Founded in 2014, Jackson Lions FC has become a fixture in the Super Division of the Garden State Soccer League (GSSL) as well as regularly competing in tournaments in USASA Region 1. This summer the club won the New Jersey Soccer Association’s Open Cup. Mike Durazzo, co-owner and founder of Jackson Lions FC, took some time to answer questions about the club.

What made you want to start a soccer club?

By having a huge player pool of players from 18yr olds to 40 yr olds. Our goal was to build teams no matter what age group that can play at a national level. Seeing what teams like Christos have done gave us the inspiration to start what we did.

What has been the biggest challenge over the past five years?

Travel. Some of our players have jobs and careers, and with travel it’s always an issue. But in the last two years the commitment level has been where we always knew we could get it.

How would you describe the level of play in the GSSL?

New Jersey in general produces a lot of good players. The GSSL also has some great clubs that have been around forever like Sporting Club Portuguese, Vistula Garfield SC, Ukrainian Sitch SC and Polonia Wallington SC Panthers who always put out competitive teams. Not to mention FC Motown who are one of the best amateur teams in the nation.

Who are the players on your first team that have impressed you the most?

To be honest all our first team players impress us. But if I had to name some I’d say it’s a shame that Walter Calderon, Matthew Jeffery and David Nigro aren’t playing in MLS.

Your games are streamed on MyCujoo. How has streaming increased your exposure?

Yes, it has attracted more players. The thing we try to do is promote our players, and with live streaming our games it gives our players a stage to be noticed.

Talk about your relationship with Atlantic City FC.

In previous summers our players were spread out through the NPSL. Our players always wanted a chance to play together in the NPSL, and ACFC gave us that chance. [Atlantic City FC] finished first in the Keystone Conference in our first year with them, so it was a successful first season.

Which club would you say is your biggest rivalry?

FC Motown - it’s more of a friendly rival since we have worked together in the NESL (Northeast Elite Soccer League) and with some of our players playing with them in the NPSL. But at the end of the day they are a rival we respect and want to beat every time we step on the pitch against them.

The club has moved from the Ocean County Soccer League to the Garden State Soccer League in its history. Is there any thought of a move to a regional or national league in the future?

I really can’t see us making the jump anytime soon. Financially it wouldn’t make sense, and with us playing in national tournaments in Region 1 I think the competition is there. In fact, just the Region 1 teams alone like FC Motown, Christos, Lansdowne, West Chester, the Greek teams from the Cosmopolitan League and recent National Champs Newton Pride FC. Those teams can compete against any NPSL level teams, and even some USL teams.

From where you sit, how do you view the state of lower league soccer?

Competitive - a lot of competitive teams out there. Just wish there was a system that would reward some of the clubs for success. How to do that? Still don’t know but there has to be a way.

What would your advice be to someone who wants to start an amateur club in today's environment?

Get a lot of sponsors big and small. Try to establish yourself with a youth club and promote the players. A lot of time I’ve seen people start clubs/teams for their own egos. Take care of the players and the more talented players will come.