CJSL Announces Columbus Cup Partnership with Brooklyn Italians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League and Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club Announce Partnership for the Columbus Cup
Collaboration brings expanded field access, coaching education, and cross-promotion to benefit youth soccer clubs across the region
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — September 19, 2026 — The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) and Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club (BISC) today announced a new partnership centered on the Columbus Cup, BISC's annual youth soccer tournament held each October. The agreement establishes the Columbus Cup as a CJSL-approved event and lays the groundwork for expanded collaboration between the two organizations in the years ahead.
Under the agreement, CJSL will promote the Columbus Cup to its membership throughout the year through dedicated email communications, social media campaigns, and Instagram features, while BISC will provide CJSL with access to its fields for the CJSL Winter Showcase as well as coaching education courses, including classroom space to support instruction. The Columbus Cup will also be listed on the CJSL website as an approved and partner event, with CJSL branding available to BISC for tournament marketing materials.
“This partnership reflects what our league is all about — creating more opportunities for our clubs to compete, develop, and grow the game together,” said Ron Restrepo, Executive Director of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League. “The Columbus Cup has long been one of the premier tournaments in the region, and we're proud to stand behind it as an approved CJSL event. We look forward to seeing our member clubs take the field this October.”
“The Brooklyn Italians have hosted this tournament for our community for decades, and partnering with CJSL allows us to strengthen that tradition while giving back through expanded coaching education and field access,” said Marinda Gilbert, Club Director of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club. “We're grateful for CJSL's support in helping make this year's Columbus Cup our biggest and best yet.”
The Columbus Cup regularly draws more than 100 teams from across the New York City area and beyond, including clubs traveling from other states and Canada. This year's tournament will take place in October, with registration open now to clubs throughout the region.
Both organizations noted that this agreement marks the beginning of a broader working relationship, with additional details on field dates, coaching courses, and joint marketing efforts to be finalized collaboratively in the months ahead.
About the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL)
Founded in 1933, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is one of the most historic youth soccer organizations in the United States and has been a cornerstone of youth soccer in New York City for more than 90 years.
CJSL provides developmental and competitive opportunities for players from U7 through U19, serving a diverse community of clubs and families throughout New York City and the surrounding region. Affiliated with Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and US Youth Soccer, CJSL continues its long-standing mission of bringing communities together through the game while supporting the development of players, coaches, referees, and clubs.
About Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club (BISC)
Founded in 1949, the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club has served the Brooklyn and greater New York City soccer community for more than 75 years. The club has a distinguished place in American soccer history, highlighted by U.S. Open Cup championships in 1979 and 1991, while continuing its commitment to developing youth players on and off the field.
The Columbus Cup is one of the club’s signature annual events, bringing teams and families together for competition and community while serving as an important fundraiser supporting Brooklyn Italians youth soccer programs year-round.
