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Expansion Comes To The UWS East

01/18/2018, 4:30pm EST
By Admin

Worcester Smiles tip their cap to local legend Harvey Ball

METUCHEN, NJ - United Women's Soccer (UWS) is pleased to announce the addition of the Worcester Smiles to the East Conference. The mission of the club is to provide quality affordable family entertainment and positive female role models along with highly competitive women's soccer. Worcester joins Lansing United (Midwest), LA Galaxy OC (West) and Genesee F.C. (Midwest) as expansion teams for the 2018 season.

Using the Smiles name will generate a sense of pride for the city residents while connecting children and adults. Worcester-native Harvey Ball created the smiley face, which has become an international icon since 1963. Long-time Worcester resident and businessman Raymund Lopolito will operate the team.

"Being born and raised in western Massachusetts, I am fully aware of the passion that central Massachusetts and in particular Worcester has for soccer," said UWS Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. "Mr. Lopolito understands that UWS is committed to quality standards on the field, but also connecting the team to the community."

"As this is an exciting time for Worcester County, I invite everyone to come out and support their local women's team," said Lopolito.

"The concept of a women's team providing entertainment for anyone that lives here and having a tie to the history of Worcester is good for the city," said City Councilor George Russell.

The Smiles have hired Anthony Cosky as its first head coach. Cosky is currently the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Becker College. Cosky was formerly an assistant at Assumption College and WPI. The team will play its home games at historic Foley Stadium. The team will hold tryouts on February 18th at the Bancroft School in Worcester, MA. For more information, you can email the team at ray@lopolito.net.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.

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