“On behalf of the Carpathia FC organization, I am very happy to have been given the opportunity for our team to be part of the Premier League of America,” said Carpathia Kickers General Manager Keith McVettie. “We are excited to take our long history of successful men’s soccer to the PLA.

“Moving our top men’s program to this league will give our players and organization the opportunity to play against the top soccer programs in the Midwest and beyond” stated Bruce Wilden, Head Coach of Carpathia FC.

The PLA, which grew out of the former Great Lakes Premier League, fielded five teams during the 2015 season. The addition of Carpathia FC will bring the league count to eight teams in 2016, with additional expansion teams planned to be announced soon. The current eight league teams are located across the Midwest, with teams in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.

“Our goal in 2016 is to continue to provide highly competitive soccer matches in a fan-friendly environment,” said PLA acting President Peter Schinkai. “Carpathia FC has a rich history of providing top-level soccer and will be a powerful team to compete against in our league for many years.”

Carpathia FC will play its home games at Carpathia Club in Sterling Heights and at a local Macomb County stadium to be announced at a later date. The Carpathia Kickers Soccer Club was founded in 1952 and today is comprised of over 40 teams. The Carpathia FC Men’s Team has competed at the highest levels of US Amateur Soccer for many years. It has had numerous appearances in the US Amateur Cup finals and has won many leagues, league cups, State Cups and regional Tournaments.