TAMPA, Fla. – The PDL announced on Friday that Victoria Highlanders FC would return to the league for the 2016 season after purchasing franchise rights from Puget Sound Gunners FC this offseason.

The 2013 PDL Western Conference Champion, the Highlanders had a strong history in the PDL, and the league is excited for the club’s return to action in the highly competitive Northwest Division.

“We are delighted to welcome the Highlanders back to the PDL,” said PDL Director Todd Eason. “Victoria has proven to have a strong supporter base in the past, and I am sure they will continue to put a strong product on the field as they look to continue the club’s excellent history.”

The Highlanders played in the Pacific Coast Soccer League in 2015, but after conversations this offseason decided returning to the PDL through the purchase of the Gunners’ franchise was the right move for the club.

“Our fans told us they wanted a higher level [of competition],” said Highlanders Head Coach and Co-Owner Dave Dew. “We are pleased a deal could be struck that will provide top-level action for our fans, and offer strong competition for the outstanding young talent we expect to bring to the Highlanders this season.”

The highest level of amateur soccer in North America, the PDL has a history dating back more than two decades that has helped top-level players rise to the professional ranks. Among the PDL’s alumni are players such as U.S. Men’s National Team members Brad Guzan, DeAndre Yedlin, Gyasi Zardes and Geoff Cameron. More than 200 PDL alumni competed in the 2015 Major League Soccer season, with another group of league alumni set to begin their professional paths following the recent 2016 MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore, Md.

The PDL has provided  a major development platform for future professional players, with 12 of the league’s current membership being owned and operated by an MLS or USL club, or holding a partnership with an MLS or USL club. 70 percent of the players selected in the MLS SuperDraft over the past seven years are PDL alumni, while Homegrown Players such as Gyasi Zardes, Harry Shipp, Darwin Jones and Jay Chapman also competed in the league on their path to the professional ranks.

The PDL has received strong support from both Major League Soccer and the USL as it provides a proven pathway to the professional ranks for top college-aged players in North America.