by Per Gary Moody
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that New Haven United FC has joined the league. The club will begin play in the 2025 season.
“New Haven United FC is a welcome addition to the NPSL,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “We are excited to grow the game in Connecticut, bringing the NPSL brand to more soccer fans and supporters in the region. New Haven United will be a great partner to our league thanks to an ownership group and front office with considerable experience in the beautiful game.”
The club is led by President Jason Price, Sporting Director Carlos Oliveira Jr., and Head Coach and Director of Player Development Kledis Capollari.
Price is a business and community impact leader with over two decades of experience in private equity and real estate investment. As co-founder and chairman of NXTHVN, he has built a nationally recognized arts incubator in New Haven’s Dixwell community. A longtime advocate for high-level youth soccer in Connecticut, Price is expanding the development pathway by bringing top-tier amateur soccer to the city, creating new opportunities for players and fans.
Oliveira Jr. is a Brazilian-American with a lifelong passion for soccer, inspired by his father, a former professional player and current coach. His deep connection to the game has fueled a career dedicated to helping players achieve their dreams on and off the field. As a former player agent, he has successfully placed players across South America, North America, and Asia, demonstrating a keen understanding of the global soccer market. He is also the founder of Dream Sports Management, where he works with international and domestic recruits as a college consultant, guiding aspiring athletes toward opportunities to advance their careers. He is committed to fostering talent and creating pathways for success in the world of soccer.
Capollari previously held several roles with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic, including reserve team head coach, head of youth development, and first team assistant coach. He is the owner and technical director of Besa Soccer and the technical director of BESAXDREAM professional showcases.
New Haven United is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable soccer program that strengthens the connection between New Haven’s rich soccer culture and the broader regional soccer ecosystem. Their operational and sporting structure will foster partnerships with affiliates, youth academies, and professional clubs, creating a clear pathway for player development and community engagement.
For high-level Division I college players, New Haven United offers a vital opportunity to train and compete in a professional-caliber environment, gain exposure to scouts and coaches, and refine their skills alongside top talent. By playing in the NPSL, they will experience the rigor and intensity needed to take the next step in their careers, whether in the professional ranks or at elite collegiate levels.
New Haven United is more than just a team. It is a movement dedicated to uniting the city through soccer, providing opportunities for aspiring players, and delivering an exciting gameday experience that enhances community pride.
Fans and supporters can learn more by visiting www.newhavenunited.com or following the club on Facebook (@newhavenunitedfc), Instagram (@newhavenunitedfc), and Twitter/X (@nhunitedfc).
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
