the NPSL: Northern Virginia United". Midfield Press.
  5. Kay, Bryan (February 2, 2019). "Former Tangerine says link-up with his old club perfect place to blood young American talent". The Herald (Glasgow) .
  6. "Northern Virginia United FC Defeats FC Frederick 2-1". National Premier Soccer League . June 4, 2018.
  7. 1 2 "Terrors Partner with Northern Virginia in Exciting United Future". Dundee United F.C. March 23, 2021.
  8. "Northern Virginia United FC signs authentic partnership with Scottish Premiership Club Dundee United". Northern Virginia United FC. March 23, 2021.
  9. "Northern Virginia United FC partners with Scottish pro club Dundee United FC". Soccerwire. March 24, 2021.
  10. "UPSL Announces Mid-Atlantic Expansion with Northern Virginia United". United Premier Soccer League . February 14, 2020.
  11. Roache, Ian (July 20, 2020). "Dundee United cup final hero Brian Welsh lifts lid on how he's bringing working-class values to suburban America". The Courier (Dundee) .
  12. Woodger, Calum (April 28, 2021). "Can Dundee United emulate 'the Man City model' as they explore setting up a feeder network?". The Courier (Dundee) .
  13. Woodger, Calum (April 27, 2021). "Doing things the Dundee United way: Former Tangerines defender and Northern Virginia chief Brian Welsh has high hopes for his kids in America". The Courier (Dundee) .
  14. "Dundee United's State Side Partner, Northern Virginia United – Chris Jennings Interview". NE98. April 12, 2021.
  15. Vaughn, Dan (March 23, 2021). "NVUFC and Dundee United Ink Partnership". Protagonist Soccer.