JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (November 25, 2024) – Sporting JAX, the United Soccer League (USL) franchise group bringing women’s and men’s professional soccer to Northeast Florida, together with the Sporting JAX Foundation, announced today a groundbreaking collaboration to join forces with Florida Elite Soccer Academy (FESA). Together, they will create Sporting JAX Youth to establish one of the largest and most comprehensive youth-to-pro soccer pathways in the United States.
With over 12,000 registered FESA members across the First Coast and beyond, this merger will combine Florida Elite’s renowned youth and pre-professional programs with Sporting Jax’s professional-level operations, resulting in the state’s largest integrated youth and professional soccer platform. Beginning in January 2025, Florida Elite will transition to the Sporting JAX Youth brand, which will include a uniform redesign to align with Sporting JAX’s team colors.
“We’ve worked closely with Florida Elite since our club’s formation in 2020, and we’re thrilled to combine with Florida’s largest and most successful youth soccer organization,” said Steve Livingstone, President and CEO of Sporting JAX. “Steven, Sean and their team have built an exceptional program, and this partnership reflects our shared values and commitment to elevating opportunities in soccer for athletes, families and communities across the state and hopefully beyond.” Livingstone added, “We are honored that Florida Elite has chosen to combine with the Sporting JAX Foundation to continue a joint non-profit operation, which will allow us to deliver a seamless transition for athletes from youth programs to professional soccer under the unifying Sporting JAX identity. We will also continue to welcome other local youth clubs and academies to ensure access to all resources that elevate soccer throughout the region.”
Founded in 2014, Florida Elite Soccer Academy has earned a reputation as one of the premier youth soccer organizations in the country, offering programs from recreational, junior and development leagues to competitive programs through USL League 2 (men) and W-League (women) teams. Led over the past decade by President Steven Mail and Executive Director Sean Bubb, its players have achieved national recognition through college scholarships, championships, participation in the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team and other International team programs.
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“Florida Elite has always prioritized providing opportunities for young players and we recognize Sporting JAX for their shared commitment to bring a true local pathway to professionalism for our players,” said Steven Mail, Florida Elite Youth Academy President. “Together, we are committed to elevating the talents of boys and girls to ensure they reach their full potential, and we are excited for what’s to come.”
Florida Elite Executive Director Sean Bubb added, “We have worked hard over the past 10 years to grow Florida Elite Soccer Academy to the level of one of the best youth soccer organizations in the U.S. and this combination with Sporting JAX is a natural next step and progression for our organization, our families, players, coaches and administrative staff creating and delivering the first complete local pathway from youth soccer to high-level professional soccer here on the First Coast.”
Over the next several months, the organizations will work closely to integrate programs, rebrand operations and establish a unified, seamless pipeline for athletes to reach their full potential at every level of the sport. Sporting JAX is steadfast in its commitment to transparency and open communication with players, families, coaches and staff. As both organizations navigate this transitional period, additional details will be shared as plans are finalized. Sporting JAX and Florida Elite Soccer Academy appreciate the support and understanding of the youth soccer community throughout this process and look forward to building a bright future together. About Florida Elite Soccer Academy Florida Elite Soccer Academy is one the largest and most successful youth soccer clubs in the United States operating boys and girls programs from ages 2½ to 19. The club operates the following programs for its 12,000 registered members across Florida including Future Stars (2½ -5), Rising Stars (5-6), JR Academy (6-8), Recreational (4-19), Recreational Development Academy (8-12); Competitive Program (9-19) and USL League 2 and W-League clubs. Florida Elite's Competitive Program is second to none in the United States and instills a dedication to excellence and teamwork in all players and coaches. The Club’s goals are simply to achieve the highest levels of success through hard work, dedication, and the complete commitment to every level of player. For more information on Florida Elite Soccer Academy visit www.floridaelitesa.com.
About the Sporting JAX Foundation Sporting JAX Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) dedicated to empowering youth through the unifying force of sports and promoting the benefits of soccer in the communities it serves. Guided by the club’s motto, “Lift Every Voice,” the North Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit is committed to creating opportunities where access to soccer and sport is limited or nonexistent while building stronger, more inclusive communities. Through innovative educational programs, soccer-focused initiatives and athletic facilities, the foundation strives to build stronger, more inclusive communities while promoting healthy living, building character and inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential. For more information, visit https://foundation.sportingjax.com or email foundation@sportingjax.com.
About Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX)
Sporting Club Jacksonville, or “Sporting JAX,” was established in 2020 by a passionate group of Jacksonville-based owners and is driven by a bold vision to elevate the area’s soccer scene. Renamed in collaboration with the First Coast community in 2023, the club is committed to launching a women’s professional USL Super League club, a men’s professional USL Championship club and USL Youth Academy in Northeast Florida. Through work with city and county officials, Sporting JAX will spearhead the development of a 15,000-capacity community stadium and training facilities, positioning the First Coast as a premier destination for soccer excellence. The ownership group is led by prominent entrepreneur Ricky Caplin, alongside sporting legends Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor, seasoned pro soccer executive Steve Livingstone and local community innovator Tony Allegretti. Additionally, renowned UF women’s soccer coach Becky Burleigh leads Sporting JAX’s efforts as a consultant to the women’s pro team. For more information, visit www.sportingjax.com.
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Media Contact: Tiffany Hutto l (904) 571-5659 l tiffanyhutto@sjp.com