TAMPA, Fla. – Adding to the Premier Development League’s growing New England footprint, Black Rock FC is set to become the latest new member club ahead of the upcoming 2018 season. The Massachusetts-based team will compete in the Northeast Division alongside 2017 division winners and Eastern Conference semifinalists Seacoast United Phantoms.

“We’re proud to add an established developmental home like Black Rock FC to the PDL’s Northeast Division,” said PDL Co-Director Chris Madden. “After the PDL’s recent success in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft with a record 66 selections, we believe that Black Rock FC can only add to our reputation as the top pre-professional league in North America by contributing even more to the development of future professional talent. We look forward to seeing what the club can accomplish in their inaugural PDL campaign.”

RELATED: 20 PDL Teams Set to Compete in 2018 U.S. Open Cup

“We are excited about joining the PDL for our inaugural season in the summer of 2018,” said Jon Moodey, Black Rock FC Founder and CEO. “This is has been a long term goal for our organization and it will be the premier offering for our club domestically. Our goal is to provide our alumni the opportunity to return home to reconnect with each other, continue to develop and showcase their talents for professional scouts and agents. At the same time it provides them an opportunity to mentor our younger players and give back to our club in meaningful ways. We’ve always set a high bar when it comes to the standards and expectations of our players and the PDL team will be no exception. We have great respect for the league and the teams in the Northeast Division and the goals for our program are lofty. Long term, we expect to be competitive with the very best teams in the league with the goal of making a run at the national title.”

Since 2013, Black Rock FC has established itself as a preeminent club in America, having produced many top college players and young professionals. To date the club has placed over 80 players into college programs equating to over $10 million in academic and athletic scholarship combined. The club has gained national acclaim for its exciting brand of attacking football and its focus on player development both on and off the field.

"We are extremely excited to be joining the PDL,” said Robin McGraw, Senior Advisor to Black Rock FC. “Our club has developed many excellent players over the years and I am pleased we can provide this new challenge for the very best of our young alumni. Aside from being exceptionally talented footballers, these boys demonstrate strong character, citizenship and leadership. These characteristics are central to our mission as a club and I think it will come through in how we carry ourselves both on and off the field. I can't wait to get the season off the ground and test ourselves at the next level."

Among notable alumni of Black Rock FC are No. 1 overall 2016 SuperDraft selection and former New York City FC star Jack Harrison, who now competes in the English Football League Championship with Middlesbrough on loan from the Premier League’s Manchester City.

“Behind the scenes, Black Rock FC been developing some of the elite players that are playing both in professional soccer and at top collegiate institutions,” said Joel Nash, the USL’s Director of Business Development. “They have built a tremendous pathway and program to develop not just elite players, but true professionals who will exceed expectations at the highest levels. The PDL is delighted to bring another unique group who will help change the game of soccer in North America.”

Black Rock FC becomes the 11th expansion club announced for the 2018 season, joining the Birmingham Hammers, the AHFC Royals, Lansing United, Corpus Christi FC, Lionsbridge FC, Ogden City SC,  SF Glens SC, Kaw Valley FC, the Colorado Pride Switchbacks U23 and Santa Cruz Breakers FC as previously announced new member clubs.

To stay up-to-date with Black Rock FC, follow the club on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit www.blackrockfc.org.

A part of the United Soccer Leagues, which also operates the Division II USL, the newly-announced USL Division III and Super Y League, the PDL has served as the proven stepping-stone for aspiring professionals.

More than 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections since 2010 have PDL experience, including a total of 66 alums chosen in 2018. Among the many players to have played in the PDL before making their professional debuts include Newcastle United FC defender DeAndre Yedlin, 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melia, 2017 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara and U.S. Men’s National Team members such as Darlington Nagbe, Brad Guzan, Geoff Cameron and Tim Ream.