Brandon Area Youth Soccer Merges Into Larger League

There's a new league in town, comprised of both the West Florida Premier Soccer Club and the Brandon Area Youth Soccer League.

With today's announced merger, the two clubs — WFPSC and BAYSL — will operate as the VSI West Florida Flames. Serving nearly 5,000 youth, adult and special needs players, the new group has become "one of the largest soccer clubs in the southeastern United Sates," according to a league report.

"Combining our resources will allow us to deliver increased opportunities to the entire region," said Randy V. Belli, Brandon's girls director of coaching, in a prepared release. 'This is truly a win-win, not only for players, but all fans of the beautiful game."

The two organizations, now as one, reportedly will hold tryouts in May for the 2012 seasonal year.

The VSI West Florida Flames will serve the Greater Tampa Bay area with a "vertically integrated pyramid for player development" through a partnership with the VisionPro Sports Institute (VSI).

"This merger, enhanced by the VSI relationship, establishes a seamless transition from youth to adult play," said Diego Viera, of the WFPSC. "The union creates a number of new opportunities not previously available as separate organizations."

Through its partnership, VSI will operate teams in the PDL, W-League, men's and women's Super 20 leagues this year and, in 2013, operate a USL Pro Franchise in Tampa.

VSI West Florida Flames will continue to offer programs at all existing locations. The organization also will combine resources for elite national competition.

The group reportedly will represent about 90 youth, competitive teams comprised of multiple teams and skill levels in every age group supporting the development of more than 1,200 players.

Noted as well is that the VSI West Florida Flames will continue to support three location-based recreational programs with more than 3,200 players. In addition, the group will operate an adult league supporting more than 400 players and a TopSoccer program, serving 150 players with special needs.