TINTON FALLS, NJ - Sky Blue F.C. of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced that the New York Surf Soccer Club - a new side in the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) East Conference - will serve as the official amateur reserve team for the club. The NY Surf will take the pitch in its inaugural UWS match on Sunday, May 14th (2:00 p.m.) as they host the Western New York Flash at Reinhart Field on the campus of SUNY Maritime in the Bronx.

“We are honored that Sky Blue F.C. has selected the NY Surf UWS program as one of its amateur reserve teams,” said NY Surf Founder and President Matt Popoli. “In order to ensure that our UWS team trains and plays at the highest level, we have assembled one of the finest coaching staffs in United Women’s Soccer.”

The NY Surf UWS program will be led by Head Coach Michele Canning, who will be joined by assistant coaches Selma Tarik, Jen Leaverton, Scott Waddell and goalkeeper coach Emily Morphitis. Canning is the Head Coach of the New York University (NYU) women’s soccer team, where she led the Violets to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2015. Before arriving at NYU, she spent six years as an assistant coach at St. John’s University and enjoyed a successful playing career at Seton Hall University.

“We are very excited to add this level to the developmental pyramid of our club,” said Sky Blue F.C. Head Coach Christy Holly. “The addition of an amateur reserve team presents an incredible opportunity for players who aspire to compete at the professional level. The alignment and shared philosophy between Sky Blue F.C. and NY Surf also allows a consistent learning curriculum for all of the players who are developed within this system.”

Sky Blue F.C. kicks off their 2017 home slate this Sunday, April 30th (6:00 p.m.) at Yurcak Field when it hosts FC Kansas City in Piscataway, N.J. Tickets are available online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849). For all of the latest news on Sky Blue FC, follow them on social media: @SkyBlueFC.

To find out more information about the New York Surf Soccer Club, make sure to check them out online and follow on social media: @NYSurfSoccer.

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 Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Director Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.