Mercer-Based Soccer Club Explores Avenues To Go Professional

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - Real Central NJ Soccer (RCNJ) and the United Soccer Leagues (USL) recently announced they are exploring options to develop professional soccer in Central New Jersey.

The Mercer County-based club could ultimately operate teams in multiple USL leagues, including a women’s team in the USL Super League and in USL League One for the club’s men’s program, the club said.

RCNJ already participates in pre-professional leagues. The club was founded in 2020 by Lawrence Township resident, Ira Jersey. More: Mercer County's New Soccer Club Set To Begin Inaugural Campaign

“Through its teams in USL League Two and USL Academy, Real Central New Jersey has created a new pathway for top players and strong connections with a community that absolutely loves soccer,” Justin Papadakis, USL COO and Chief Real Estate Officer, said in a statement.

“The club’s leadership has an excellent understanding of the benefits that a professional club could provide to local fans, players, and businesses. We are working with them on the steps needed to achieve that vision.”

To kick off the efforts, the club will be hosting a fan listening session and US Men’s National Team World Cup watch party at Arooga’s Bar and Grill in Ewing.

Attendees can enjoy lunch with team executives and volunteers, share their vision for soccer, and cheer on the US men’s team vs. Iran in the final group stage match of the World Cup.

Those interested in attending can sign up at this website: https://rcnj.link/world-cup. You can RSVP here for the soccer watch party.

“We’re excited to hear ideas from soccer fans in Central New Jersey,” RCNJ partner and Chief Marketing Officer, Jeremy Ryan, said in a statement. “We’re uniquely Jersey, and since Central Jersey is real and not beholden to New York or Philly, our soccer culture should reflect those qualities that are uniquely us.”

The club's women’s team debuted in 2021, progressing to the divisional finals of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, losing to Gotham FC’s Reserve squad. The women also won the Mid-Atlantic division, earning the right to host the Eastern Conference tournament.

The club has men’s teams in several pre-professional and adult leagues. The League Two team placed third in its division in the summer of 2022, while the club’s full-year adult team participated in Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Amateur qualifying for the first time this September.

“As the club advances to the professional ranks, it will continue to attract and develop local talent,” said Ira Jersey, men’s general manager and partner. “A challenge for developing young players in the United States is the lack of local platforms to play professionally close to home and school. Local professional clubs allow players to test themselves at a younger age.”

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