USL Long Island, LLC, has obtained a United Soccer League (USL) franchise and plans to launch a men’s professional team in USL League One in 2028, subject to final league and federation approval.
“We are thrilled to welcome USL Long Island to League One at this unprecedented time for professional soccer in the United States,” said USL President and CEO Paul McDonough.
“Long Island has a rich football history and the club’s management team is committed to promoting the sport locally, building a club rooted in the community and creating a professional pathway for young players who aspire to excel.”
The Long Island club will play its home games at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University, located in Hempstead, NY.
This historic facility is home to the Hofstra lacrosse teams and hosts a variety of professional, collegiate and high school sports competitions and championships.
Thanks to its central location and easy access from anywhere on Long Island, the facility – with capacity for almost 13,000 spectators – combines a deep sporting tradition with the atmosphere and amenities of professional football.
Experienced owners
USL Long Island is led by an experienced ownership group with strong local ties to Suffolk and Nassau Counties:
–Glenn Schneider, principal owner, is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of US Nutrition—a division of the vitamin and supplement company Nature’s Bounty—and current founder and CEO of SUSA FC, a club that serves more than 5,000 players and operates the largest soccer academy and private facility on Long Island.
After spending more than a decade building one of the most respected youth soccer organizations in the country and creating opportunities for young athletes, the Dix Hills, New York, native is now committed to establishing a sustainable path to professional soccer on Long Island.
– Sara Whalen Hess, co-founder and president, is a former US women’s national team player, 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, Olympic silver medalist, and certified clinical psychologist.
Sara grew up in Greenlawn, Long Island and played on the Harborfields High School soccer team. After finishing college, she played for the Long Island Lady Riders and later for the New York Power. In 2001, Sara was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.
“Long Island is where I fell in love with soccer and after everything the sport has given me, bringing a professional soccer club home is coming full circle for me,” said Whalen.
«I have realized that football was never just about winning championships. It has always been about people and creating bonds, a sense of belonging and community. That’s the culture we’re building at USL Long Island. We want every player, every family, every volunteer and every fan to know that they have a place where their presence matters. “Today we announce a professional football club, but what we are really building is a home.”
“Our vision is to create a club that all Long Islanders can proudly call their own,” said Schneider.
«The strongest sports organizations do not limit themselves to playing in a community, but become part of its identity. Long Island has been producing exceptional players and coaches, as well as passionate fans, for generations. “Now is the time to unite that passion around a professional club that reflects our region, inspires the next generation and becomes a lasting source of pride for Long Islanders.”
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Local at Hofstra
Hofstra University has a high reputation and a long history of serving the Long Island community. Its centrally located campus and state-of-the-art facilities will provide an exceptional match day experience for players and fans alike.
“This is an exciting day for Hofstra University and Long Island,” said Rick Cole Jr., vice president and director of athletics at Hofstra University.
“Hofstra has long been home to professional sports teams, leagues and championships, and James M. Shuart Stadium has established itself as one of the region’s premier sports venues. We are proud to partner with USL Long Island in creating a professional club that will inspire the next generation of players and fans, while enriching Long Island’s great soccer tradition. “We look forward to welcoming fans from across the region to our campus for many years to come.”
USL League One
It is worth mentioning that League One is the third division of professional soccer in the United States. Since its creation in 2019, the league has grown to 17 clubs, with more scheduled to join in 2027.
League One teams also compete in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and the Prinx Tires USL Cup. USL Long Island will add a new chapter to the league’s rivalries in the Northeast, joining Westchester SC and the New York Cosmos in the region.
USL Long Island’s name, crest and colors will be revealed in the coming months; Its design will be based on fan feedback and reflect the people, places and culture that make Long Island special. Through consultation sessions, interviews and online surveys, the community will be invited to collaborate in defining the team’s identity.
To learn more and get involved, you can visit USLLongIsland.com and also subscribe to receive the latest news from the club or follow them on instagram.
