Soccer Walks NYC is all about soccer and the history of the game in the New York City area. Therefore, we were thrilled to learn about two clubs that have recently launched in the tri-state area; Queensboro FC and NJ Teamster FC out of Bayonne, New Jersey.
Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough in New York and some say, even the world. Combined with the fact that soccer is the planet’s most popular sport, it makes sense that the game is extremely popular with local residents. Take a walk through Flushing Meadows Park on a sunny day and you will see adults and kids either playing the game or just kicking a ball.
Based on this combination of facts, it makes sense that Queens will be the home of a new USL Championship team. (the USL Championship is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation as a Division II Professional League which places it under Major League Soccer in the US soccer pyramid.
Queensboro FC also has star power behind it. The team was established by an investment group that includes former Barcelona and Spanish World Cup winner David Villa. Villa spent four years in New York in the latter stages of his career with NYCFC. During this time, the Spaniard fell in love with New York.
When the new was announced last fall Villa said,
Bringing professional football to Queens' diverse community is an exciting and unique opportunity. The beautiful game already lives here, thanks to the melting pot of cultures who are so passionate about the sport. I can't think of a better place for QBFC to grow. I'm proud to be part of this project.
In terms of building the team, Villa said, "We will recruit the best players in Queens as we become the home team. Our goal is to have as many Queens-bred players as possible."
New Jersey Teamsters FC is based in Bayonne, New Jersey and are scheduled to being play in 2021 as part of the National Independent Soccer Association play in the National Independent Soccer Association, the third tier of American Soccer.
The Teamsters started out in 2017 as a member of the United Premier Soccer League (a development league.) The idea for the club came from Sibrena and Alex Geraldino.
The Geraldino’s are currently featured as part of the Discovery Channel’s show called I Quit. The show debuted this month and follows six entrepreneurs trying to launch successful new businesses.
The NJ Teamsters FC vision as stated on the club’s website is:
To become a club which will be amongst the leaders in football and entertainment that, through its sporting achievements, fulfills the expectations of all of its supporters both nationally and internationally and acts with social responsibility and good corporate management.
NJ Teamsters FC call Don Ahern Veterans Memorial Stadium in Bayonne home.
