ROANOKE, Va. – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced VBR Star as the latest club to join the USL Academy League. Based in Roanoke, Va., the club’s Academy team will compete in the Atlantic Division of the USL Academy League beginning in 2021. “I’m thrilled to welcome VBR Star to the USL Academy platform,” said USL Sr. Director of Youth Development Liam O’Connell. VBR Star will handle tryouts for the USL Academy team internally for current VBR players. As VBR Star joins the USL Academy League, the club’s leadership is currently exploring the potential of bringing a senior professional team to Roanoke, which could feature in USL League One.

Salem's Kiwanis Park became the site of a Women's World Cup watch party Sunday morning. Roanoke-based soccer club VBR Star erected a big screen where home plate stands so the crowd could watch the United States women's soccer team defeat the Netherlands 2-0. It's the sport of the world," VBR Star Executive Director Danny Beamer said. "All my friends play lacrosse, and they would always say, 'Why do you play the weird sport, soccer?'" "Every time the World Cups are here, the popularity just builds and builds and builds," Beamer said.