Charles Town, WV (April 16th, 2025) – In a move aimed at elevating youth player development in the Mid-Atlantic, West Virginia Soccer has officially announced Sterling Soccer, a Loudoun County, VA based club, as its newest Club Affiliate. This strategic partnership will provide Sterling Soccer athletes and coaches with enhanced access to West Virginia Soccer’s elite player development and identification platform, further strengthening the club’s reach into Virginia. The clubs are just 30 miles from each other, making this partnership both convenient and impactful for collaborative training and talent identification.
As part of the West Virginia Soccer Affiliate Program, selected players from Sterling Soccer will receive priority consideration for West Virginia Soccer development and ID events. In addition, selected Sterling players will be invited to train with Tier 1 West Virginia Soccer teams, opening the door to increased exposure and access to pre-professional and college development program opportunities.
“This partnership is about creating clear and consistent pathways for talented players in our region,” said Brett Teach, West Virginia Soccer, MLS NEXT Director. “Sterling Soccer has demonstrated a commitment to developing players the right way, and we’re excited to support their mission.”
Players selected to join a West Virginia Soccer Tier 1 roster must commit to the program full-time and follow all league rules and regulations, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and development.
The affiliation also supports coaching growth. Sterling Soccer coaches across all ages and skill levels will gain access to West Virginia Soccer’s coaching education clinics, workshops, and mentorship programs, along with ongoing support around training methodology and curriculum development.
From a branding perspective, Sterling Soccer will be officially recognized as a West Virginia Soccer Affiliate in Virginia, cementing the relationship between the two clubs.
“This partnership is a game-changer for our community,” said Leonard Cheiaua, President of Sterling Soccer Club. “By aligning with West Virginia Soccer, we’re opening doors for our players to reach the next level, whether that’s collegiate, professional, or simply the highest version of themselves as athletes. It reflects our ongoing investment in both excellence and access.”
On the college recruiting front, the partnership provides Sterling players with direct access to West Virginia Soccer showcases and national college recruiting platforms, helping them successfully navigate the complex college recruitment landscape. West Virginia Soccer will also offer enhanced support through college seminars, mentorship, and additional resources designed to guide players through every step of the process. Notably, WV Soccer’s MLS Director, Brett Teach, also serves as the Head Coach of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer program at Mount St. Mary’s, creating a natural bridge to the collegiate game.
With the addition of Sterling Soccer, West Virginia Soccer continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its commitment to building the next generation of soccer talent in the region.
About West Virginia Soccer:
Based in the Eastern Panhandle, West Virginia Soccer is the state’s premier pre-professional and college development soccer club for both boys and girls. The club offers a comprehensive player pathway from recreational to elite levels, competing in top pre-professional platforms such as MLS NEXT (Tier 1 and Tier 2) and the USL Academy, as well as the USYS National League, a leading national youth platform.
About Sterling Soccer
Sterling Soccer has long been recognized as a leader in youth soccer development in Loudoun County, Virginia, serving over 1,500 players. The club prides itself on delivering high level training and competitive opportunities while fostering an inclusive environment that provides access to players from all demographic backgrounds. With a strong commitment to technical development, character building, and community engagement, Sterling Soccer continues to raise the standard for youth soccer in the region.
