ALBION SC Brooklyn revealed as new ALBION SC National Affiliate

ALBION SC has announced the expansion within the ALBION SC National Affiliate program, welcoming ALBION SC Brooklyn, formerly SABA NYC, a historic and highly-competitive club in the Brooklyn area.

ALBION SC Brooklyn joins one of the highest-regarded National Affiliate programs in the U.S., as ALBION expands into the Brooklyn and New York City market. Now featuring over 10,000 total players, ALBION SC’s National Affiliate program is quickly becoming one of the largest network of youth clubs in the nation, with the goal of advancing soccer both nationally and in each of its local markets.

By rebranding as ALBION SC Brooklyn, the SABA NYC organization will be provided with a platform for immediate national recognition, while receiving major operational and strategic support. In addition, it connects ALBION SC Brooklyn to the resources, structure and overall network to build out its player development model and help accelerate the vision of the club inside the next 3-5 years.

ALBION SC has continued to expand its National Affiliate Program due to the demand from programs to build on their success while benefitting from the insight and structure of ALBION SC’s organization. The club takes the success of their existing program and utilizes the branding, structure, operational strength, reputation, programming and the resources developed at ALBION SC to reach new levels and opportunities for players, teams and staff.

“ALBION SC Brooklyn has so much potential based on the leadership, the player pool, the market demands, and the overall ambition of the group,” said Mark Santistevan, ALBION SC, COO. “They are highly motivated to accelerate the club to new heights and this alignment will allow for immediate success.”

“ALBION SC Brooklyn is a club that will see tremendous growth and success and with all that we will unfold, there will be an immediate competitive advantage for players and coaches to succeed,” Santisteven continued. “ALBION SC Brooklyn has strong leadership with people that really, really care. It has been a pleasure to already establish such strong inroads and collective work towards bringing a vision to soccer in the Brooklyn area.”

ALBION SC Brooklyn will expand their services and opportunities throughout the area. Teams currently compete in the US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer models. Moving forward, ALBION SC Brooklyn will send players into the National Elite Platform within ALBION SC, and will be part of the action with top ALBION SC teams during the regular season and throughout the year, as some players will participate in the MLS NEXT, Elite Academy (EA), Girls Academy (GA) and Development Player League (DPL) platforms.

“Over the past 22 years, I’ve had the chance to witness the ever-changing soccer environment in downtown Brooklyn,” said Harry Triana, ALBION SC Brooklyn Technical Director. “In order to enhance our capabilities and continue to impact the community, we’ve affiliated with ALBION SC. The ALBION SC affiliation gives us access to the systems and resources that strengthens our infrastructure and distinguishes us from other clubs in the area.”

“Through the ALBION SC pathway, our players now have opportunities to reach all levels within the US Soccer pyramid, Triana continued. “This changes the soccer scene in Brooklyn, providing the community with a nationally recognized brand and proven winner. I’m extremely proud of what SABA has achieved over the last two decades. The legacy built by all our past coaches, players and parents has put us in this position to create something bigger in Brooklyn. I’m excited to embark on this journey alongside the ALBION SC family as we strive to reach new milestones”

Additionally, teams will gain opportunities to compete in the ALBION CUP National Showcase, and other ALBION SC Affiliate Showcases, as well as be a part of the ALBION SC NATIONAL Elite Showcase Teams comprised of top players from all ALBION SC Affiliate clubs that will travel and play in ALBION CUP SPAIN taking place in August 2022 in San Sebastian.

Teams will compete under the ALBION SC Brooklyn name effective for the 2021-2022 season.

“We are so excited to be working with Brooklyn based on the leadership, the player pool and the geography,” said Kyle Hagenburger, National Director of College Placement & Elite Programming. “This will open up so many doors for the players and teams and allow for immediate opportunities.”

Kushal Patel, ALBION SC Brooklyn Director of Soccer stated the following:

“This is an amazing opportunity for the players, families, and the club as a whole. The administrative structure that ALBION brings to the table is phenomenal and it will allow us to evolve to better serve the kids. I am excited to see where this takes us. Having grown up in New York City, providing the best for the city’s players is my passion. The creation of ALBION SC is all about creating the best opportunities for the players in Brooklyn. Our club has a special community of parents, players, and coaches. It is very exciting to have an opportunity to give the players of the area access to the best quality development in the borough. The combination of ALBION SC’s resources, development plans, and pathways allows us to become the model club in Brooklyn. Brooklyn has long desired a club that offers a pathway for highly skilled players. We are excited to grow ALBION SC Brooklyn to provide that pathway. Over the long term, we hope to continue to tell the stories of the great moments, teams and groups of people that will come together to make this club what it needs to be. This move changes the landscape of soccer in New York City and offers an opportunity to build something that we can all be proud of.”