October 15, 2019 – Los Angeles – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to announce the addition of Barrett "Brett" Banks as Alaska Last Frontier Division Manager.

Banks joins the UPSL while in his concurrent role as General Manager for Alaska City FC, a soccer club based in Anchorage (Alaska)'s Matanuska Valley. Alaska City FC is a two-time participant in the Alaska Adult State Cup and a founding member of the UPSL Alaska Last Frontier Division, this first USASA sanctioned National League structure in the state's history.

United Premier Soccer League Commissioner Yan Skwara said, "We are excited to work with Brett as his deep knowledge of the Alaska soccer scene is unparalleled. Brett's experience with Alaska City Soccer Club has given him a vision for how to grow soccer in the Last Frontier Division, and he's seen the league first-hand as a GM, and will give the league the professionalism and leadership it needs in the region."

Banks, 47, will focus on developing UPSL's tier structure in Alaska, leading the way for further league expansion to the UPSL's Women's Division, Masters Division and Youth Academy.

UPSL Alaska Last Frontier Division Manager Brett Banks said, "I'm really excited to build upon the inaugural, albeit abbreviated, season of the UPSL here in Alaska. It's a big challenge, but one that I know will be extremely rewarding. This year, we are looking to take things to the next level – in professionalism, the way the league is administered here in Alaska, fan experience, and the overall development of our players."

Banks holds an MBA from St. Louis (Mo.)'s Webster University, and was an Associate Head Coach for U.S. Soccer and Goalkeeping Coach for the U.S. Olympic Development Program in Germany in 2010-'11.

Banks currently is responsible for working the Alaska City FC board of directors to establish both short-term and long-term team development and financial goals.

"Folks in the 'Lower 48' can count on seeing more from The Last Frontier Division. We'll be marketing our games and teams pretty heavily this year, and you can expect to see more Alaskan players featured in weekly and end-of-the-season awards and recognition."

Banks has been coaching in Alaska since 2011, where he retired from the U.S. Army in 2017.

"There is a ton of talent here in Alaska, but we have not historically done a great job of displaying our players on a broader stage. That all changes this year," Banks said.

Banks also currently serves as Vice President of United Way of Anchorage.

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. UPSL is the fastest growing Pro Development League in the USA, with 500-plus teams targeted for 2020 Spring Season. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated, and is responsible for maintaining UPSL national minimum standards.

UPSL teams are all eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the leagues affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upslsoccer.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 714-379-4440

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
upslcommunications@gmail.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
www.upslsoccer.com
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