Oklahoma City (March, 12, 2025) – WPSL PRO announced today that Real Central NJ has formally submitted its LOI, becoming the league’s 15th team in 11 states nationwide. With the announcement, Real Central NJ extends WPSL PRO’s reach into the northeast corner of the country.
“After four successful seasons competing at the WPSL amateur level, we’re thrilled to take this monumental step to join WPSL PRO. This represents our club’s commitment to creating professional opportunities for the exceptional female soccer talent throughout New Jersey,” said Ben Chrnelich, Real Central NJ’s sporting director. “Our progression to the professional ranks fulfills a vision we’ve had since our founding.”
Real Central NJ joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League in 2021 with a mission to provide professional-level development and experience to up-and-coming regional talent. Now, as it enters its fifth season, the club continues this objective with a commitment to WPSL PRO.
“Central Jersey has a rich soccer tradition, and it’s an honor and a responsibility for us to build upon that legacy at the professional level,” Chrnelich said. “The response from our fans, sponsors, and soccer partners has been overwhelming. Their enthusiasm confirms what we’ve always believed—that our local community’s passion for women’s soccer will help us create a special and enduring professional platform for our region’s players.”
Real Central NJ collected high recognition after its 2024 campaign in the Colonial Division of the Mid-Atlantic Conference, winning Franchise of the Year. Additionally, head coach Brian Thomsen earned Coach of the Year while three RCNJ players were named to the division’s Best XI team – including Offensive Player of the Year, Bella Miller.
The Central Jersey side is no stranger to success. On the heels of its WPSL debut, Real Central NJ not only earned a playoff bid in 2022, but also hosted the four-team pod in the East Region Playoffs.
With its LOI submission, Real Central NJ becomes the ninth team from the WPSL’s membership to secure its path-to-pro model within the organization – a goal the league has set out to fulfill with its three-decade commitment to advancing women’s soccer.
“The support we are continuing to receive from current WPSL teams truly showcases the commitment we have to building this developmental pathway that is dedicated to advancing the sport,” Benno Nagel, WPSL PRO project director, said. “Having a club with a tenure like Real Central NJ will open more opportunities for our reach in the Northeast region.”
About Real Central NJ Soccer
Founded in 2020, Real Central NJ Soccer is a premier soccer club dedicated to developing top-tier talent and providing professional-level experiences for players in Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The club competes in both men’s and women’s leagues and has established itself as a key contributor to the region’s soccer landscape.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, please contact Real Central NJ Soccer via its website or email womenssoccer@realcentralnj.com.
