MADISON, NJ - The United Soccer League (USL) today announced Morris Elite SC as the latest club to join the USL W League. Morris Elite is the first club to join the W League out of New Jersey and will compete in the W League’s inaugural season in 2022.

"Morris Elite was created to give players the absolute best platform to develop and grow love for the beautiful game,” said Morris Elite SC President Vincenzo Bernardo. “Our goal is to impact the local communities in many ways on and off the field. The addition of a W League team is another great step forward for our club but more specifically for our women's program. We are proud to provide playing opportunities for top women's college and high school players in our professional environment. This is a historic day for our club and we thank all our families for their constant support."

Bernardo, himself a former professional soccer player, founded Morris Elite SC in 2016. The club started with five teams in its inaugural year and has since grown to 42 youth teams, all feeding up to a pre-professional men's team that competes in the Metropolitan Division of USL League Two and now a women's team that will compete in the USL W League. 

The club was built on the values of family, passion, gratitude, learning, leadership and excellence and seeks to provide exceptional support and training to its athletes with the necessary guidance to be successful in all aspects on the field and in the community. 

"We are excited to be joining the W League for its inaugural season,” said Scott Maloney, Director of Coaching and Soccer Operations for Morris Elite SC. “This is the first step for Morris Elite in a multi-step plan in providing our female players the opportunity to display their skills on the biggest stage.”

As one of the most prominent clubs in New Jersey, Morris Elite SC will continue to fulfill its mission of providing support to local community members by expanding its player offering. In joining the W League, Morris Elite SC will see a full pathway formed for its female members from youth play to pre-professional play allowing more opportunities for women to continue to play, coach and work in women’s soccer. 

“We are delighted to welcome Morris Elite SC into the W League family,” said Betsy Haugh, USL W League Director of Operations. “Morris Elite has created a strong player-focused foundation for its members and we look forward to seeing all the great work that this club will do in the women’s pre-professional space.” 

To learn more about Morris Elite SC, visit www.morriselitesoccer.com or follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.