The 13 clubs set to compete in the Northeast Division of the USL Academy League are:

 

 

“It’s an exciting time for youth development in American soccer as more USL Clubs look to build the pathways for local young players who aspire to be professionals”, Stated USL Senior Director of Youth Development Liam O’Connell. “We’re thrilled to help our clubs toward that vision, and confirming the regional alignments for our founding member clubs is a key step, as we move toward the launch of the league next year.  

Albert Coutinho, Chairman of the Ironbound SC, said: “It is an honor for Ironbound SC to be a part of this prestigious initiative. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our kids, our club, and community. We are humbled by the vote of confidence the USL has in our soccer program to help deliver on this effort”

“Participating in this league effort will help Ironbound Soccer Club to identify top prospects and provide more players with an opportunity to compete against professionals at a younger age”, stated Steve Amorim, Men’s Director of Coaching for the Ironbound Soccer Club. “The effect, is a thriving farm system that develops players for future competition”, stated Amorim.   

John M. Soares, Director of Operations, for Ironbound Soccer Club said “Ironbound SC's goal is, and will always be to provide their players with the opportunities to play at the highest level.  We feel as a club the USL Academy will provide the proper exposure for our players to advance to the next level.

Partnering with the Red Bulls, in this venture, gives our players and staff, access to additional opportunities, not normally available.

As a founding member of the Super Y, and now of the USL Academy, Ironbound SC looks forward to continue to develop players to perform at their highest levels.”

Grant Findlay, Academy Manager, New York Red Bulls, said “Understanding the culture and pedigree of the club, we truly believe Ironbound Soccer Club’s acceptance into the USL Academy League will take our partnership to new heights by ensuring true alignment with the Red Bulls Player Development Pathway. Through the coordination of a fluid dual-carding mechanism, Ironbound Soccer Club’s USL Academy teams will further extend our combined efforts and outreach to a larger elite level player identification and development pool.

 

Ironbound SC is a proud program of  The Salvation Army.

For further information, contact:

Al Coutinho: [email protected];

John Soares: [email protected];