The Western Mass Pioneers are a member of the United Soccer Leagues. The league is structured as a pyramid with Major League Soccer on top. Followed are USL First Division, and below them sit the USL Second Division. Followed are the amateur divisions - the USL Premier Development League (PDL), then the USL Super-20 League, and the USL Super Y-League.

The Pioneers participate in the PDL, considered the fourth tier of American soccer.  The PDL is the top amateur league in North America, showcasing the future of soccer. The best players in the PDL enter the MLS Draft, realizing their dreams of competing at soccer’s highest level. In 2010, 48 PDL players were drafted by MLS clubs.

The Pioneers were founded in 1997 and started playing in 1998.  In 1999, the second year of the franchise, they won the USL D-3 Pro League championship.  In  2005 they reigned as the regular season champions, were USL Second Division finalists, and hosted the National Championship match. In 2010 they self relegated, and joined the PDL. The Pioneers also operate numerous youth teams under the Junior Pioneers brand. 

All home games are played in the only "soccer specific" stadium in New England. Modeled after European stadiums, Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow provides the casual fan as well as the soccer aficionado the ultimate in soccer viewing as fans feel they are part of the action.  

The team is comprised of collegiate athletes, players with previous professional experience, players with international experience, as well as up and coming players who are recent college graduates. 

The goal of the organization is to provide the Western Mass area with soccer at the highest level possible, which is economically feasible to the fans, while at the same time showcasing local talent and providing an opportunity for them to advance through the US Soccer system.

Although considered a small market, the Pioneers consistently rank amongst the top teams in attendance in the USL.  We hope you can join us for a game!

History and Honors