WPSL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THEIR 2026 SEASON READS

THIRD CONNECTICUT CLUB EXPECTED TO MAKE
FOR FIERCE NORTHEAST RIVALRIES IN 2026 

OKLAHOMA CITY (11/25/2025) — The Women's Premier Soccer League announced CT Rush will compete as an expansion side in the 2026 season. With the announcement, CT Rush becomes the second Connecticut-based expansion side to make WPSL debut in the first division in 2026 along with newly promoted Vale SC from WPSL Division II, joining reigning WPSL champions, Sporting CT.

“Competing in the WPSL immediately strengthens our development pipeline,” Greg Cumpstone, CT Rush general manager/technical director, said. “It gives our top female players a clear, aspirational pathway from youth to pre-professional soccer while allowing them to compete at one of the highest amateur levels in the country.” 

Founded as the pinnacle team for Northeast Rush Connecticut, while fielding youth teams across the state, CT Rush began playing in regional women’s leagues in 2022. Cumpstone says joining the WPSL “elevates the profile of [their] entire organization and signals [a] commitment to high-level standards in coaching, player development, and professionalism.”

Tom Newell will serve as head coach for CT Rush in its inaugural season. After a 15-year playing career in his native England, Newell has coached female soccer players in Connecticut for the last six years while serving as Girls Select Director that oversees the club’s female ENCL teams. He also serves as head coach of Fairfield Ludlowe High School, where he won the FCIAC Coach of the Year honors in 2024, and previously served on the staff at Fordham University.

“We are extremely excited to have [CT Rush] competing in the WPSL,” Newell said. “At CT Rush, we are very passionate about providing opportunities for girls and women in soccer of all abilities, and the birth of this team will allow us to expand our reach to women looking for a competitive level of play in the college off-season, and those looking to pursue a professional soccer career. ”

Conference and division alignment will be announced at the WPSL Annual General Meeting January 30-31. The 28th WPSL season kicks off in mid-May, culminating with the WPSL Championships in July. The 2026 WPSL schedule will be announced in March.