Real Central NJ

Real Central New Jersey is a soccer club from Trenton, New Jersey, United States, founded in 2020. The club's men's First Team competes in the Mid-Atlantic Division of USL League Two, and began playing in the 2021 season. The women's team participates in the Women's Premier Soccer League.

The club marks the first soccer team to play in Mercer County since the Penn-Jersey Spirit of the now-disbanded American Professional Soccer League last played in 1991 and the New Jersey Wildcats which folded in 2012. Like the Spirit, RCNJ intended to play out of The College of New Jersey's Lions Stadium. Due to COVID-19 related issues, the club played its first two seasons at Mercer County Community College. The USL2 team kicked off the season against in-state rivals the Ocean City Nor'easters, losing 3–0.

In its inaugural campaign, Real Central NJ's WPSL team placed second in the Metropolitan Conference South. After besting MatchFit Academy in the semi-finals, the team lost to the NJ/NY Gotham FC Reserve team in the conference finals.

The club's women's program is coached by Brian Thomsen, the Technical Director of Next Level Soccer Academy in Pennington, NJ. The men's first team inaugural coach was Patrick Snyder, former college and PDA Soccer staff coach. Following the 2021 season, retiring William Patterson men's head coach Brian Woods was named to the clubs USL team top job.

In 2022, the RCNJ WPSL team topped the Mid-Atlantic Conference with a record of 6-1-1. The team secured the title on the last matchday of the season with a 3-2 home victory against Lehigh Valley Tempest, earning the club the duty of hosting the Eastern Region Playoffs. The team lost to VT Fusion in the regional semi-final in kicks from the penalty mark after 120 minutes of scoreless play.

In 2023, the club's USL2 side placed 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic Conference with a 6-6-2 record. Among the season highlights was attacker Stas Korzeniowski's 18 minute hat-trick against Philadelphia Lone Star in the opening match of the season. The club believes this to be the fastest hat-trick in league history.

The RCNJ men's program also participates in the Delaware River Conference of the Eastern Premier Soccer League and fields a team in the Garden State Soccer League.

**Real Central NJ Soccer Team Description**

Real Central NJ is a dynamic and passionate soccer club dedicated to fostering talent and promoting the beautiful game in Central New Jersey. Established with a vision to create a competitive yet inclusive environment, the team brings together players of all ages and skill levels, united by their love for soccer.

Our mission is to develop not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals who embody sportsmanship, teamwork, and community spirit. With a focus on player development, Real Central NJ offers comprehensive training programs led by experienced coaches who emphasize technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness.

Competing in various leagues and tournaments, Real Central NJ aims to challenge its players while providing them with opportunities to showcase their abilities on the field. The club also prioritizes community engagement, organizing events and outreach programs that promote soccer at the grassroots level and inspire the next generation of players.

At Real Central NJ, we believe in the power of soccer to bring people together, and we are committed to creating a supportive and vibrant soccer culture in our region. Join us as we strive for excellence, celebrate diversity, and build lasting friendships through the love of the game!