Established as Harlem Youth Soccer in 1991 the mission was to provide a safe environment for youth from Harlem, Bronx and Washington Heights to experience the world’s game. Now in 2025 professional women’s and men’s soccer has grown exponentially and the pathway to pro has become clearer.

However, the pathway remains inaccessible for youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in US inner cities. The high cost to play, limited playing space and lack of coaches with required technical and cultural competencies leave limited quality opportunities for inner city youth to develop their game.

In alignment with the growth of the game in the US, FC Harlem is taking the bold step into elite player development for our communities. Our model is 100% free to selected participants across all programs, incorporating a hybrid approach utilizing a curriculum supported by small spaces in the community and participation of our most committed players in elite competitive leagues in NYC and around the US.

Most importantly our soccer programs are built on a foundation that celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of our players and their families.

We believe the next American soccer star exists in our communities. We at FC Harlem are committed to this endeavor now and into the future.