Ironbound Crusaders and Ironbound Sport Club have merged to form Ironbound Soccer Club, making it the largest youth soccer organization in Newark. With over 1500 players and coaches in its program, Ironbound SC reaches closer to its goal of operating an Integrated Soccer Program and becoming one of a handful of national programs to offer Recreational, Developmental and Elite levels.

As a benefit of the merger, Ironbound SC has signed an agreement with adidas to become the official sponsor and uniform supplier of Developmental and Elite teams and club tournaments. Adidas is the global leader in soccer and is committed to developing and supporting all levels of soccer and supporter of the new Ironbound SC’s programs, goals and mission.

Along with partnerships and support from the Bernardino Coutinho Foundation, Cisco Da Rosa Foundation, The Salvation Army, training and game field facility partners including Ironbound Boys & Girls Club, City of Newark, County of Essex, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers University – Newark, Kean University, New Jersey City University and Newark Public Schools, Ironbound SC is sure to hit the ground running.

Ironbound SC will also have an alliance with Sport Club Portuguese as its adult program affiliate. Players can progress through the youth ranks and have an opportunity to play in their adult years with Under- 23, Reserve and Premier teams available.

The Ironbound Crusaders is a club with a proud history, best known for hosting an annual winter indoor league held from January to March each year at The Salvation Army – Ironbound Boys & Girls Club. The youth travel soccer arm began in 1988 and has grown each year with many players and teams achieving great honors.

The Ironbound Sport Club Elite level teams have had great success, winning State Cups, Regional events and excelling at national and international tournaments, such as Dallas Cup, Disney Cup and many others. It is a founding member of the Super Y-League of the United Soccer Leagues, representing the Northern New Jersey area. Super Y- League is the only national youth league in the country, aimed at the top 1% of players.

Ironbound SC’s goal and mission is to offer an opportunity for every player regardless of level and ability, to enjoy the game of soccer and promote the physical, mental and social well being of the children it serves. Ironbound SC will have a place for everyone and allow them to develop at the natural pace their ability will allow.

Along with supporting Ironbound SC teams playing a full schedule of league and tournament games, the club will also organize several tournaments. The Ironbound Spring Warm-Up, held in mid-March, which has become the premier early spring tournament in the Northeast as well as the Ironbound Thanksgiving Classic, held in November during the Thanksgiving weekend. The club will also operate a recreation league beginning Spring 2007 which is open to all children regardless of ability. This league will be revival of the Ironbound Boys & Girls Club league which began in the early 1980’s that was the birth of so many great players from Newark.

In its first year, Ironbound SC will focus on coaching development, establishing the outdoor recreation program and strengthening partnerships and alliances.