By NewsLine Staff
mail@floridanewsline.com
Sporting JAX, the United Soccer League (USL) franchise group bringing women’s and men’s professional soccer to Northeast Florida, together with the Sporting JAX Foundation, has announced a collaboration to join forces with Florida Elite Soccer Academy. Together, they will create Sporting JAX Youth to establish one of the largest and most comprehensive youth-to-pro soccer pathways in the United States.
With more than 12,000 registered Florida Elite members across the First Coast and beyond, this merger will combine Florida Elite’s renowned youth and pre-professional programs with Sporting Jax’s professional-level operations, resulting in the state’s largest integrated youth and professional soccer platform. Beginning in January 2025, Florida Elite will transition to the Sporting JAX Youth brand, which will include a uniform redesign to align with Sporting JAX’s team colors.
“We’ve worked closely with Florida Elite since our club’s formation in 2020, and we’re thrilled to combine with Florida’s largest and most successful youth soccer organization,” said Steve Livingstone, president and CEO of Sporting JAX. “We are honored that Florida Elite has chosen to combine with the Sporting JAX Foundation to continue a joint non-profit operation, which will allow us to deliver a seamless transition for athletes from youth programs to professional soccer under the unifying Sporting JAX identity. We will also continue to welcome other local youth clubs and academies to ensure access to all resources that elevate soccer throughout the region.”
Founded in 2014, Florida Elite Soccer Academy has earned a reputation as one of the premier youth soccer organizations in the country, offering programs from recreational, junior and development leagues to competitive programs through USL League 2 (men) and W-League (women) teams. Led over the past decade by president Steven Mail and executive director Sean Bubb, its players have achieved national recognition through college scholarships, championships, participation in the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team and other International team programs.
Over the next several months, the organizations will work closely to integrate programs, rebrand operations and establish a unified, seamless pipeline for athletes to reach their full potential at every level of the sport. Sporting JAX is steadfast in its commitment to transparency and open communication with players, families, coaches and staff.
CUTLINE
Photos courtesy Sporting JAX
