CHICAGO (April 18, 2023) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) announces the return of the NISA Independent Cup (NIC), to be played among 48 clubs spread across 12 regions this June and July. Nine regions will feature one NISA professional club. This year, NISA also welcomes three clubs from Mexico’s professional league Liga Profesional de Futbol Mexicano (LPF MX) as anchors to three additional regions.

“We are thrilled with the expansion of club participation to bring the largest field to date,” says NIC Tournament Director Matt Morse. “This tournament continues to be an outstanding opportunity for NISA Nation, NISA-affiliate clubs, and independent amateur clubs to test their mettle against professional clubs. Leveraging NISA’s affiliate relationship with LPF MX also is a game changer.”

The Mexico-based clubs participating include Miguel Auza FC of Zacatecas, Orizaba FC of Veracruz, and Soly FC of Matamoros.

As in 2022, the tournament is formatted as a round robin tournament between the three amateur clubs in each region using a 10-point system. The current match calendar looks like this:

• Group Stage week 1 – June 17/18
• Group Stage week 2 – June 24/25
• Group Stage week 3 – July 1/2
• Group Stage week 4 – July 8/9
• Group Stage makeup/alternate – July 15/16
• Finals – July 22 / 23 (makeup/alternate July 24)

Every match of the tournament will stream on Eleven Sports. Full club participation, regional assignments and match dates will be announced at a later date.

Clubs interested in more information on the 2023 NISA Independent Cup or future competitions, please contact mattm@nisasoccer.com.