United Sports FC Joins the UPSL, Bringing Singapore Star Hassan Sunny and a Global Reach to U.S. Grassroots Soccer

Amelie Claydon | The MatchDay Post 

A new club is set to debut in the United Premier Soccer League this spring. West Coast-based United Sports FC will make its UPSL debut this month. The UPSL, FIFA's recognized fourth tier of American soccer, aims to build a globally connected yet locally rooted model for academy football in the United States. Former Singapore national team goalkeeper Hassan Sunny is at the heart of the launch, joining the project as a special guest and ambassador. In 2016, Sunny was ranked 18th on The Daily Telegraph's list of the world's top 20 goalkeepers. 

Hassan Sunny in Singapore's win over Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup - National Stadium, 12th November 2018

With over 100 international caps for Singapore and professional stints in Thailand, Sunny's decorated career brings credibility and a global perspective to a club focused on development and cultural exchange. He will be joined in an advisory role by former China international Wei Du, FIFA Ambassador, and former Seattle Pacific University coach Cliff McCrath. With big international names lending their expertise, United Sports FC is positioning itself as more than just a new team on the UPSL schedule. The club aims to bridge emerging American talent with established global football networks. Combining high-level mentorship with a strong developmental focus creates an environment where young players can grow in skill and mindset. 

United Sports FC's approach reflects a broader shift in how grassroots football is positioned within the U.S. soccer landscape. Attention has surged at the top of the pyramid, fuelled by superstar arrivals like Lionel Messi, leading to increased investment in MLS and a boom in youth participation. 

Founded in 2011, the UPSL has become a cornerstone for U.S. pro-development clubs. With over 400 clubs nationwide, the league operates a promotion and relegation model within its regional conferences, a system rarely seen in American soccer. Sitting just below the professional third division, USL League One, the UPSL is a launchpad for ambitious clubs looking to grow competitively. For many, it offers the most accessible entry point into a U.S. soccer system that traditionally lacks the fluid movement between amateur and professional levels seen in Europe and South America. 

United Sports FC is among the latest clubs to enter the league with a clear developmental mandate and international outlook. The team is led by former Chinese Super League striker and Chinese Women's National Team coach Tian Ye and is supported by East West Bank and Singapore Global Network.  

This partnership has been key in connecting the club with regional talent and Asian audiences. E-commerce partner Shoplazza is also helping expand the club's reach through cross-border digital alliances. 

Beyond its competitive ambitions, United Sports FC is reportedly exploring a partnership with the Cucurella Campus, a youth training initiative affiliated with Chelsea FC defender Marc Cucurella. The proposed collaboration would focus on developing a U.S.-based training camp to integrate European academy methods with local player development. 

The Matchday Post will publish interviews with Hassan Sunny, Cliff McCrath, and UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara throughout May as part of its ongoing coverage of United Sports FC's debut season. 

A documentary series chronicling the club's first season is also in development. The series will offer a visual narrative of its matches, mentorship initiatives, and the people behind the project. 

Stay tuned as United Sports FC begins its journey, blending international ambition with grassroots passion. With a debut season full of promise and a growing global network of supporters, the story is just starting. 

Rising Stars: Wei and Brandan Drive United Sports FC's Early Success 

United Sports FC has already produced two early standout performers: Andrew (Hongfan) Wei and Ignacio (Nacho) Brandan. 

Wei, 20, has impressed in his role as a forward/midfielder, wearing the No. 7 jersey. He scored four goals in his first three matches, earning recognition as a UPSL Player of the Week. Before joining United Sports FC, Wei trialled professionally with China's CSL U21 teams under the guidance of Club Founder Ye Tian as part of his career development pathway. 

Brandan, 19, has also made an impact across multiple positions, playing as a central attacking midfielder (CAM), central defensive midfielder (CDM), and striker (ST). Wearing the No. 10 and No. 38 jerseys, he has scored five goals in his first three matches, including a standout hat-trick performance. Like Wei, Brandan has been recognized as a UPSL Team of the Week honoree and is receiving professional guidance to support his development. 

Andrew Wei (left) and Ignacio Brandan (right) pictured during United Sports FC’s debut UPSL season.

Both players have been instrumental in United Sports FC's early attacking success. Expect these two emerging talents to continue making waves across the UPSL as the season progresses, showcasing the club's commitment to developing future stars. 

This article was produced in partnership with United Sports FC.