CJSL Honors Award Winner 2026 – Legacy Club Honoree - South Bronx United
Photo Credit - "Melanye Martinez, SBU Academy Class of 2025"
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is proud to recognize South Bronx United (SBU) as the recipient of the 2026 CJSL Legacy Club Award.
The Legacy Club Award recognizes organizations that have made a lasting impact on youth soccer in CJSL, while demonstrating a long-standing commitment to player development, community service, and the growth of the game. South Bronx United embodies these values through nearly two decades of transformative work both on and off the field.
A Message from Andrew So, Founder & Executive Director, South Bronx United
"I started South Bronx United in 2009 to leverage the passion that South Bronx youth had for soccer in order to help them achieve not just on the field but also in the classroom, in their community, and in life. One of the first things I did when I started the organization was to apply to join the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, so that our participants had somewhere to play and compete and an opportunity to travel outside of their neighborhoods.
Since starting that spring with one U13 boys team (who lost all but one game), South Bronx United has grown to serve nearly 2,000 children, young adults, and their families annually through programs that combine soccer with academic enrichment, college preparation, mentoring, workforce development, immigration legal services, civic engagement, and more.
Seventeen years later, thousands of youth have gone through our programs, with many succeeding in our SBU Academy to make it to college, earn a degree, and start a career. The CJSL has played a big part in this organizational growth, and it has also played a big role in the lives of young people who often face many obstacles just to make it onto the field each day. As such, we are extremely proud to be recognized as this year's CJSL Legacy Club Honoree!"
A Message from CJSL President Max Watson
"As someone who grew up playing in the CJSL, I remember competing against South Bronx United teams and seeing firsthand the passion, pride, and commitment they brought to every match. Over the years, SBU has become much more than a soccer club—they have become one of the most respected youth development organizations in New York City.
What Andrew and his team have built is truly remarkable. Through soccer, they have created opportunities for thousands of young people and families, helping participants succeed not only as athletes but as students, leaders, and members of their communities. South Bronx United represents everything that the Legacy Club Award stands for, and CJSL is honored to recognize their outstanding contributions to the game and to the lives of so many young people."
Award Presentation
South Bronx United will be formally recognized as the 2026 CJSL Legacy Club Honoree at the CJSL Annual General Meeting:
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Location: Gjoa Clubhouse
Address: 850 62nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220
CJSL looks forward to celebrating South Bronx United's achievements and recognizing the organization's lasting impact on youth soccer and the communities it serves.
About South Bronx United
Founded in 2009, South Bronx United uses soccer as a vehicle for social change, providing youth and families with access to educational, leadership, and career development opportunities. What began as a single youth soccer team has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization serving nearly 2,000 participants annually.
Through its integrated model, SBU combines competitive soccer programming with academic support, college preparation, mentoring, workforce development, immigration legal services, community engagement, and family support services. The organization has helped countless young people achieve success in high school, college, and beyond while remaining deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Learn more about South Bronx United at: https://www.southbronxunited.org
About the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
Founded in 1933, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League is one of the oldest and most respected youth soccer leagues in the United States. Serving clubs throughout New York City and the surrounding region, CJSL provides competitive opportunities for thousands of players each year while promoting player development, sportsmanship, education, and community engagement.
More than a league, CJSL is committed to creating positive experiences that help players, coaches, clubs, and families grow both on and off the field.
Learn more at: https://www.cjslsoccer.com
