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The USL Premier Development League (PDL) is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States and Canada , forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid . It is currently the top level men's amateur competition in the United States, and has 63 teams competing in four conferences, split into eight regional divisions; unofficially, it is considered to be the fourth tier of competition, behind Major League Soccer , the USL First Division and the USL Second Division , and roughly equal with the National Premier Soccer League and the Pacific Coast Soccer League . While not strictly a "professional" league, the PDL prides itself on its professionalism, and its dedication to developing young soccer players, preparing them for future careers in professional leagues in the United States and elsewhere. As PDL seasons take place during the summer months, the player pool is drawn mainly from elite NCAA College Soccer players seeking to continue playing high level soccer during their summer break, which they can do while still maintaining their college eligibility. In addition, PDL squads often also include standout high school and junior club players, as well as former professionals seeking to continue competing at a high level. PDL rules dictate that a maximum of eight players on each team's 26-man roster can be over 23 years old, while at least three players on each team's roster must be 18 or younger. Increasingly, the PDL is seen as a 'shop window' for professional clubs looking to discover and identify aspiring professional players who may enter the MLS SuperDraft in future years. Many of the players currently playing in Major League Soccer and elsewhere began their careers in the PDL. HISTORY In 1995 the USISL split into two leagues, one professional and one amateur. The United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues Premier Development Soccer League, more commonly known simply as the '''Premier League''', was formed as an amateur league apart from the professional USISL Pro League teams. Its main purpose was to improve Soccer capabilities to many Urban areas throughout the USA and Canada and offer current college Soccer players experience without losing their college eligibility. In 1999 the umbrella USISL changed its name to the United Soccer Leagues and the Premier League officially became known as the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League or, more commonly, the '''PDL'''. Today, some of the PDL teams serve as farm teams to United Soccer Leagues and Major League Soccer clubs, notably Chicago Fire Premier , Colorado Rapids U23's , Atlanta Silverbacks U23's , Cary RailHawks U23's and Richmond Kickers Future , and there are increasing reports that more MLS teams will begin fielding U23 teams in the PDL in years to come. CURRENT EVENTS Prior to the 2007 season, the Toronto Lynx moved down from the USL First Division , the Long Island Rough Riders moved down from the USL Second Division , the former due to the addition of the Toronto FC franchise to Major League Soccer , and the latter to due to increasingly poor on-field performances coupled with financial and infrastucture issues. Expansion teams were added in Baton Rouge , Fredericksburg , Jackson , Lancaster , Spokane , Springfield and Ventura . Also, the San Jose Frogs moved over from the National Premier Soccer League , the first team to do so since the creation of the rival league in 2003. 2006 franchises Ajax Orlando Prospects , Augusta Fireball , California Gold , Colorado Springs Blizzard , Kalamazoo Kingdom and San Diego Gauchos resigned from the league prior to the season. 2007 TEAMS Central Conference Great Lakes Division
Heartland Division
Eastern Conference Mid Atlantic Division
Northeast Division
Southern Conference Mid South Division
Southeast Division
Western Conference Northwest Division
Southwest Division
CHAMPIONS
COMPLETE TEAM LIST see '' List Of Premier Development League Franchises '' NOTABLE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS WITH PDL EXPERIENCE
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE Regular season
Playoffs
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