Westchester County, N.Y., has been awarded a franchise for USL League One, set to begin play in 2025 as Westchester Soccer Club. The club will play its home games at the upgraded Stadium at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, N.Y., aiming to unite soccer enthusiasts from Westchester and Rockland Counties, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey.
With plans to become a pivotal part of the region’s robust soccer scene, Westchester SC will also incorporate the New York Premier FC academy into its framework, set for a rebranding to match Westchester SC’s identity.
Simon Baines, former professional player and coach in England and South Africa, and current owner of New York Premier FC, will oversee the academy and act as the sporting director.
“Bringing professional soccer to Westchester County is not just about starting a team; it’s about building a legacy here. Joining USL League One is the first step in that journey,” Mitch Baruchowitz, head of the Westchester SC ownership group and Profluence co-founder, stated.
The leadership team also includes Danny Dekker, from the New York Dutch Lions, and is supported by Profluence. USL League One President Lee O’Neill noted, “The addition of Westchester County is a significant boost for our league. We look forward to the contributions Westchester SC will make to the community and the development of its players.”
Westchester SC is committed to fostering a vibrant local soccer culture with engaging community events, such as soccer clinics and fan meet-ups, all designed to fuel the area’s passion for the sport. In June, the club will reveal its official branding and uniforms during a large event where season tickets will be made available, signaling an important step for the club and its fans.
The club’s mission is to solidify its role in the local sports community by nurturing a lively soccer environment and creating opportunities for young players to advance to professional levels, thereby elevating both competition and community involvement.
