With the UPSL’s Fall Season well-underway, we were fortunate to have NY Empire FC’s co-founder, Max Ferro, reply to our request for an Under the Lights article. He was generous with his time and answered all of our questions about the newest club in the Northeast American (North) Division of the United Premier Soccer League.

Tell us the origin story of NY Empire FC - when was the club founded? By whom and what was its mission?
NY Empire FC was founded in 2024 by myself, Max Ferro, alongside my business partner Rob Mannino from The Kulka Group. Our mission was to create a competitive and community-driven soccer club that not only gave local talent a platform to shine but also provided exciting, high-quality soccer for fans in the Long Island area. We wanted to bridge the gap between grassroots and professional soccer, offering players a pathway to further their careers while engaging with our community.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to your New York community?
Our badge and colors represent the spirit and energy of New York. We wanted it to serve as a timeless emblem of pride for our players and fans. It's simple but bold, much like the team we’ve built. It connects with the community by representing the Empire State – a nod to New York’s strong, resilient character.

What league does your adult team play in and what helped you choose that league?
We currently play in the UPSL Premier Division. We chose the UPSL because it’s one of the fastest-growing leagues in the country, offering a high level of competition while also promoting the development of semi-professional teams like ours. The league’s structure aligns with our long-term goals of growth, allowing us to compete against quality opponents and giving us the platform to qualify for major national tournaments, like the U.S. Open Cup.

Many clubs choose to sell hats, scarves or replica kits - how does your club keep the lights on and cover its league costs? How can interested people support you?
We rely on a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise to cover our costs. Local businesses like Liga De Justicia and The Kulka Group have been incredible partners, helping us keep the lights on. Fans can support us by attending games – we regularly draw 500-750 fans per match, which has been a game-changer. Additionally, purchasing NY Empire FC merchandise, from t-shits to hoodies, goes a long way in supporting the club’s future. We’re also exploring additional sponsorship opportunities with local and regional companies to continue growing. Following us on social media is also huge. Our Instagram is growing and our social media team does great work. @ny.empire.fc

What were the goals and aspirations heading into this season? How has it gone for NYE FC?
This is our debut season in the UPSL, and so far, we’ve been making a strong impression. One of our major highlights was winning our first home game in front of 500 fans. Our goals this season are to make a run in playoffs and to build a foundation for long-term success in the league. Ultimately, we’re aiming to be a dominant force in the UPSL, with a focus on developing players and pushing for silverware in the coming years.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
If I had to pick, it would be NYCFC or NY Redbulls. Both are iconic names in New York soccer, and a friendly against either would be an exciting challenge. It would also be a great opportunity to bring more attention to the level of soccer we’re playing at NY Empire FC, while giving our players a chance to measure themselves against elite competition.

Want to know more or get involved?
Follow NY Empire FC on Instagram HERE