August 27, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is excited to welcome Ginga Atlanta as its newest Division I member.

Based in Emerson, GA, Ginga Atlanta began UPSL play with the 2020 Fall Season as part of the Southeast Conference Georgia Division. The club hosts its UPSL home games at Georgia Rush Soccer Complex (14295 Birmingham Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004) in compliance with UPSL National Division I standards.

Joao Garcia is co-owner and Head Coach of Ginga Atlanta. Garcia created FC Ginga in Miami, FL in 2016 and previously was a member of the UPSL's Florida South Division. FC Ginga participated in the qualifying rounds for the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

UPSL Vice President Christian Vallejos said, "We are pleased to announce that Joao Garcia and FC Ginga have returned to the UPSL. A much-needed move to Atlanta has the club set up in great shape as Ginga Atlanta in the newly crowned UPSL Georgia Division. The club had success in Miami -- was the first UPSL Florida South Division champion and played in U.S. Open Cup qualifying – so we expect the same high level in Atlanta. We wish the best of luck to the club moving forward."

Garcia is a former three-year team captain at Miami, FL's Barry University (NCAA) and most recently served as Head Coach of the Brazil Arena Soccer National Team.  He also has been an assistant coach for Atlanta Silverbacks SC (NPSL) and Atlanta Soccer Club (NISA).

"We continue to choose the UPSL because of the year-long schedule and the chance to play in the U.S. Open Cup. The UPSL is a clear 'Path to Pro' that gives opportunities for players to develop," Garcia said.

Rodrigo Cruz is co-owner and General Manager. A former professional player in Brazil, Greece, Portugal and Albania, Cruz was an assistant coach at FC Ginga in 2017.

Ginga Atlanta (2-0-0 overall) opened its inaugural season with a 3-1 victory over Forest Rovers FC on Saturday, Aug. 15. The club plays FC Matata at Silverbacks Stadium (3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way, Atlanta, GA 30340) at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday, Aug. 29.

About Ginga Atlanta

Ginga Atlanta is an American Soccer club currently based in Emerson, GA, and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. Ginga Atlanta play in the UPSL's Southeast Conference.

Ginga Atlanta can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact
Email: info@fcginga.com
Website: www.fcginga.com
Facebook: /gingauniversity
Instagram: @ginga_atlanta

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated.

UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league's affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 888-405-UPSL (8775) and 714-379-4440

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague