TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League today announced the addition of Lancaster Inferno as an expansion side for the 2024 season.  

“We look forward to having our women’s team compete in the W League next summer and we’re proud to bring a USL franchise to our community,” said Lancaster Inferno’s Executive Director and Head Coach Stephanie Cleaves. “With their professional league on the horizon, the USL pyramid provides the best exposure for our youth and women’s team players to further their soccer careers.” 

Founded in 2008, Lancaster Inferno was acquired under new ownership in 2014 to provide high level soccer in Lancaster County. Lancaster Inferno fields a First Team, U23 Team and U20 Team that features aspiring and former professionals, current and post college players, and high school standouts. The club’s First Team will be competing in the W League.  

The club has earned national recognition for providing one of the top women’s soccer programs in the country. In 2022, the Inferno launched a year-round all-girls travel soccer program in an academy structure that fields one team per age group within a unified pathway. 

“We’re thrilled to add another high-caliber club to our Mid-Atlantic Division,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League and W League President. “Lancaster Inferno has a history of developing great players and coaches, and we look forward to seeing the team compete in the upcoming W League season.” 

The overarching goal of Lancaster Inferno is to provide a professionally operated platform for girls and women in soccer. The club has had fourteen players sign professional contracts and ten players receive their U.S. Soccer coaching licenses. In addition, the club prides itself on providing positive role models for youth and the community through their Women’s Teams. 

The club is holding an open tryout for its W League team, as well as U23 and U20 teams, on December 29, 2023. To learn more about Lancaster Inferno and tryouts, visit www.LancasterInferno.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.