The USL Premier Development League has existed since 1995 as the highest amateur soccer level in the United States. The name was changed and tweaked early on but by the time the Chicago Fire entered a team into the league in 2001, it was referred to as what it is referred to today: PDL. Chicago became the first Major League Soccer team to have a PDL team thanks to support from former Fire President & General Manager Peter Wilt and the direction of current Fire Player Development Director & Consultant John Dorn.

As I mentioned in my "The Necessity for Soccer Supporter Groups" post, I emphasize the importance of women's soccer supporter groups in helping grow the game. I also call attention to fan's accessibility, or lack of, to these supporter groups. After all, soccer supporter groups should be one of the instrumental tools helping soccer organizations and fans to connect with each other and to sustain the game in the United States.

As I mentioned in my "The Necessity for Soccer Supporter Groups" post, I emphasize the importance of women's soccer supporter groups in helping grow the game. I also call attention to fan's accessibility, or lack of, to these supporter groups. After all, soccer supporter groups should be one of the instrumental tools helping soccer organizations and fans to connect with each other and to sustain the game in the United States.

Philadelphia's Junior Lone Star will prepare for their National Premier Soccer League season opener away at Lehigh Valley's FC Sonic on May 18 with a series of preseason warmup away games that includes encounters with PDL sides Reading United and Ocean City Nor'easters.

Two other PDL teams, Jersey Express and newcomers Boston Victory SC, are also on the schedule.

(Editor's Note: Last week, we looked at the St. Louis Lions of the USL PDL. This week, we take a look at Chicago's PDL clubs.)

Hypothetically, five years from now, could the Chicagoland area have soccer clubs at the first, third and fourth highest levels of the American game?