What are you announcing today?
Today, we are thrilled to announce that, Sporting JAX, together with the Sporting JAX Foundation, has joined forces with Florida Elite Soccer Academy (FESA). Through this groundbreaking collaboration, we will create Sporting JAX Soccer Academy to establish one of the largest and most comprehensive youth-to-pro soccer pathways in the United States.
What are the details of the partnership? How will this benefit Florida Elite, Sporting JAX and the community and what are the next steps?
We’ve worked closely with Florida Elite since our club’s formation in 2020, and we’re thrilled to combine with Florida’s largest youth soccer organization. Steven, Sean and their team have built an exceptional program, and this partnership reflects our shared values and commitment to elevating opportunities in soccer for athletes, families and communities across the state.
This combination with the Sporting JAX Foundation to continue a joint non-profit operation, allowing us to deliver a seamless transition for athletes from youth programs to professional soccer under the unified Sporting JAX identity. We will also continue to welcome other local youth clubs and academies to ensure access to all resources that elevate soccer throughout the region.
Over the next several months, the organizations will work closely to integrate programs, rebrand operations and establish a unified, seamless pipeline for athletes to reach their full potential at every level of the sport. Sporting JAX is steadfast in its commitment to transparency and open communication with players, families, coaches and staff. As both organizations navigate this transitional period, additional details will be shared as plans are finalized. Sporting JAX and Florida Elite Soccer Academy appreciate the support and understanding of the youth soccer community throughout this process and look forward to building a bright future together.
What are the terms of the merger?
This is a combination of 501 c3 entities in Florida Elite Soccer Academy with the Sporting JAX Foundation. The combination will begin in January 2025 with a gradual transition to full Sporting JAX Foundation control as the surviving 501c3 entity by the end of May 2025. Branding of the two clubs will merge during the transition period with the Sporting JAX brand phasing out the current FESA brand by Summer 2025.
Will Steven and Sean still be in charge?
Steven Mail will continue as President of FESA until the combination is finalized at the end of May 2025. Sean Bubb will continue his role as Executive Director of FESA until the combination is complete when he will assume the same role with Sporting JAX.
Who will be the coaches/trainers? Will they change?
No changes will be made to the coaching or administrative staff, ensuring continuity and stability for players and families. For over a decade, FESA has excelled in running a highly successful youth soccer program, earning a reputation for expertise in the field. Sporting JAX is committed to building on Florida Elite’s proven success and deep experience in youth sports, preserving the foundation that has made the program a leader in the community.
How will this affect current teams? Will athletes play on the same teams?
There will be no changes to current teams or practices.
How will price points be affected? Will prices increase?
Pricing will continue along the same lines as the current FESA setup.
What will be the hierarchy of teams?
Our priority is to create the first-ever true local pathway from youth soccer to professional-level soccer with both organizations coming together. Sporting JAX will continue to co-operate the FESA youth soccer model from ages 2 ½ to 19, but will introduce pre-professional and professional components with elite player academies starting at age 16 and older.
Does this mean teams will lose ECNL status?
No, Sporting JAX Soccer Academy will continue to be a part of ECNL, along with the emerging USL Academy structures.
How does this affect kits? Will they change anytime soon? Will they be more expensive?
Florida Elite will transition to the Sporting JAX brand with new kits this summer for the 2025/2026 youth season. Pricing will be consistent with the current kit FESA pricing structure.
How does this affect other clubs?
Sporting JAX will continue to welcome other local youth clubs and academies to ensure access to all resources that elevate soccer throughout the region.
Will there be any changes to player development?
Sporting JAX Soccer Academy will build on Florida Elite’s successful player development programs by adding a new professional dimension to elevate and create improved pathways for girls and boys throughout the region.
