TAMPA, Fla. – Leadership from around the USL lauded the United States Soccer Federation’s decision to grant provisional Division 2 status to the league on Friday night, as fans from teams across the league celebrated the award ahead of the 2017 season.

After submitting its application and supporting paperwork to the Federation in early 2015, the league was awarded a landmark decision that supported the USL’s vision to become one of the most globally recognized second division professional soccer leagues. For those that have been integral to the league’s growth and success, the decision was an affirmation of the work by the USL and its ownership groups.

“In this sport, we are judged by our actions and not just our intentions. We are proud to be a part of a group that fulfills their commitments and does right by their clubs and fans," said Sacramento Republic FC President Warren Smith in a statement. "The USL committed to the soccer community they would invest and grow and they have done exactly that. Their vision started at the top and I want to personally thank [USL President] Jake Edwards, [USL Chief Executive Officer] Alec [Papadakis] and the entire USL staff for building one of the most globally recognized second division professional soccer leagues in the world.”

RELATED: USL Granted USSF Provisional Division 2 Status

Republic FC, which has averaged five-figure attendances in each of its three seasons and claimed the USL Cup in 2014, has been at the forefront of the leagues growth alongside clubs such as OKC Energy FC, which also entered the league in 2014. Energy FC Partner Bob Funk Jr. also praised the work of Papadakis and Edwards, whose work has led the league to new heights.

“[Energy FC Co-Owner] Tim [McLaughlin] and I are extremely pleased with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s decision to grant provisional Division 2 status to USL,” said Funk in a team statement. “This decision is the culmination of dedication and hard work by Alec Papadakis and Jake Edwards and their staff at the USL as well as the other owners of USL franchises across the country.  This is another positive step for professional soccer in the United States as well as Oklahoma City.”

FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding, whose club set league attendance records in its inaugural USL season in 2016, also congratulated the league’s leadership.

"On behalf of Carl H. Lindner III and our entire ownership group, we congratulate USL CEO Alec Papadakis and President Jake Edwards for their leadership and hard work to deliver on their vision for getting the USL to Division 2 status. We thank the U.S Soccer Federation for their vote of confidence in our league and franchises," said Berding. “We are also really pleased for our USL teams, players and fans and proud of the tremendous support for soccer in Greater Cincinnati that helped make the case for the USL. We are a city and sport on the rise, and tonight's announcement reaffirms this incredible movement."

Ottawa Fury FC President John Pugh, whose side will join the USL for the 2017 season, also voiced his praise.

"We are elated with the U.S. Soccer Federation's decision to grant Division 2 status to USL," said Pugh in a club statement. "This decision further validates our position that the USL, the fastest-growing league in the world, is the best league for our club, our players and most importantly, our fans!"

Others, including Louisville City FC Chairman John Neace and Harrisburg City Islanders owner Eric Pettis, were also enthused by the announcement.

“This is a well-deserved promotion,” said Pettis. “The league has grown tremendously over the past five years and the growth still continues. It’s an exciting time to be a USL franchise. Thanks to Alec Papadakis and Jake Edwards and their team for a hard fought promotion that took a lot of time and effort,”

“It’s an excellent recognition of Alec Papadakis and the league’s effort,” added Neace. “Louisville City FC salutes our fans as we make this move.”