July 20, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to announce FC Berlin as its newest Division I member.

Based in Buffalo, NY, FC Berlin will begin UPSL play in the 2021 Spring Season as part of the Northeast Conference. The club will host its UPSL home games at Sahlen's Sports Park (7070 Seneca St., Elma, NY 14059) in compliance with UPSL National Division I standards.

UPSL Western N.Y. Division Manager Nick Mojsovski said, "We're excited to welcome FC Berlin to the UPSL. The Berlin Football Academy has grown in popularity in Ontario and we think that the team's Western New York expansion will be a valuable asset to the league. Owner Santiago Almada is very passionate about the game and he brings an international approach to an already diverse league. We look forward to seeing FC Berlin on the pitch very soon."

Santiago Almada is Owner and President of FC Berlin.  Almada scored 15 goals in a four-year collegiate playing career at Cleary University (NAIA). He launched Berlin Football Academy in Kitchener, ON, in 2017 and recently re-branded into Berlin Sports Group, adding FC Berlin in Buffalo, NY.

"We've built a brand based on exposure, opportunity and culture, and it only makes sense for us to offer a Pro Development pathway by investing our sports club in the UPSL. At FC Berlin, we want to be known as America's Canadian Team. We are looking to bridge the gap between the countries, joining together the Canadian and American soccer cultures together to support high quality soccer on the border," Almada said.

Gabriel Almada is General Manager and Head Coach of FC Berlin. Jamie Ward and Ryan Neceski have agreed to serve as Assistant Coaches.

"This year has been challenging for many so if we are able to find ways to keep moving forward and offering opportunities then we can make a big impact on people's lives. We are super proud to start this journey with the UPSL and we are looking forward to the Fall Season," Almada said.

Juan Almada is Media Director and Samuel Menendez is Creative Director for the club.

About FC Berlin

FC Berlin is an American Soccer club currently based in Buffalo, NY, and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. FC Berlin will play in the UPSL's Northeast Conference.

FC Berlin can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact
Email: Santiago@berlinfa.com
Instagram: @fcberlin.ny
Twitter: @berlinfa

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated.

UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league's 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.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 888-405-UPSL (8775) and 714-379-4440

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
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www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague