Steven Short, the United Soccer League's Division III Vice President, conducted an informational meeting with more than 50 Premier Development League franchises from across North America showing interest to discuss the new third-division league, set to begin play in 2019.

The meeting addressed a variety of topics, including ownership and stadium requirements – as mandated by the U.S. Soccer Federation – the landscape of soccer in North America, viable market sizes for the third division and more.

“One component of identifying a potential market and ownership group for the USL’s Division III is a high-performing amateur club,” Short told USLD3.com. “The discussion today served as a great opportunity to address questions and concerns, as PDL clubs and ownership groups evaluate the prospect of professional soccer. We look forward to continuing discussions with many of the teams and look forward to making more announcements about the league in the coming months.”

Short has visited 11 potential markets since the USL announced plans to launch a new third-division league in April, including trips to the Southeast and Midwest. A number of PDL teams have already expressed intentions to evaluate a move to the professional realm.