LYNCHBURG, Va. & TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League announced today that a club based in Lynchburg, VA will compete in USL League Two beginning in 2026. 

The club, recently established in 2025 and launching as USL to Lynchburg, aims to start the next chapter in Lynchburg’s growing sports culture. The club’s mission is to invest in a platform for great soccer talent, partner with local businesses, and build a team that belongs to the community. 

The franchise will begin an online voting campaign today, allowing fans to choose between six options for the club’s future name, badge, and colors.

"The opportunity to join USL, which has an incredible history in the sport of soccer in this country, allows us to launch the Lynchburg club in one of the most dynamic and exciting leagues in the game today,” said Anthony Catalano, USL to Lynchburg Co-Founder. “This decision to join USL League Two will provide our players, coaches and supporters with great soccer on the field and meaningful community connection off the field. Our vision is to use a community-first approach to help grow the beautiful game of soccer in my hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia.” 

A Lynchburg native, Catalano is launching USL to Lynchburg after previous experience as the founder of Apotheos FC, who moved into USL League Two in 2025. He was a local soccer standout going from EC Glass High School to professional stints with the Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers, which currently compete in the USL Championship and League One, respectively. 

Alongside Catalano is Michael Hitchcock, a veteran soccer executive who helped launch multiple USL clubs including the Annapolis Blues and McKinney Chupacabras into USL League Two in 2025. He has also worked at DC United, Colorado Rapids, LA Galaxy, and FC Dallas.  

"As we enter the biggest year in the history of US Soccer, we believe Lynchburg has the potential to join the growing list of American soccer clubs getting large passionate crowds, hosting fun soccer events and providing affordable family entertainment in the Hill City, with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop,” said Hitchcock. “And it all starts now with the Brand Voting campaign where the community will name the team and select the badge for their hometown soccer club."

The Lynchburg club will be a member of the Chesapeake Division in USL League Two. 

“We’re thrilled to bring USL League Two to Lynchburg, a city with deep soccer roots and a growing passion for the game,” said Joel Nash, USL SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “The club’s leadership is deeply connected to the community, and we’re excited to see them build something truly local – a club that reflects the identity, pride, and energy of Lynchburg. We look forward to seeing fans rally around this team and help shape a matchday atmosphere that’s as unique and vibrant as the city itself.” 

To learn more about USL to Lynchburg, visit the club’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and X.