The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) today proudly unveiled NISA Nation – a full-year league providing amateur independent clubs a groundbreaking path to professional status. NISA Nation bridges success on the amateur affiliate level – such as the Gulf Coast Premier League, the Midwest Premier League and the Eastern Premier Soccer League (and more to come) – to a spot on the NISA PRO level. It is expected to activate in 2021.

“NISA continues to lay the foundation for independent clubs to ensure the stability and sustainability of a truly open system,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “NISA has always been more than just a league, but an association of leagues linked together with a common cause. As the future unfolds, it will become evident that we are building an Association that is here to stay.”

This is a result of numerous conversations with amateur clubs looking to play an extended season at a high level. This will serve as our incubator league for future NISA Pro clubs, a potential home for NISA Pro reserve clubs, as well as a place for NISA Pro clubs to rehab before bouncing back to the pro level. NISA Nation will sit on top of our affiliates and more thoroughly define the path to professional soccer for all of our affiliates.

NISA Nation will have the highest standards of any amateur league, requiring the same level of professionalism within the front office and on the pitch expected of NISA PRO clubs.  Keeping the spirit of independence, particular requirements and competition format will be determined with direct input of the participating clubs. NISA is excited to invite interested clubs to learn more about NISA Nation at NISASoccer.com/NISA-Nation.

As part of the push to further galvanize the association of independent clubs, NISA rebranded its primary communications hub as NISA Network. NISA Network is the future of NISA’s communication strategy as the home for all things NISA, independent clubs and the open system.