HARRISON, N.J. (September 8, 2022) – NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League and the Albany Alleycats – a top-notch development program for youth soccer located in Albany, New York – have announced a partnership to expand Gotham FC’s youth soccer presence in the tri-state area. The agreement features a scouting affiliation, player development opportunities, and coaching staff education.
“We are excited to welcome Albany Alleycats to the Gotham FC family,” said Yael Averbuch West, General Manager of Gotham FC. “We look forward to growing this relationship as we work to support Alleycats membership with amazing experiences linking them to our professional team.”
The agreement also features virtual chalk talks, practice visits, and match-day experiences. Additionally, Gotham FC players will make appearances at Albany Alleycats training sessions and the Academy will have a presence at an upcoming home match at Red Bull Arena.
“The only way for girls at the Alleycats and others in the Capital Region to continue to dream and grow in the game of soccer is for the community to support the top female professional league in the country in the NWSL and clubs like Gotham FC,” said Chris Le, Albany Alleycats Director of Coaching. “We cannot wait to learn from Gotham FC, to support them on the pitch, and to work together to grow a love for the game of soccer for girls in the Capital Region.”
When the Albany Alleycats was established in 1994, it was designed as a semi-professional men’s soccer team that competed as part of the USISL from 1995 through 1999. Since then, the Alleycats have transformed into an elite developmental platform for youth soccer. Its mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of youth in the capital district through the sport of soccer. More information can be found by visiting its Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.
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ABOUT NJ/NY GOTHAM FC
Gotham FC plays its NWSL home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. The club has been part of the NWSL since its inception in 2012. Founded in 2007, the team made its debut as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. It won its first trophy in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, the Club won its first NWSL playoff match since 2013 during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. In April of 2021, Sky Blue FC made a dramatic shift with a new brand identity becoming NJ/NY Gotham FC. The name, logo, and colors were selected after extensive fan involvement and will guide the club into the future with bold international ambitions.
