What's Next for CT United FC

August 30, 2024

CT United FC aims to be more than a soccer club. We aspire to be a transformative force for the state of Connecticut. Even before stepping onto the pitch, we’re already making a meaningful impact on families and communities across the state.

This past spring, we launched the only free soccer academy in Connecticut, offering elite training for talented young athletes regardless of their financial background. The response was overwhelming, with over 600 players from all over the state eager to join our inaugural class. This initiative underscores our commitment to making soccer accessible to all families.

Our decision to locate the stadium on Bridgeport’s east side was intentional, aiming to revamp a historically underinvested area. We’ve secured zoning approval to transform a dormant greyhound racetrack, a closed public park, and neglected land into a world-class stadium and more. The entire Bridgeport waterfront development project will generate over $4 billion in economic impact for the state by 2050 and create over 1,000 jobs, according to the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at UConn.

Since January’s announcement that Connecticut was awarded an MLS NEXT Pro team, we have made significant progress. There is still much to be done to fulfill our vision of establishing a professional soccer club with state-of-the-art stadium complex that will revitalize both the state’s economy and spirit. After consulting with the league and local officials, we have decided to debut the MLS NEXT Pro team in 2026. This additional time will enable us to complete much-needed infrastructure work around the stadium site and continue to build out our talented staff.

As we gear up for the 2026 season, there’s plenty to look forward to in the near term:

  • Our MLS NEXT Academy U14 and U16 teams will start competing against the top youth players in North America this September;
  • Our online shop, offering fans the opportunity to purchase gear with our official branding, will open this fall;
  • We will launch our MLS NEXT Academy U18 team in fall of 2025; and
  • Our MLS NEXT Pro team will take the field in March 2026!

We’re not just building a soccer team; we’re creating a legacy that will benefit Connecticut for generations. The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to share it with you!