The National Premier Soccer League announced on Thursday that the Philadelphia Union Development Squad has joined the league as an expansion team.

The Wayne, Pa. based club will begin play this year.

“We are excited to welcome the Philadelphia Union Development Squad to the NPSL,” NPSL chairman Kenny Farrell said in a statement. “We truly appreciate and respect the Union’s commitment to player development, and we believe that we are a great fit because our philosophies are so closely aligned. This announcement is evidence of how far the NPSL has come with a club of this level choosing the NPSL as their partner in player development. Interest in the NPSL has grown since we announced our tier one status with USASA, and we expect that interest to continue to grow.”

Home matches will be played at YSC Sports in Wayne.

“The NPSL is thrilled to welcome the Philadelphia Union Development Squad to the NPSL,” NPSL managing director Cindy Spera said in a statement. “It is significant that when expanding into this level of soccer, an organization of this caliber chose the NPSL as their platform for development. The NPSL will provide a high-level competition above the academy level as a development tool for graduated academy players to continue to reach their full potential.”

More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.

“Since announcing our Tier I status with USASA, we have seen an influx of applications to the league and from high quality brands such as the Philadelphia Union,” Spera said. “The NPSL continues to differentiate itself, and we expect to see more marquee teams show interest in becoming part of the NPSL.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.