Unveiling the Vision: Who is Excelsior New York and What is Our Mission?

Excelsior New York is a new soccer club coming to the New York City soccer scene. Excelsior New York will represent South Queens and the Jamaica Bay area specifically. The club was founded in 2023 by New York Community Sporting Group Inc., with the goal of showcasing its local community and talent on the national stage. New York Community Sports Group is determined to have Excelsior New York become a fabric of the community and to be a source of unity and local pride.

New York Community Sporting Group Inc. was founded in 2023 by Giuseppe Ilarda, Gianfranco Barone, and Giuseppe Barone. New York Community Sporting Group was founded with the purpose of bringing together communities around the game of soccer. The organization boasts a wealth of experience in soccer, including the professional game. Giuseppe Ilarda is a local youth product who played in the US Soccer DA (predecessor to MLS Next) for BW Gottschee and Met Oval academies, respectively. He also coached locally at Woodhaven SC and OLG soccer. Gianfranco Barone is also a former Met Oval player who played professionally both in the US and in Europe, for clubs such as the New York Cosmos, AC Mantova, Enkopings SK and FC Milwaukee Torrent. As a youth player, Gianfranco was called into the US national team for his age group and was invited to spend time in ACF Fiorentina and Empoli FC in Italy. Giuseppe Barone also played professionally in the US and Europe for the New York Cosmos, NK Rudar Velenje, FC Milwaukee Torrent, and AC Sangiovannese. Giuseppe currently coaches at Success Academy Charter Schools.

Excelsior New York is working to bring a top level men's first team in a national league to the area, with the aim of beginning play in 2025. The club would be the first to field a men's first team that specifically represents the neighborhoods in the area. Excelsior is also actively working in the existing local youth soccer scene, aiming to create a pathway for players from local youth clubs to have opportunities in college soccer and the first team. Excelsior New York's partnership with local youth clubs is fundamental to Excelsior's vision, which is to field a team with only homegrown players and coaches in the future. This focus on homegrown talent is based on various successful models from clubs around the world, such as Athletic Bilbao in Spain. Excelsior New York is also looking to give a platform to those interested in the sports industry including professionals in marketing, production, journalism, sales, and other areas. The club looks to be a team people can aspire to play for, work for, and support in the future.

As Excelsior New York begins its journey, please feel free to reach out to make your voice heard and become a part of the project of building our community through soccer! Follow us on our socials and register for our newsletter at excelsiornysoccer.com to stay up to date regarding our latest updates and events.