Saturday, December 21, 2024, 9:30 AM
FA Euro New York has reached a remarkable milestone by being granted full participation in the MLS NEXT pathway, with six teams (U13-U19) set to compete in MLS NEXT starting Fall 2025. This achievement solidifies FA Euro’s standing as a leading force in youth soccer development and redefines the landscape of the sport in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
A Vision Realized
Reflecting on this monumental achievement, Marco Balsamo, Chief Executive Officer of FA Euro New York, emphasized the years of commitment and dedication that paved the way for this success.
“Achieving the full MLS NEXT pathway marks the culmination of years of relentless passion and dedication, completely redefining player development in our community. When we founded FA Euro New York in 2013, our vision was to create a club that provides players with genuine opportunities. This milestone is the direct result of that commitment. And we’re just getting started.”
Founded in 2013, FA Euro has long been a pillar of opportunity for young players seeking a platform to showcase and refine their talents. Achieving full participation in MLS NEXT represents the realization of a dream to provide elite pathways to aspiring athletes, many of whom hail from underserved communities.
A Transformational Moment for Local Soccer
Joe Balsamo, President of FA Euro New York, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the profound significance of this step not just for the club but for the broader Brooklyn and Staten Island soccer communities.
“This represents a dream realized for Brooklyn/Staten Island soccer. It’s about more than just reaching the MLS NEXT pathway—it’s about the countless hours, the unwavering belief, and the shared passion that brought us here. For me, it’s personal. Seeing young players from our community rise to new heights is what this club has always been about. FA Euro New York was built to inspire, and today, we’ve proven what’s possible.”
By gaining access to MLS NEXT, FA Euro New York will now offer young players a platform to compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the United States. This move not only provides the opportunity for local athletes to thrive but also positions Brooklyn and Staten Island as hubs for soccer excellence.
Transforming the Future of Player Development
The inclusion of six teams in MLS NEXT for Fall 2025 underscores FA Euro’s dedication to player development at every age level. From U13 to U19, players will now benefit from top-tier competition, advanced coaching, and exposure to professional scouting networks. This commitment to youth soccer excellence aligns with the club’s mission to foster talent and create opportunities for all.
For the soccer community in Brooklyn and Staten Island, this achievement is about more than just soccer. It brings pride, momentum, and the promise of a brighter future for the next generation of athletes. FA Euro New York has demonstrated what can be accomplished through relentless hard work and a shared vision for growth.
A New Chapter Begins
As FA Euro New York steps onto the MLS NEXT stage in Fall 2025, it does so as a symbol of growth and opportunity for soccer in New York City. This achievement is not just a win for the club but for the entire community, representing the potential of collective effort and vision.
With this historic milestone, FA Euro New York has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in youth soccer, proving that dreams can indeed become reality. And as Marco Balsamo said, “We’re just getting started.”
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