United Soccer League of Pennsylvania

“United Soccer” was organized in the 1950s as a promoter of exhibition or “Goodwill Games” of soccer between international clubs and the predominantly ethnic soccer clubs on the east coast, particularly in Philadelphia. What would emerge was the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. Berlin, a few men from the organization came up with the idea to form a "German League.” In developing the new leagu

e, they would need the established soccer clubs’ support in order to take on the long-standing leagues and soccer associations. Securing the commitment of the prominent clubs, Phoenix SC, German Hungarians, and Vereinigung Erzgebirge was the pledge that the Reading Americans, Schwarzwald Kickers, and Kolping SC needed to commit to founding a new league. By the time of the founding, the idea of a strictly “German League” was dropped (although the founding clubs were all of German background). In 1959, the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania, Inc. (USLPA) was founded with the following men as founders and incorporators:

Frank Follmer (United German Hungarians), John Piatka (United German Hungarians), Carl Schmollinger (Phoenix SC), Werner Kraheck (Reading Americans), John Benkert (Schwarzwald Kickers), John Weber (United German Hungarians), Gustav Ingold (Vereinigung Erzgebirge), Werner Fricker (United German Hungarian), Carl Locher (Phoenix SC), Hans Kompauer (Schwarzwald Kickers), Erwin Green (Kolping SC), Stephen Augenbaugh (Phoenix SC), Alfred Hahn (Vereinigung Erzgebirge), Karl Zaute (Vereinigung Erzgebirge), William Robatzek (Phoenix SC), Herman Trautz (Vereinigung Erzgebirge), George Heinzelmann, Jr. (Vereinigung Erzgebirge)

Due to differences with leaders of the Philadelphia League as well as the East Penn District, the new league was “locked out” from affiliation with the State as well as the Federation. This was not by the founder’s choice. The first USLPA season was played in 1959-60 with 20 teams, 10 in the Major, and 10 in the First Division. The Reading “Amerks” were crowned the first Major Division Champions in 1960. During the initial two “unaffiliated” years, the League developed its own cup competitions in order to supplement the fact that the teams could not enter the US National Cups. Phoenix SC’s Karl Locher sponsored a memorial cup named for his brother Arthur “EDU” Locher, The Ludwig Michel Cup was donated by Willi Hischmann and F.C. Köln Mascot was presented by F.C. Köln, West Germany and now is amongst the cases at the German Hungarians. The League also developed its own referee recruiting, development, and instruction programs. Continuous meetings, with the assistance of then US Soccer President Gene Ringsdorf of Maryland, secured the United Soccer League membership in US Soccer and as a result the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association in 1962. In the years to come, the United League became a powerhouse in amateur soccer in the Northeast Region. The United German Hungarians, by winning 16 Major Division Championships are by far winningest club. The Ukrainian Nationals, playing in the American Soccer League in the 1960s was perhaps one of the best teams in the United States at the time and from the beginning entered their second team in the USLPA. The Ukrainians are still a core team in the league today. United League teams have won the US Amateur Cup on three occasions, the German Hungarians in 1965 and Philadelphia Inter in 1973 and 1974. Teams have consistently participated in all levels of the US National Cups, producing continuous Eastern Pennsylvania Champions. The United League also produced two USASA Open Cup Champions, the United German Hungarians in 1999, and West Chester United in 2015. The USLPA is proud of four U.S. Open Cup Champions, an Over-30 Cup Champion and several other team finalists in both the Men’s and Women’s National Cup Competitions. Of recent Vereinigung Erzgebirge captured a third consecutive East Penn Amateur Cup Championship (2013, 2014, 2015) and West Chester United has claimed a fourth consecutive East Penn Open Cup Championship (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015). Many players from the league have played on numerous Select Teams and All-Star teams, while others have joined the professional ranks both at home and abroad. Over 215 organizations have played in the United League. Many present and former members of the league have been selected to the Southeastern Pennsylvania or the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2015, EPSA celebrated 100 years and began a Hall of Fame. Five of the inaugural inductees were USLPA related. Administrators from the United League have also been very active in the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association, serving as commissioners, and delegates as well as officers. These individuals include John Weber, John Piatka, Werner Fricker, Karl Regul, Helmut Schurer, Rudy Schuster, George Heinzelmann, Jack Keoberlein, Aldo D’Aversa, Werner Fricker Jr., Mark Regul, William Wilkinson Jr., Betty Ann Kempf, Blair Thompson, Werner Fricker III, and Blaise Santangelo. For Philadelphia and its surrounding suburban areas, the United Soccer League has dominated the adult amateur soccer landscape for over 50 years. Success on the field by teams and players has provided the opportunity for players who are committed to strong amateur play beyond their development at the youth and school levels. The League has provided the avenue for the development of top-level referees to perform at a very high standard. As mentioned above the original concept of a “German League” was abandoned early on. The League today still has a very ethnic core. Historic German, Ukrainian or other ethnic clubs, own most teams. The league boasts that of the clubs in the Major Division, six own and operate their own private playing grounds and fields. If you look closer, however the League is truly an American one, with American grown and developed talent and united club culture. PAST PRESIDENTS
Frank Follmer†
Erwin Green†
Werner Fricker†
George Heinzelmann Jr. †
Karl Regul†
Helmut Schurer†
Aldo D’Aversa
Francis Walsch†
Adam Mattes†
Alex Ely†
John Koschewitz
Paul Stilley †
Len Imielinski
Blair Thompson

Photos from United Soccer League of Pennsylvania's post

07/18/2024

There’s a shortage of referees across the country and the amateur game desperately needs talented folks to take on those roles! Whether you are registered now or not our league can help you get registered appropriately! ⏱️

Our league also needs help with important weekly tasks like scheduling, registration, and referee administration! Stipends and internship opportunities are available! 💪💻📝⚽️

Send us an email: [email protected]

07/11/2024

⚽️TEAMS NEEDED!
The United Soccer League is the elite amateur league in Eastern Pennsylvania! We are always looking for great teams to join our ranks. Now accepting applications for all divisions. Visit our website to find out more!

07/11/2024

📝💻💪VOLUNTEERS. NEEDED!
Our league needs help with important weekly tasks like scheduling, registration, and referee administration! Stipends and internship opportunities are available! Contact us today!

07/09/2024

⚽️looking for a team play with? Our league has great clubs and teams always looking for players. Fill out the form on our website to find a team!

07/09/2024

🚨REFEREES NEEDED!
There’s a shortage of referees across the country and the amateur game desperately needs talented folks to take on those roles! Whether you are registered now or not our league can help you get registered appropriately!

07/09/2024

We are happy to announce that Werner J. Fricker III was elected tonight as the 2nd Vice President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association! 🗳️

Congratulations Werner and good luck in your new role!⚽️⚽️⚽️

05/23/2024

After some games you just need to sit back and take in the beauty

05/21/2024

One of our Founders!

Did you know that Werner Fricker, a titan of U.S. soccer, was a proud Philadelphian? Fricker was instrumental in bringing the 1994 World Cup to the United States while serving as President of the United States Soccer Federation. Under his guidance, soccer in America found a new vitality and a stronger foundation. Fricker's legacy as a builder of the game remains a beacon for all soccer enthusiasts in Philly and beyond. 🏆⚽️

Obituary for Hans J. Kloehn, Sr. at Visconto Funeral Home, Inc

04/28/2024

We are saddened to share this news. Hans will be missed by our league, clubs, teams and players. Our condolences to his family and his club Danube Swabian - Philadelphia

Obituary for Hans J. Kloehn, Sr. at Visconto Funeral Home, Inc Kloehn KLHN Hans J., Sr. was born on September 17, 1936 in Muddelmow, Pommern. He traveled to the United States in 1963 with his late wife Mirja Kloehn nee Allikmaa she passed away in 1987 at the age of 45 and his late daughter Tii Kloehn who passed away in

04/27/2024

Another weekend another shortage. Please contact Werner III for 4/28 games. 12 and 230pm.

Any leads let us know!

04/21/2024

Any leads let us know!

04/13/2024

Congratulations on their 5:2 win over West Chester in the state Over 30 Cup Final!!!

03/18/2024

Among the Pines: Hunting Open Cup Magic with PA’s Vereinigung Erzgebirge Correspondent at large David Einhorn sat down for a beer and a chat with historic amateurs Vereinigung Erzgebirge at the club’s spiritual home in the woods of Central PA.

11/23/2023

Have a happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙏⚽️⚽️⚽️

11/17/2023

Photos from United States Adult Soccer Association's post

09/30/2023

09/28/2023

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; Oswald Jethon on CBS Sports Golazo A great video highlights the US Open Cup, and we can see Ozzie Jethon in it as well! Our LHOC Match is Sunday along with the Women in USLPA.

09/28/2023

08/30/2023

https://unitedsoccerleague.us/sch-master

&

🇺🇸⚽️🏆👍

06/13/2023

🏆🏆🏆🏆
The United Soccer League of Pennsylvania is 4️⃣Divisions, that’s 4️⃣Champions from 3️⃣top Amateur Soccer Clubs for the 2022-2023 Season!
⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Major Division - 2022-2023 Champions: WEST CHESTER PREDATORS

Major Division Women - 2022-2023 Champions: HUNTINGDON VALLEY PRIDE

Major Division II - 2022-2023 Champions: WEST CHESTER PREDATORS RESERVES

Over-30 Division - 2022-2023 Champions: VEREINIGUNG ERZGEBIRGE
———————
&

🇺🇸⚽️🏆👍

06/05/2023

West Chester United SC
Proud members of The United Soccer League of PA
CHAMPIONS of the 2023 Hank Steinbrecher Cup!

06/01/2023

🚨🚨🚨
Our own West Chester Predators are in a national Championship this weekend!!!

Semifinal of the Hank Steinbrecher US Soccer National Amateur Championship is Saturday at 2 PM western standard time. The final would be Sunday at 1 pm.

All of the USLPA is proud of West Chester, their professional staff, their players, fans, supporters and Head Coach Blaise. Good luck! Bring a big 🏆 back to Eastern Penn!!

05/21/2023

HELP!! Referees needed TODAY! If you or someone you know is able to referee or assist a referee in Feasterville or Lancaster today at 12 noon. Compensation will be provided at EPSA rate. Current badge / registration with EPSA is a plus but not required.

Please contact our President Werner Fricker III: 215-584-7271.

Thank you!

05/06/2023

Soccer Folks,
It’s a beautiful weekend and we have some great matches on the schedule for tomorrow! The thing is there is an ongoing shortage of registered referee officials for the amateur level.

If any of our fans, members of our clubs, friends or family are referees that are properly registered, i. Good standing in Eastern Pennsylvania and are available to cover Matches tomorrow please let us know!

Please contact Werner Fricker III, President if the USLPA and he will put you in contact with our official referee assignor.

Werner Fricker III
[email protected]
215.584.7271
⚽️⚽️⚽️

03/25/2023

‘Legend’ Blaise Santangelo Fueling Dreams in West Chester | U.S. Soccer Official Website Meet the man who runs a landscaping business by day and has turned West Chester United SC into one of the top amateur outfits in the country by night (and weekends).

03/25/2023

Congratulations VE for winning the EPSA Over 30 State Championship with a 2-1 win over West Chester.

02/25/2023

Congratulations to our own Tom Kehan, Sr. and Rob Oldfield for being inducted in the 2023 EPSA Hall of Fame. These gentlemen embody the best of our program and this honor is so very well deserved.

02/25/2023

Congratulations to our 1st Vice President Rob Oldfield on his induction into the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Hall Of Fame. Well deserved!

02/25/2023

Women Enter EPSA Indoor Invitational on 2/25 This Saturday, February 25th, we will have two women’s teams competing within the competitive division at EPSA’s 4th Annual Indoor Invitational. Last year our women were runners up and are lo…

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Videos (show all)

Mark your calendars for March 23 as West Chester Predators take on Ocean City Nor'easters in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cu...

📢2022-2023 #USLPA Schedules have been released for all divisions! ⚽️⚽️⚽️Checkout the schedules* at our website. #linkinb...

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Website

http://www.unitedsoccerleague.us/

Address

Philadelphia, PA

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