PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers today announced a formal partnership with the Oregon Premier League (OPL), a state-wide soccer association providing a top-tier development environment for Oregon’s youth soccer players. As part of the partnership, the Timbers also become the presenting partner of the annual OPL State Cup.
“The Timbers and OPL share a common vision in playing a key role in the development of Oregon’s youth soccer players and soccer community,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. “Our youth programs, the Timbers Academy and OPL all share a similar philosophy in player development, and we look forward to working with them.”
Founded in 2008, the OPL features more than 45 member clubs across Oregon and offers competitive youth soccer leagues and tournaments for boys and girls at the U-11 to U-18 age levels. Each of the three adidas Timbers Alliance clubs – Eastside Timbers, Vancouver United Timbers and Westside Timbers – are members of the OPL.
“We are delighted to formalize our relationship with the Timbers,” said Oregon Premier Council President John Bain. “Our goal as a league is to provide high-level development and competitive opportunities for our players, teams and clubs, and by aligning with the Timbers, there is no better partner to help us continue that mission."
The Portland Timbers OPL State Cup is an annual club tournament competition, featuring group play and knockout rounds to determine state champions for both boys and girls at various age levels. The tournament concludes Saturday with a series of finals at Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex in Beaverton, Ore. OPL State Cup winners from the U-13 to U-17 age groups have the opportunity to advance to the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup this summer.
Member clubs of the OPL share the common goal of shaping Oregon youth soccer at the highest levels. The OPL was designed to provide a positive, value-based environment for the participants within its programs, while offering high-level development and competitive opportunities for its players, teams and clubs. For more on the OPL, visit www.oregonpremierleague.com.
Also included in the partnership, the Timbers will be the presenting partner of the OPL’s Premier Divisions starting this fall. The Premier Divisions are affiliated with U.S. Club Soccer’s National Premier League.
