Hillsborough, NJ & Tampa, FL - The United Soccer League announced today that NJ Copa FC will join the USL W League beginning in the 2025 season. The club currently plays in USL League Two and USL Academy. 

FC Copa Academy was founded in 2004 as one of New Jersey’s premier youth clubs before its pre-professional team, NJ Copa FC, was formed five years ago as the pinnacle of the club’s development structure. The club’s mission is to identify, develop and educate youth soccer players and coaches in a positive, structured and challenging atmosphere in the pursuit of excellence.   

“Joining the USL W League provides a best-in-class platform at the top of FC Copa and NJ Copa FC’s comprehensive pyramid,” said Lori Berman, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “This team will be pillared by FC Copa’s fundamental care structure of supporting every member of the FC Copa family through academic guidance, college placement, progression to the professional game, coaching opportunities and specifically advancement in their post-academy lives. We are excited to have our women’s program aligned with the rest of our organization by joining the USL. The W League, as one of the premier women’s league structures in the country, provides us with an opportunity to continue playing a leading role in promoting and championing the growth of women’s soccer nationwide.” 

FC Copa Academy emphasizes creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all players, coaches and staff. The club’s philosophy is “Cura Personalis,” a Latin phrase meaning “care for the whole person,” which is seen through the club’s focus on taking care of the person before the player by using soccer as tool to teach positive traits and life skills. 

Over 450 FC Copa Academy alumni have gone on to play in collegiate programs, and 42 players have played professionally and internationally. Among those playing professionally, NJ Copa FC alum Sydney Cummings currently plays in the USL Super League with Spokane Zephyr FC and represents Guyana at the international level. 

NJ Copa FC will play its home matches at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ, as a member of the Metropolitan Division. 

“NJ Copa FC has shown over the last few years its dedication to developing top talent and providing a strong pathway for players,” said Joel Nash, SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “Their expansion into the W League is an exciting step that reinforces their commitment to the women’s game and growing opportunities for players at the highest level.” 

To learn more about FC Copa Academy, visit the club website, Instagram, Facebook and X.