TSF FC JOINS THE NPSL

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that TSF FC (Wayne, NJ) has joined the league as an expansion team.  The club will compete in the league’s Northeast Region.

“We welcome TSF FC to the National Premier Soccer League,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone commented. “We look forward to their NPSL membership as we continue to grow the game in our Northeast Region.”

TSF FC is led by Director of Coaching and Head Coach Luis Mendoza and Academy Director Lee Bakewell.

Mendoza, who holds a USSF “A” license, joined TSF Academy in 2010.  He has spent time as a scout for U.S. Soccer and as the Technical Director for the Real Madrid Select Program. He brings a wealth of experience and a professional playing background in his home country of Venezuela, where he represented the men’s national team, and abroad.

Bakewell, who also holds a USSF “A” license, joined TSF Academy in 2007 and has progressively grown with the club in a variety of roles to his current position as Academy Director.  He played at the collegiate level in England prior to leaving for the United States and currently coaches the 2006 Boys and the U12 team in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

“We will provide a fully committed and dedicated organization that will help to further enhance and help grow the league and the game within the USA at all levels,” Bakewell added.

TSF FC will play its home matches at DePaul High School in Wayne, New Jersey. DePaul HS, a facility that features a turf field with seating for approximately 2000 people, has been the home of TSF Academy for the entire history of the club. In 2017, TSF will be opening a new facility in Clifton, New Jersey. It will feature a grass playing surface, concessions stand, and locker rooms.  This new location will utilized by TSF Academy for a variety of games and events.

“The NPSL matches our core values and philosophies as an organization, which is to help develop the game and inspire all our players to aim for the highest level possible by providing them a clear development pathway,” Bakewell concluded.

Established in September 2005, TSF Academy is a currently a member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the Eastern Development Program, and US Club Soccer.

TSF Academy operates a player pathway exposing players to a more professional, competitive format of soccer training.  The club has demonstrated success with players being selected at the youth national team level, including current U.S. U19 National Team player Adam Ozeri, who also plays for Club Atletico Banfield in Argentina.  A number of other TSF players have earned professional contracts, including Alex Muyl and Connor Lade of the New York Red Bulls.  Many TSF Academy players have also been invited to attend regional U.S. Soccer Training Centers.

TSF Academy believe in encouraging an attractive, attacking, and possession-based game at all levels of the club. The club strives to develop players that are comfortable and confident in possession of the ball and have the desire and ambition to work hard and achieve their aspirations and dreams.

In 2015, TSF Academy were selected as a founding member, and the only New Jersey representative, of the New York City FC Youth Affiliate Development League. The NYCFC Affiliate Development League is a central part of their talent development program.

TSF Academy teams have enjoyed national and state success with five national titles and ten NJ state championships.  The club competes in varying competitive events, from local leagues to college showcase tournaments and national leagues.  Six teams from TSF participated in the prestigious Dallas Cup in 2016.