Voice Your Support of the WPS!

All professional soccer leagues in the United States, including WPS, are subject to sanctioning by U.S. Soccer and an annual review.
The Professional League Standards as set out by U.S. Soccer require all professional leagues, including those at Division 1 - the highest level of soccer sanctioned by U.S. Soccer - to field a minimum of eight teams.  U.S. Soccer granted WPS, the only women’s professional league in this country, a waiver and sanctioned the League as a top tier, Division 1 league with six teams for the 2011 season.
 
WPS has again applied for a waiver from U.S. Soccer of this requirement to retain its status as a Division 1 professional league for 2012 with its current field of five teams (Atlanta, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Western New York).  WPS made this request in its application based on the tremendous interest in women’s soccer, potential for growth in markets across the country, and expressed interest from viable expansion candidates for the 2013 season.
 
While no final decision has been made by U.S. Soccer on the sanctioning of WPS for 2012, U.S. Soccer has given WPS additional time to resolve the issues they identified in the League’s annual report.  WPS is engaged in positive dialogue with U.S. Soccer and will continue ongoing discussions in the coming days to determine what is necessary for the League to retain its Division 1 status. 
 
The Flash remains committed to the WPS, their players, fans and women's soccer and will continue to fight for the league and encourages their fans and players to do the same. Fans, players and supporters can support the league by signing the "Players Petition" on http://www.change.org/petitions/us-soccer-for-womens-professional-soccer-sanction-the-league-to-be-division-one-under-ussf, share the issue with friends and and followers on facebook and twitter, blogs and other news outlets as well as emailing US Soccer What the WPS Means to you at http://www.ussoccer.com/About/Federation-Services/Resource-Center/Contact-Us/Contact-Us.aspx. Let your voice be heard!

To contact the Flash for more information or for an interview, please contact AJ Cecere at AJ@wnyflash.com or call 7816-655-7529.

ABOUT THE WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH
The WNY Flash joined Women’s Professional Soccer as an expansion club in September of 2010, directly following the club’s decisive W-League Championship as the Buffalo Flash in July of 2010. The Flash play all WPS home games at the Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester NY, home to the Rochester Rhinos. The Flash train out of owner Joe Sahlen’s indoor soccer facility, Sahlen Sports Park, in Elma, NY. The Flash colors are Red, Yellow, and Black, to match the Sahlen entities: Sahlen Packing Co., Sahlen Sports Park, and Team Sahlen racing team. The WNY Flash posted a 13-2-3 record (42 points) in their inaugural campaign, taking first place and the Regular season Championship. On August 27, 2011 the Western New York Flash defeated the Philadelphia Independence to capture the WPS Championship title in front of a record crowd of over 10,000 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium. For season tickets or for more information, please call 716-655-7529 or visit our website, www.wnyflash.com.