SWPL Announces Launch of Women’s Competition

LA MIRADA, CA (May 18, 2022) – The Southwest Premier League (SWPL) is proud to announce the launch of an ambitious Women’s competition with Lauren Leslie as Director.

Leslie, a current member of the USA Women’s Beach Soccer National Team, is reviewing team applications, many affiliated with men’s SWPL teams, and expects as many as 12 clubs for the full inaugural season starting this fall.

“I am really excited to be working as the SWPL Women’s Director. The staff has the same drive and passion as me to grow the sport, which helped solidify joining the league,” Leslie said. “First and foremost, I want to grow the women’s side of the league. There is a need for a unified and set path for women in the country to progress in the game.”

The SWPL Women’s Division builds upon 20 years of women's amateur success within the SoCal Premier League, and its predecessor Coast Soccer League. The SWPL Women's Division is a viable destination for amateur players around the Southwest and well positioned to be a driving force for the women’s game because of the foundation built by the SoCal Premier League's Women's Division.

“We have a special niche to fill, which is high-level amateur soccer played in a local/regional context over a 10-month season. We have had several great teams pass through and great leaders working alongside us in years past. We are confident with the momentum in women’s soccer worldwide and locally that Lauren is the right person to lead the way. In the short time I have had the privilege of working with her it has been a reminder of the passion we need to bring in order to grow and become sustainable,” SWPL President Matt Morse said.

A native of Orange County, CA, Leslie was a competitive youth club player for SC Blues and a four-year varsity player at San Clemente High School before going to play at San Diego State (NCAA Division I) and Point Loma Nazarene University (NCAA Division II) during her collegiate career. She also played professionally for Zaragoza in Spain, and previously for SoCal Blues and Capo FC in the SoCal Premier League Women’s Division. 

The SWPL Women’s Division is slated to begin play in the 2022/23 Season. Clubs from Arizona, Colorado, Southern California and Northern California will be added in the coming months. Contact lauren@socalpremier.org for more information.