Gotham FC should add a youth academy to help build for the future

NJ/NY Gotham FC has won two of the last three NWSL Championship trophies, proving that the organization has all the ingredients for a dynasty. With household player names such as Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Esther González, and, of course, Jaedyn Shaw, a blockbuster signing who aided the club in capturing the 2025 Championship, the NJ/NY side has enjoyed tremendous success. The fan base has grown exponentially since the team’s rebrand as Gotham FC in 2021.

Meanwhile, having a youth academy is a common aspect of many professional soccer systems, especially in Europe. Kids are often scouted for academies as young as six years old and play through age groups in the hopes of making a senior professional roster.

The youth academy model has also taken huge strides on U.S. soil, with New York City FC's academy being a prominent pathway to professional soccer under a Major League Soccer umbrella. Through their academy system, the Bronx team has produced 19 Homegrown players to date, showing extraordinary technical ability and maturity that allowed them to showcase their skills at the highest level of men’s soccer in the United States.

Gotham FC needs a youth academy

In the case of Gotham FC, it is particularly interesting because the NJ/NY side represents not only New York, but also New Jersey. With soccer being such a global sport that brings fans together from all over the world, many of whom play in various local leagues across both states, there is an abundance of youth talent surrounding a club of Gotham FC’s stature. It is surprising that the organization has yet to tap into a youth academy system fully.

However, a Grainbridge Super League team, Brooklyn FC, which is Brooklyn, New York’s first women’s professional soccer club, has cultivated a youth pathway system through their own academy, which was started in 2023, and by partnering with a well-known soccer club, Brooklyn City FC.

This partnership aims to give girls within their youth system mentorship and a pathway to open doors, providing current and future generations of players an opportunity to sign professional contracts and, hopefully, one day represent one of the biggest boroughs in New York City.

So, why has Gotham not done the same? They have partnerships with local youth clubs, but the team itself does not have a direct academy or a partnership like Brooklyn FC has.

According to a June 2, 2025, article written by Brett Knight entitled "The NWSL’s Most Valuable Teams of 2025", Gotham FC ranked seventh with a valuation of $110 million and $9 million in revenue. Having an academy would add to the cost of the club, but clearly, the Bats can afford to add one.

One could argue that with a notable brand like Gotham, parents of young players chasing the professional soccer dream would likely be willing to pay top dollar to have their daughters trained by the best personnel available. This could aid in convincing the team to create one.

While professional clubs like the NJ/NY side typically acquire talent through transfers or the college system, there is something uniquely powerful about watching a player learn, grow, and build confidence from a young age and ultimately see their dreams unfold on the biggest stages. As Gotham FC continues to make its case as a growing dynasty, establishing a youth academy for young women could ensure that future legends are developed for years to come.