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About AC Connecticut

Formally CFC Azul, A.C. Connecticut joined the USL’s Premier Development League (PDL) for the 2012 season, becoming the only soccer franchise based in Connecticut. Along with a men’s USL2 (formerly PDL) team, A.C. Connecticut works closely with local travel programs and provides the area’s best regional soccer program involving the best local soccer ambassadors and coaches, using the best facilities and focusing on the technical, tactical, physical and psychosocial components of the game to improve our players.

AC Connecticut officially announced a partnership with the USL Championship side Hartford Athletic in February 2021. The partnership focuses on developing a pro pathway, player opportunities, training, friendlies and more. Hartford Athletic and AC Connecticut work together to create a pathway to the pros. AC Connecticut players have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with Hartford Athletics’ first team and Hartford also supports AC Connecticut's recruitment process.

The USL on the boy’s/men’s side is the second tier of competition below just Major Soccer League (MLS). The same pathway is being created on the girl’s/women’s side with the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) at the top and the USL being the second tier of competition. 

Why Choose AC Connecticut?

  • Committed Staff- At our soccer club, the dedication of our coaches to the development and well-being of the kids is truly exceptional. These mentors not only possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the intricacies of the sport but also harbor a genuine passion for nurturing the young talents under their guidance. The commitment extends far beyond the pitch, as our coaches invest time in understanding each child's unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where every player feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. 
  • Various Elite Programs- The club's coaching staff is adept at creating tailored training sessions that accommodate varying skill sets, fostering an environment where each participant can thrive and progress at their own pace. Additionally, our club promotes a culture of developing a genuine love for the sport. By providing a range of programs that cater to different skill levels, we aim to instill a sense of confidence, teamwork, and accomplishment in every participant, contributing to their overall growth and enjoyment of the beautiful game.
  • Proven Success Rate- Our soccer club takes immense pride in its proven track record of success, with numerous players achieving remarkable milestones by advancing to college and even professional levels. The club's commitment to comprehensive player development, coupled with the expertise of our dedicated coaching staff, has created an environment where aspiring talents can flourish. The emphasis on honing technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning has consistently prepared our players for the challenges of higher-level competition. 

Player Pathway Information

  • U8-U10: EDP Futures 
    • Players within the U8-U10 age bracket will start off playing for one of the teams in the EDP Futures League. In this league they will learn to grow their skills and compete competitively. 
  • U11-U12: EDP Championship
    • Players can move up from the EDP Futures League to the EDP Championship to compete with similar level teams in a local area. 
  • U11-U15 USL Youth
    • ​​​​​​​USL Youth is a driving force for American soccer’s greatest energy: its youth players. It is dedicated to elevating the youth player experience in the United States by inspiring, educating, and engaging the American “soccer generation.”
  • U13-U19: ECNL RL, USYS NL, EDP Championship
    • ECNL Regional League: The highest regional league where players compete and travel to tournaments and gain exposure.
    • USYS National League: Compete with teams in a multi-state tier mainly playing other teams in Connecticut and Eastern New York. With the best teams earning advancement to the USYS Regional Championship. 
    • EDP Championship: A league where our teams compete locally with similar level opponents, designed for families to travel less but still compete competitively.   
  • U20: USL A
    • The USL Academy League establishes a high-level pre-professional training environment year-round, with a direct connection to the local USL senior team.
  • U23: USL 2, USL W
    • USL 2: Pre-Professional League, the league holds a vital role as it continues to provide the elite platform for those pursuing professional careers domestically and internationally.
    • USL W: The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The League and its member clubs are committed to investing in women’s soccer


Executive Staff

Peter D'Amico

Owner/President

Robin Schuppert

Managing Director

Antony Howard

Director of Coaching, Boys U15-19

USL Technical Director

Owen Baillargeon

Camp & Clinic Director

Barry O'Reilly

Girls USL Academy Head Coach

Girls High School Director

Steve Carneiro

Director of Youth Development, Boys U9-14

Support Staff

Alex Harrison

Paul Prisco

Boys Teams

Teams Coaches
USL A Antony Howard
U19 Nick Kyriakidis, Joe Mingachos, Manny Catarino
U17 Nick Kyriakidis, Thomas Guadardo, Ryan Mingachos
U16 Doug Rivard, Thomas Guardado
U15 Dave Lavery, Franz Warren
U14 Rui Amaral, Kauli DosSantos, Litos Alves
U13 Daniel DaSilva, Rui Amaral
U12 Daniel DaSilva, Apollo Costa
U11 Tony Fernandes, Joey Gonazlez
U10 Albert Oliva, Ismael Ricardo, Eric Garcia
U9 Stephen Borst
U8 Owen Baillargeon

Girls Coaches

Teams Coaches
USL A Barry O'Reilly
U19 Alex Harrison, Steve Lopes
U17 Barry O'Reilly, Adam Cannale
U16 Tom Newell
U15 Barry O'Reilly
U14 Tom Newell, Michele Reggiano
U13 Barry O'Reilly, Owen Baillargeon
U12 Dallas Moore, Riley Moore, Michele Reggiano
U11 Megan Doyle, Daniel Russo
U10 Joseph Dossantos, Megan Doyle