When was your club founded, by whom, and what is the mission?
Upstate united FC was founded November of 2020 by Hanson Goeso and Fred Erubare Our mission is to positively impact the development of youth in our community by providing soccer and life- enriching opportunities to young players of all ages and playing abilities, to create a lifelong passion for the sport of soccer, and to help raise the level of soccer in our city, our state, and our nation. We strive to play an active role in the leadership, development and personal growth of our players and staff by being an active member of our community through service, partnerships, and programs. Our goal as a club is to encourage, inspire and empower each player and coach to be able to reach the highest level possible within the game and in life, while helping create leaders and individuals that will inspire others to do the same. To achieve this vision, we make every effort to ensure that well-educated coaches. and Staffs develop the skills, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship in each player, and that they foster and perpetuate these qualities at all levels of a player’s growth. We also strive to provide a facility and a tournament and atmosphere for our players and visitors that safely fosters their competitive spirit. Ultimately, we endeavor to empower our players and visitors with a life- long passion and love for the game of soccer. Philosophy Create an environment where our players develop a love of the game of soccer and continue to participate in the sport throughout their lifetime. To achieve this goal, we develop an environment where we teach a creative, attacking, and possession- style soccer built on a foundation of strong technical skills.

Tell us about your badge and colors – what inspired the choice, or did it just fall into place?
Our club badge is red, white, and Blue. Which is the color of united states and flag color of Liberia the country which our founder immigrated from. Our badge features the world globe surrounded by 7 stars which represent the 7 continents. Logo also features two other stars; the left stars represent the club's first major title and right star represent our nickname “Lonestar’’ which honor the Liberian football national team.

What league do you play in? Why did you choose that league?
Upstate United currently plays in the United Premier Soccer League. Northeast conference and in the WNY Premier and D1. We choose the UPSL as a league because of its national status and we believe that such a league will give us the opportunities for our youth to showcase their talent. Our main goal is to become a feeder team for a pro soccer team. Our goal is to play at the USL League 2 level.

Do you sell merch or have plans to?
All club merch can be purchased at Stylent or Diaza online store. We are currently excited about ethnic and tribal Collab kits for 2023. These jerseys will highlight the diversity of heritage within the club.

How did you finish last season? How do you plan on improving for next year?
2022 was the season we had hoped for. We finished last and were relegated to D1. In 2023 we hired the right coaching staff that will be able to produce quality players. We did some inhouse cleaning with staff and players and brought a new guy with a better attitude and experience.

If there were one or two teams, within 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
*Rochester NYFC of MLSNP
Flower City / Salt City Union of NISA

*These answers were provided before we know of the demise of Rochester NYFC

We believe the level talent we acquired this could play at these club’s mention. Such matches would give our player opportunities at a pro contract.

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