The final whistle of the 2025 season marked more than just a championship moment for Spindles United FC; it started the beginning of something much bigger.

Fresh off being crowned champions of the Capital District Soccer League (CDSL), Spindles United wasted no time turning celebration into preparation.

Club founders Jordan Prouty, Jarron Frangie, and Jad Essoulaimani had already begun laying the groundwork for what would become a potential defining shift in the region’s soccer landscape.

From the beginning of the 2025 campaign, Spindles understood it would be our final season competing in the CDSL.

What followed was the development of a bold vision, one that would evolve into the Upstate Premier League (UPL), a competition designed to reshape amateur soccer across Upstate New York.

Building the Foundation

Spindles have dreamt of the UPL since the clubs rebranding in 2023. However, the execution of that idea had to come at the right time.

Following the conclusion of our biggest season yet, the planning for the UPL in 2026 began immediately. Starting with a clear and ambitious mission:

To provide competitive league opportunities for community-based, organized clubs while advancing the overall standard of amateur soccer in Upstate New York.

The goal extended beyond competition. The UPL aims to create a connected community of clubs, one that prioritizes high-level play, entertainment, and long-term growth within a rapidly evolving amateur landscape.

Branding a New Identity

A league with a new vision needed a brand to match. Enter Bear Digital, whose work helped define the UPL’s modern and ambitious identity.

From logo creation to website development and social media strategy, Bear Digital delivered a cohesive and forward-thinking brand.

In a move that reflects the league’s collaborative spirit, the company also extended free branding services to prospective member clubs, lowering barriers and encouraging expansion.

Establishing Credibility

Beyond aesthetics, legitimacy was critical. The UPL secured affiliations with key governing bodies, including the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA), United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and even ties within the global structure of FIFA.

These affiliations provide not only credibility but also structure, governance, and pathways for future growth, placing the UPL alongside recognized leagues across the country.

The Founding Clubs

With the foundation set, attention turned to assembling the league itself. Three clubs formed the initial core:

The league’s target was six teams, small enough for quality control, yet competitive enough to establish a strong identity. They were soon joined by:

Together, these six clubs collaborated on league operations, from rules and scheduling to infrastructure, each contributing to a shared mission of building something sustainable and impactful.

A League Built on Club Empowerment

At its core, the UPL represents a shift in philosophy. Rather than a top-down structure, the league emphasizes club autonomy. Each organization is empowered to shape its own identity, invest in its community, and elevate its standards.

The belief is simple: stronger clubs create a stronger league. That collaborative, community-driven model is what sets the UPL apart, and what could define its long-term success.

From Vision to Reality

What was once just an idea has now become a potential force in Upstate soccer. The Upstate Premier League is no longer a concept; it is a reality, built on ambition, collaboration, and a desire to push boundaries. And with the inaugural season approaching, the wait to see it all unfold won’t be long.

A New Era Begins: The Rise of the Upstate Premier League