After two tough challenges on the road, the New York Cosmos return to Shuart Stadium on May 1 for a home match against the Carolina RailHawks. As the Cosmos seek to dethrone the undefeated RailHawks, they will also be honoring their Academy Affiliates, who come from Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bedford Hills and Long Island junior soccer leagues, at the match. 

Cosmos Aid Development in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bedford Hills and Long Island Junior Soccer Leagues

Nearly a year ago, the New York Cosmos announced the launch of their Academy Affiliate Program. The goal of the program is to identify young, talented players within local youth soccer leagues and give them the opportunity to play for the Cosmos Academy.

Currently, members of the Academy Affiliate Program come from Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bedford Hills and Long Island junior soccer leagues including:

• Auburndale SC
• Brentwood Youth SC
• Brooklyn Italians SC
• Dix Hills SC
• East Islip SC
• East Meadow SC
• Eastern FC
• FC SESA
• HBC SC
• Hicksville American SC
• Massapequa SC
• Mineola Portuguese SC
• New York Hota Bavarian SC
• Port Washington SC
• Silver Lake Soccer Academy
• Smithtown Kickers SC
• Southampton SC
• Uniondale SC

As the sport of soccer grows, it’s increasingly important for professional academies to provide local youth with resources that will help them succeed in the sport they love. Cosmos captain Carlos Mendes grew up in the local area and actually played for two of the current Long Island Academy Affiliates, Mineola Portuguese and Dix Hills SC.

What to Expect at Cosmos Affiliate Night

A few weeks back, the New York Cosmos hosted Star Wars Night at Shuart Stadium. May 1 is Academy Affiliates Night, and the Cosmos will seek to pay tribute to all their youth clubs.

During halftime, one young player per affiliate club will be identified to the crowd. At the match, money will be raised for the affiliate clubs to continue with their youth development efforts.

At the match, $1000 will be donated to the Affiliate club that has raised the most money for its team to continue with their youth development efforts.

Attending Academy Affiliate Night on May 1 allows you to support the wonderful cause of youth soccer development, and also spectate what’s sure to be a great match versus an undefeated team! Green and white Cosmos jerseys will also be on sale at the match, so make sure you pick one up and be #ForeverGreen!