Promotion and relegation? In American soccer? Though it may not exist at the professional level of the game in the United States, at some regional semi-pro and amateur levels teams can move up and down divisions as is the norm in soccer leagues across much of the rest of the world.
New York’s Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) is part of one such league system in the U.S., and one of New York City’s burgeoning clubs, New York International FC, was recently crowned CSL Division 2 champions, securing promotion to Division 1.
Away from the Red Bull and City Football Group-owned Major League Soccer sides in the area, a whole host of historic clubs play matches across the city and surrounding area each week in various local leagues and cups.
The CSL includes teams such as former US Open Cup winners New York Pancyprian-Freedoms and New York Ukrainians, and one of the oldest soccer teams in the U.S., Hoboken FC 1912 which is based across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
A Backdrop for Promotion
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New York International achieved promotion in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, one of the current homes of MLS side New York City FC.
The scene could be analogous to the structure of US soccer, in that the top professional leagues such as MLS effectively lock out other teams from joining them due to their closed-off nature and a lack of promotion and relegation.
The lower divisions, though, are encouraging growth, community participation and progress in their own way.
A 3-0 victory against Williamsburg FC at Macombs Dam Park was enough to see New York International win the CSL Division 2 thanks to a better head-to-head record against Block FC with whom they finished level on 43 points.
For good measure, New York International also boasted a superior goal difference, in the most part thanks to 70 goals scored across the 18 games played having favoured attacking play with a high press throughout the 2023/24 season.
“Last year we went unbeaten for the whole of the spring season and finished second, but we lost in the playoffs on penalties which was a real bitter pill to swallow," says New York International manager and club founder, Nick Platt.
“We played more of a counter-attacking style in the second half of last year, and then the new players we had this season allowed us to be a lot more attacking.
“We really went with high press, possession-based football. We have a lot of pace up top across the front three so were able to utilize that in both ways—using the best of the counter-attacking from last season and then also focusing on more attacking, possession-based football.
“We gave up a lot more goals this season, but we scored a lot more as well. So the things for me to think about for next year is how to get the balance so we're not conceding as easily, because with the really high press, you would often leave yourself open to counter-attacks yourself.”
Further Progress
And there is another step for clubs like New York International to take. In Division 1 of the CSL, teams now get the chance to move up to the Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL) which covers the states of Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
New York International and the other teams in Division 1 would be aiming for promotion to the EPSL Metropolitan Conference, with other conferences including teams arriving from other regional leagues on the East Coast such as the Garden State Soccer League and the Long Island Soccer Football League
Leagues like this could provide the basis for a pyramid of leagues across soccer in the United States.
It's often said that the country lacks the existing structure and depth of teams to accommodate promotion and relegation, but in many ways, as the CSL and EPSL show, a soccer pyramid with practical geographical divisions already exists in some regions.
Throughout their successful season, New York International could be seen using the slogan “Win For Davide.”
This is a tribute to their former player, Davide Giri, who was tragically killed on his way home from training one night in December 2021.
“You will see Davide involved in everything that New York International does,” Nicholas Alexandrakos, the club's director of community outreach recently told the Astoria Post.
“The club does not want his life and his legacy to be overshadowed by tragedy.
"Instead, they want to make sure that they’re uplifting and celebrating his life and legacy.”
5k For Davide and Community Links
Since 2022, the club has organised the 5k For Davide event in remembrance.
In fitting with the New York International name, this year’s 5k for Davide will see participants from all corners of the world including the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Thailand, and the Philippines.
They will also arrive from other states including Florida, Texas, Vermont and Maine. Participants can run, cycle, or walk as much of the distance as they are comfortable with.
Those looking to take part in the 5k—on Saturday, June 15, starting from Fit Club NY, 21-03 31st Ave in Astoria, Queens, at 10 am local time—can sign up here, with donations optional. Donations for those not able to participate can be made here.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the EV Loves NYC soup kitchen, which has a strong relationship with New York International FC.
Club representatives, including players, coaches, and supporters from the wider New York City soccer community have regularly volunteered at EV Loves NYC.
“We're expecting a big turnout from the players at the 5k for Davide," Platt says of the team’s work in the community.
"Lots of the lads, when we have a weekend off, will go down to EV Loves NYC and volunteer.
“One of the guys, Will Rawlings, completely off his own back, recently organized a clothing and football boot drive.
“He collected equipment and gear from everyone and took it down to some of the asylum seekers who didn’t have anything to play football in.
“When people buy into the club culture, wanting to give back, it is a hugely proud moment for the club. It’s more important than winning.”
“Davide was a good friend and helped build this club,” New York International vice president and player-coach Gary Philpott told the Astoria Post.
“The amount of people who showed up for the club and the messages of support we received—the community aspect of it—has been incredible.
“All of the new players who joined at the start of the season hear a story about Davide and what he meant to the club and what he still means to us.”
This weekend's 5k promises to be an event of celebration—of New York International’s recent promotion, and of Davide Giri who will forever be a part of the club and its community.
