HARRISON, N.J. – NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and STA Soccer Academy, located in Morris Plains, New Jersey, have announced a partnership for the remainder of the 2022 season. The agreement features a scouting affiliation, player development opportunities and coaching staff education.

"We are very excited to partner with STA,” Gotham FC General Manager Yael Averbuch West said. “The club's commitment to growing the game and supporting their players and staff with top-notch development experiences is something we are glad to be part of. We look forward to growing this relationship as we welcome members of the club into our Gotham FC family!”

Additionally, Gotham FC players will make appearances to STA training sessions and the Academy will have a presence at an upcoming home match at Red Bull Arena.

"It’s long been an ambition of ours to change the status quo and raise the bar in terms of the experience and education afforded to our members,” Tom Shields, STA’s Technical Director stated. “Maximizing potential is what drives us every day, and in this partnership, we have found a senior leadership team and technical staff excited to pursue the same endeavors. We can’t wait for the opportunity to have our best and brightest exposed to the Gotham FC first team environment, alongside giving our youngest players the opportunity to learn from and meet their idols."

Since its creation in 2005, STA has grown into one of the country’s leaders in youth development consistently playing home to both players and teams who have been successful at the State, Regional and National level. STA has developed multiple players who have been called up in the YNT pathway and graduated over 120+ players who have gone on to play at the collegiate level including power schools like Penn State, Indiana, and UNC as well as Yale, Monmouth, VCU, FDU and many others.

Gotham FC has youth partnership opportunities currently available. For more information click here or email Director of Youth Soccer, Justin Marriott for any questions.

Gotham FC returns to action Saturday, July 2 when the club welcomes the Chicago Red Stars to Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Twitch internationally. Tickets are available by visiting www.GothamFC.com/tickets.