Tralee, Ireland & Pembroke, Massachusetts – June 17, 2026
Kerry Football Club is proud to announce a new international partnership with Massachusetts-based New England Force, focused on player development, coaching education, cultural exchange, and global opportunities for young athletes.
The agreement establishes a multi-year collaboration between the two organisations, creating pathways that will benefit players, coaches, and families on both sides of the Atlantic.
As part of the agreement, the organisations will collaborate on youth development clinics, player identification opportunities, coaching education initiatives, tournament participation, and cultural exchange experiences. Kerry FC will also provide selected New England Force players with opportunities to train within the club’s academy environment, while supporting future Force teams visiting Ireland.
Steven Conway, Chief Operations Officer of Kerry FC, expressed enthusiasm for the relationship.
“I am delighted to announce an exciting new partnership between Kerry FC and New England Force, one of the newest MLS academy-affiliated clubs in Massachusetts. Based on the South Shore, within a vibrant and highly populated Irish-American community, New England Force has quickly established itself as an ambitious and progressive football organisation.
Over the past eight years, I have witnessed firsthand the continued growth of football talent across the United States, particularly throughout the Northeast region. Kerry FC and New England Force share many common values and ambitions. Both clubs have been established in recent years and are built upon strong community foundations, providing opportunities for ambitious young players to develop and pursue pathways in football at local, national, and international levels.
This partnership will create exciting opportunities for New England Force players to pursue professional football in Europe through Kerry FC. We are excited to build a meaningful relationship that will support player development and provide clear pathways for talented young athletes on both sides of the Atlantic. We look forward to seeing this partnership grow and flourish in the years ahead.
We are also pleased to announce that Kerry FC will participate in New England Force’s annual College Showcase event, beginning in 2027. This will provide our U17 and older players with a unique opportunity to experience a premier American showcase environment, competing against MLS academy teams in front of more than 100 attending college coaches over an extended weekend.
This event represents an outstanding opportunity for Kerry FC Academy players who may not yet be ready to make the immediate transition into first-team football. The American collegiate system provides a proven pathway for young players to continue their development both on and off the pitch, competing at a high level while pursuing their education. After four years within the collegiate environment, players can return with invaluable experience, physical maturity, and personal growth, placing them in a strong position to challenge for professional opportunities and potentially earn a place within the Kerry FC first-team setup. We are excited about the future of this partnership and the opportunities it will create for players, coaches, and both club communities.”
Don Whitaker, Owner and General Manager of New England Force
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward in our mission to provide world-class opportunities for our players. Working alongside Kerry FC gives our athletes exposure to different football cultures, training methodologies, and development environments while strengthening the international footprint of New England Force. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to developing well-rounded athletes through high-level coaching, competitive opportunities, and international experiences.”
Since its launch, New England Force has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing soccer organisations in New England, serving more than 2,000 athletes across its youth, academy, and community programming. The partnership with Kerry FC further reinforces the New England Force’s commitment to providing unique developmental pathways for players pursuing their highest potential.
For more information about New England Force, visit the club’s website or follow New England Force on social media.
About Kerry FC
Kerry Football Club is a professional football club based in County Kerry, Ireland, competing in the League of Ireland. The club is dedicated to developing football talent throughout the region while providing pathways for players to reach the highest levels of the game.
About New England Force
New England Force is a premier youth soccer organisation based on Massachusetts’ South Shore, providing elite player development opportunities through MLS NEXT, Girls Academy Aspire, National One League, DPL, NECSL, Academy, and grassroots programming. The club is committed to developing players in an environment focused on excellence, opportunity, and community.