METUCHEN, NJ - United Women's Soccer (UWS) is excited to announce the formation of the Southeast Conference, which will commence provisional play this season. Five teams from the state of Florida will join the mix in 2018, playing a series of home and away matches under the supervision of the league office. The provisional teams will be Cosmos FC, North Florida Reign, Orlando FC Royals, Orlando Kicks and Winter Haven United FC. Future expansion into Georgia and the Carolinas is anticipated for 2019.

"UWS is excited to create this model for the region in 2018," said League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. "We will monitor the progress of the teams with the goal that this will serve as a springboard for 2019. There has been significant traction in other areas of the Southeast and I am enthusiastic to see how matters develop."

Cosmos FC is an already established women's team based in North Orlando and will play its matches out of Econ Park. Team owner Efrain Valdez will also serve as head coach. The North Florida Reign was formed by Chad Henry and Robert Miles. Both proprietors bring over 20 years of soccer experience to the region as coaches and administrators. The Gainesville-based team will play its home games at St. Francis High School.

The Orlando FC Royals are owned & operated by Marcus Phil Don, a former Trinidad & Tobago Men's National Team player. The Castleberry-based Royals played exhibitions last year and attracted area college players. The Orlando Kicks - formerly of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and champions of the Sunshine Conference - are owned & operated by Robbie Aristodemo and Naji Khouri. The Kicks will play their games out of Montverde Academy.

Winter Haven United FC will become the top of the pyramid for its "Together We Are 1" development program. The team will be managed by directors Adam Skolnick and Tawanda Kaseke.

The provisional teams will play games beginning on May 19th with the regular season wrapping up July 1st. The regional playoff will take place July 6-8th. More information on the Southeast Conference will be available on uwssoccer.com throughout the season.

About United Women's Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer. 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.