In a move that should surprise no one paying attention, four GCPL clubs have decided to join the NPSL. AFC Mobile, Pensacola FC, Port City FC, and Tallahassee FC are joining New Orleans Jesters (who were dormant last season) and Jacksonville Armada FC to create the Gulf Coast Conference. This is par for the course in lower league soccer, but the amount of movement this off-season has been at another level.

According to a GCPL source, all four former clubs have discussed continuing involvement with the league, though no clubs have confirmed this at this time. The league was approached to comment on the clubs’ move to the NPSL but declined to comment.

Where this leaves the GCPL depends on whether the clubs continue to operate in the league and, if they do, at what level will those clubs be able to compete? The NPSL certainly benefits from a developing regional league, by adding four of their sides, and with the departure of so many strong clubs to NISA and USL League 2, this move could have been predicted. It would be fun to editorialize about the ethicality of leagues grabbing clubs from one league or the next, but everyone has dirty hands in this game, so we’ll pass.

The only remaining bit is whether or not league expansion fees were waived for these clubs to enter the NPSL. The league refused to comment when asked about this previously, even refusing to answer who would have the power to waive those fees. For existing members, this question might be of interest, as their own stock could be being diluted in a league move to save face.

If you know something and want to talk ON THE RECORD, we’d love to hear from you. Seems the cat has many tongues at this moment.

- Dan Vaughn

Notice: The NPSL is a media partner with Protagonist Soccer.