The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the first youth soccer league in the United States, which has been serving New York City since 1933, today announced a collaboration with new Major League Soccer franchise, New York City FC.

New York City FC will work with CJSL coaches, providing specific coaching education workshops, in line with the Club’s philosophy and curriculum. The Club and the coaches will work together to identify player talent, appropriate to the age group concerned.

At U-9-11, CJSL players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at New York City FC run soccer festivals. CJSL selected teams will also be invited to participate in New York City FC Youth Development League events, against the Club’s Youth Affiliate clubs.

At U12-17, the Club, along with CJSL coaches, will identify players who will be invited to train at New York City FC Talent Centers.

More broadly, NYCFC will have a presence at CJSL events and will assist CJSL and advise them on how best to structure its competition in line with City Football’s research and knowledge on youth development methodology. To align itself with NYCFC’s player development methodology, CJSL will be the first league in the metropolitan area to implement NO Standings in its U8-U11 age groups.

Dimitrie Draguca, President of CJSL, said:

"Removing Standings, removes the win at all costs mentality that has become too prevalent in our game hurting the development of our younger players. This collaboration between New York City's first and oldest youth League, CJSL and the first MLS Club in the Five Boroughs is the start of a new phase in CJSL's history that dates back 80 years. It only makes sense for our two great organizations to develop a relationship that will provide our City’s children the opportunity they need to develop the skills to take them to the next level of play."

Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director of New York City FC, said:

“I am delighted that we are going to be working with CJSL to help it to develop the League, which will benefit all of its teams, and to provide technical support for its most talented young players. The CJSL is very special to me, as one of the leagues I grew up playing in, so I know how important it is to the fabric of soccer in New York and we are extremely happy to support that.”

About New York City FC and CJSL:

New York City Football Club is an American professional soccer team based in New York City that competes in Major League Soccer. It was announced as the league's 20th franchise on May 21, 2013.

CJSL was founded in 1933 by German-American Immigrants from the old German American Football Association. CJSL is a member of USYSA, ENYYSA and services over 200 teams in NYC.