The 2010-11 season — our first as North Shore United — was one of promotion, and not just of our new brand.

The U13 boys earned a trip up to the Midwest Regional League for the fall as U14s, after finishing third in the WYSA Premier League and then as a semifinalist in the State Championships. The team also won the Rockford Puma Cup championship.

The U16 girls also make the leap to Midwest Regional League this fall after an outstanding season the previous fall that saw them finish second in the State Championships, defeat the No. 5-ranked team in the country and win their bracket at the Minnesota Thunder Nike Showcase and their division at the Scott Gallagher Fall Classic in St. Louis.

The U12 girls tied for first in the WYSA First Division this spring and play this fall in the Premier League as U13s.

Also moving up are the U14s, who took third in the First Division and join the Premier League as U15s.

The U14 girls won the title in the Southeast Classic League A Division, and in the fall become a member of the WYSA First Division as U15s.

The U18 boys are the third NSU team to reach at least the semifinals of the State Championships, and 11 of their players will continue the sport in college. They also won their bracket at the spring Scott Gallagher Boys Showcase with a 3-0-0 record.

Our U11 girls took second place at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Select A/B Tournament and the U10 boys Academy team finished second in the Brookfield Select Cup Tournment.

And of course, any mention of promotion wouldn't be complete without a nod to our English partner Swansea, which won a thrilling promotion playoff and advanced to the Barclays Premier League for the 2011-12 season.

It was a tremendous first year for the blue and black of North Shore United, and we can't wait to get started again in August!