EPLWA Gears Up for 2025 Season with New Website, Fresh Competition, and a Bright Future

Written by Merrick Parnell

The Evergreen Premier League of Washington (EPLWA) is set to kick off its 11th season in

2025, and with it comes a wave of new energy, fresh competition, and the promise of continued

growth. The league, recognized as a Premier Adult Men’s League by the United States Adult

Soccer Association (USASA), is continuing its mission to serve as the top amateur league in

Washington, positioned just below the USL League Two level.

“We are a growing league with a bright future, and this year we will field 13 mens teams—eight

in the Premier Division and five in the Championship Division,” said EPLWA Commissioner Tim

Busch. “In 2026, we will introduce our first-ever women’s division to complement our men’s play

and further expand our reach. To better communicate our mission to the vibrant soccer

community in the Evergreen State, we recently launched a new website.”

That website, now live, is a significant step forward for the league in terms of engagement and

accessibility. John Crouch, EPLWA’s vice president of competition and media, explained that

the updated platform will offer scoring, stats tracking for the Premier Division, and easier access

to stories and results. “We’re excited to highlight the top players in the league, just like we’ve

done with the Western Indoor Soccer League,” said Crouch.

The 2025 season will feature eight Premier Division teams, including reigning champions

Yakima United FC. While Oly-Pen FC and Spokane Shadow are taking the season off, the

league is already looking ahead, with new clubs like Quincy United committed for 2026.

“We’re looking forward to eight very organized, competitive, and committed Premier clubs that

will produce some exciting matches this year,” said Teresa Vega, EPLWA treasurer and board

member. Vega also serves as the general manager of Yakima United FC. “YUFC is coming off

a tremendous season that concluded with a championship win. Our roster is shaping up to be

quite strong with a mix of returning players and new recruits.”

Bellingham United is also aiming for a comeback season. General Manager Marc Ronney said

the team expects to make the playoffs and hopefully host the championship match. The club

has added James Salisbury as an assistant coach and head coach of their second team,

Bellingham United 2.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a new generation of Bellingham United players step into the

spotlight,” said head coach Rich Henderson. “That core group who helped establish our identity

is starting to transition out, and now we’re blending in younger, exciting players. There’s a

hunger in the group, and I’m excited to see how far that can take us.”

Another team setting its sights high is FC Olympia. Head coach Trevor Fetbrandt said his squad

is aiming to win the league, with a step-by-step approach built on a committed and driven group.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring together players from around the lower Puget Sound and

highlight the quality in our area,” said Fetbrandt.

Newcomers Bellevue Athletic Football Club’s second-division team, “B2,” will also make their

debut this season. The team, composed primarily of collegiate and high school players, is

looking forward to the challenge. “Competing in the EPLWA will be a huge boost to their

development,” said Anastacio Rivera, Bellevue AFC’s sporting director. “Our aim is to make the

playoffs, but we’d be content with a mid-table finish as long as our players grow by competing

against seasoned athletes.”

Referees are also a key part of the leagues developmental mission. Kelsey Harms, who

oversees officials for the EPLWA, emphasized the league’s importance in training future

professionals.

“This league is unique from an officiating standpoint because many referees are experiencing

semi-pro soccer for the first time,” Harms said. “EPLWA was pivotal in my own referee

development. The tackles are harder, the play is quicker, and the banter is more sophisticated.

You learn a lot.”

According to Harms, 13 of Washington’s 18 national officials work EPLWA matches, alongside

many of the state’s 44 regional referees. Around 175 advanced officials serve as assistant

referees, with a few taking center roles. Officials range in age from 18 to 66, with most between

25 and 32. Fourteen women are currently certified referees in the state, five of whom are

assigned to EPLWA matches. To qualify, referees must pass a yearly fitness test, maintain

good standing, and have experience in high-level youth or adult matches—or be recommended

by trusted mentors.

As the 2025 season draws near, the energy across the league—from front office staff to

coaches, players, and referees—signals that the EPLWA is not only growing but thriving.