Soccer fans in South Jersey can celebrate because soon they will have a new expansion soccer team to cheer for at Stockton University.
The Atlantic City FC, an expansion developmental team from the NPSL will be playing their home games at the G. Larry James Stadium beginning on May 5, 2018, against the Nebraska Bug Eaters.
The team will play a total of 10 home games from May to July. For a complete schedule, you can go to www.atlanticcityfc.com.
According to Stockton’s Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Kevin McHugh, talks began in August to have the Atlantic City FC play here. How will ACFC impact Stockton University? McHugh says “The relationship with ACFC will reinforce Stockton’s commitment to Atlantic City and to community partnerships.
It will also provide additional exposure for the University and focus more general soccer attention on Stockton and our facility.” The other good news is that current and former players at Stockton University will have an opportunity to try out for ACFC.
Will Stockton men’s soccer team interact with ACFC? McHugh said “I don’t see our team interacting with their team in any kind of playing situation. However, our players might be involved in some form of youth clinics at some point but nothing has been worked out about anything like that yet.” Developing partnerships with local media, radio, and television helps to connect the sport of soccer with the community where it hopes to inspire and encourage youth athletics.
Are there any disadvantages for teams such as ACFC using a facility like G. Larry James Stadium that would impact maintenance costs? McHugh says “There is a chance that they could impact the condition of the field but the contract calls for them to support any repair to the field that might be necessary due to their use of it.”
Atlantic City FC was formed in 2017 and is sponsored by Stockton University, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, and the Tropicana. The Chelsea Hotel will host the players during their season. The team is coached by former Swansea City A.F.C. player Kristian O’Leary.
Jeremiah White, a former USA Men’s National Soccer and Ocean City Nor’easters player will be the technical director who will help O’Leary develop players. The home games will be broadcast on WOND radio and live-streamed on WOND’s website. You can follow Atlantic City FC on Facebook, Twitter @AtlanticCityFC, and Instagram.
Tickets for these games will cost $11 or you can purchase Season tickets for as low as $77. Atlantic City FC is also offering package deals that include jerseys, scarfs and exclusive club events for $260.
