Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club: A legacy of passion, diversity, and excellence
Frederik Hvillum
Brooklyn Italians, a soccer club based in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, embodies the spirit of heritage, inclusivity, and sporting greatness. With a rich history, a commitment to nurturing young talent, and a vision for the future, Brooklyn Italians has solidified its place as a pillar of the local sports community.
After World War II, several Italians immigrated and settled along the East Coast of the United States. Many made their homes in Brooklyn, New York, where they faced language barriers and struggled to find employment. As a result, various social clubs began to emerge around the US.
In 1949, Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club was founded. The club was formed and became one of the earliest teams in the New York City area.
A club rooted in tradition and diversity
According to Marinda Gilbert, Club Manager at Brooklyn Italians, the club maintains strong ties to Italy while embracing the vibrant cultural diversity of Brooklyn. Marinda Gilbert emphasizes the club's mission: "Our mission is to provide children of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop their passion for the beautiful game and realize their full potential as both players and young adults in NYC's most populous borough."
Empowering girls in soccer
Brooklyn Italians are committed to inclusivity and gender equality within its girls' department. "Our tryouts are open to all players interested in joining our club. We have multiple girls within our travel program that have played with our boys' teams for years and have moved through our club from U7 to U15," Marinda Gilbert says. The club strives to provide equal opportunities for female players, ensuring that no aspiring athlete is turned away.
Marinda Gilbert envisions an exciting future for Brooklyn Italians, stating, "We'd like to expand our girls' program. We want to be known as a highly competitive soccer program and a pillar in our Brooklyn community." The club aims to continue as a soccer powerhouse while fostering an environment empowering young female players.
Supporting dreams and fostering success
Brooklyn Italians go above and beyond to support the aspirations of its players. As an exclusive academy affiliate of the NY Red Bulls, the club offers access to top-tier resources and opportunities for development. "We have many players that have moved on from our club to play professional soccer," the Club Manager explains.
Brooklyn Italians serve as a launching pad for talented individuals seeking to make their mark in the world of soccer.
Brooklyn Italians stand as a beacon of sporting excellence, fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and passion within the soccer landscape of Brooklyn. With a rich heritage, a dedication to nurturing young talent, and a bold vision for the future, the club inspires generations of players, fans, and community members.
Brooklyn Italians is more than just a soccer club — it is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and shaping dreams into reality.
