CLUB HISTORY

After World War II many Italians immigrated to the United States of America. Many Italians from the south of Italy settled along the east coast of the US. A majority of those immigrants settled in Brooklyn, New York. Many of the immigrants did not know how to speak English and did not know where to find work to support their families. Groups of immigrants came together to form social clubs. These social clubs assisted immigrants from all over the world in their transition to a new life in the US.

In 1949 the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club was born. The club was formed and became one of the earliest teams in the New York City area. The newly formed soccer club competed in local leagues in the area against rival social clubs.

In 1979, the Brooklyn Italians won the US Open Cup under the name “Brooklyn Dodgers”. The game was played in Chicago at the Winnimac Stadium against opponent Croatia S.C.. Brooklyn came out on top after winning the game 2-1. Coach Lorenzo DeSimone and his boys brought a major trophy into the clubhouse.

In 1991 the honor of the US Open Cup returned back to the clubhouse. The Brooklyn Italians defeated the Richardson Rockets of Texas 1-0. The goal came in the 7th minute from Ernest Inneh. The game was very tense as Brooklyn was playing with 10 men after Bill Manning received a red card. Bill Manning is currently President of MLS Club Toronto FC.

The Youth sector of the Brooklyn Italians grew tremendously in the 1990s. 1997 saw the Brooklyn Italians Youth Sector capture an international trophy. The Under-14 squad won the Enzo Ferrari International Youth Tournament in Maranello, Italy.

Presently, the club embraces its historical roots while simultaneously representing the diverse cultural community in the greater Brooklyn area. Playing in local leagues, tournaments and cups, the youth side has managed to overflow the club house with trophies. The club’s first team has many players who grew up playing in the youth system.

The club hosts two major US tournaments. In the past few years the club has grown exponentially in the New York City area and the brand grown in popularity. The first team participates in the National Premier Soccer League. The club finished in first place in the Atlantic Division in 2011 and 2013. The club placed second in 2010 and 2012. The youth sector competes in the New York Club Soccer League. Our teams travel yearly to the Dallas Cup, Vincenzo Romano Torneo in Rome and many other tournaments.