GOTHAM FC ALLIANCE

Rhode Island, July 8, 2025 — Rhode Island Surf is proud to announce it has officially joined the Gotham FC Alliance, a landmark development initiative led by NJ/NY Gotham FC, reigning 2023 NWSL Champions. This partnership establishes a Professional Player Pathway for young female athletes, offering them access to elite opportunities, coaching education, and a tangible route to the professional game.

Founded to connect top youth soccer clubs with a direct link to the NWSL, the Gotham FC Alliance is a strategic collaboration focused on talent identification, competitive development, and club-to-club support across the region.

"We are very lucky to have Rhode Island Surf as our 1st official Alliance Member in Rhode Island and partner with one of the most dynamic clubs in the region. This agreement is a true testament to their commitment to creating new opportunities for their young female athletes."

— Pierre Soubrier, Gotham FC – Pro Player Pathway Director

Gotham FC’s Player Pathway Vision

To REDEFINE the standards and structure of a professional women’s soccer development system in the United States, while generating homegrown talent for the Gotham FC First Team.

"This partnership with Gotham FC represents a significant step forward for Rhode Island Surf and our players. It connects us directly to one of the top clubs in the world’s best women’s league and creates a clear and inspiring path to the professional game. Our goal is to prepare and guide players who are ready to take that next step—and now, with Gotham, that dream is more accessible than ever."

— Brad Furnival, Rhode Island Surf – Girls Academy Director

What to Expect from the Rhode Island Surf – Gotham FC Player Pathway

• Dedicated Professional Player Pathway Staff linking Rhode Island Surf with Gotham FC to oversee player identification and development benchmarks.

• Talent ID Clinics hosted by Gotham FC, evaluating players ages 13 to 17.

• Formation of regional “Super Teams” at each age group for enhanced training environments.

• Launch of the Gotham FC ID Showcase Tournament in 2026.

• Continuing Education for Rhode Island Surf staff through collaborative programming with Gotham FC coaches.

• Direct Access to Gotham FC First Team, Second Team, and club resources.

• Ongoing collaboration between Rhode Island Surf Directors and Gotham’s Professional Player Pathway General Manager on future initiatives.

Rhode Island Surf joins a growing group of regional clubs aligning with Gotham FC to raise the bar for player development in women’s soccer. The alliance focuses on inclusivity and access, making the dream of professional soccer more tangible for the next generation.

"At Rhode Island Surf, we are committed to providing the highest-level opportunities for our players—on and off the field. Joining the Gotham FC Alliance reinforces our dedication to creating real pathways for young female athletes to reach the professional level. This partnership empowers our players to dream bigger, train harder, and see a future in the game that is both attainable and inspiring."

— Aleksej Skundric, Rhode Island Surf 

About Rhode Island Surf:
Rhode Island Surf is a premier youth soccer organization committed to player development, excellence, and leadership on and off the field. As part of the nationally recognized Surf Soccer family, the club provides high-performance training environments and meaningful pathways for young athletes.

About NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Gotham FC is a National Women’s Soccer League club based in the New York/New Jersey area and the 2023 NWSL Champions. The club is dedicated to redefining the professional women's soccer landscape by developing elite talent, engaging communities, and setting new standards in player development.