A new United Premier Soccer League team based in Lewiston-Auburn, Upper Royalty CF, will begin play in the spring of 2024.
“Our vision goes beyond just forming a team; it’s about creating a diverse, dynamic squad that represents different backgrounds and regions of Maine,” Abdiweli Abdow, the creator of Upper Royalty CF, said. “We believe this mix of talent will not only make for a formidable team on the field but also reflect the rich tapestry of our city’s soccer community.”
Upper Royalty will begin in Division One of the UPSL. Abdow said that the team’s goal is to progress to the Premier division, which includes Lewiston-based Wahda United FC, which played its inaugural season in the spring.
Upper Royalty CF will take a major step in the preparation for its inaugural season Sunday when it holds tryouts at Lewiston High School’s Don Roux Field.
The tryouts run from 3 to 7 p.m. Abdow said the tryouts will include drills, scrimmages and tactical sessions.
“The selection process will be intense, but for those who make the cut, a potentially life-changing journey awaits,” Abdow said. “Our ultimate goal is to see Maine represented at the highest levels of professional soccer.”
As of Friday, 68 athletes had registered for the tryouts. The registration form can be found on Upper Royalty CF’s Instagram account @Officialurfc. Players can register until Sunday, and they also can show up the day of tryouts.
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