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Bethany, Conn. – July 26, 2024
Connecticut Football Club (CFC) announced its acquisition of Olé Football Club (OFC) Academy, expanding its footprint in Fairfield County and beyond.
The integration of the more than 45 OFC Academy teams into the newly branded CFC Olé branch is effective immediately and scheduled for the fall 2024-25 season of competition. CFC Olé will become the fourth branch of CFC in the southern portion of the state.
“CFC’s acquisition of Olé FC Academy marks a significant milestone in our state soccer history. This merger not only unites two prominent soccer entities, but also promises to elevate Connecticut’s presence and competitive spirit within the region,” said Eric Da Costa, CFC’s Executive Director. “With Olé reputation for developing young talent and CFC’s proven track record of providing pathways to professional and collegiate play, our combined resources and expertise will offer unparalleled opportunities for all of our players at all levels. The merger of our brands is an important step to consolidate and focus local soccer talent, ensuring that Connecticut soccer players compete at the highest levels.”
In addition, Rodrigo Nunes, president and founder of Olé, has been named CFC’s Senior Technical Director, consulting with CFC Executive Director on programming club-wide. Nunes will also serve as the Technical Director of the CFC Olé program.
“With Rodrigo’s proven leadership, CFC is well positioned to continue enhancing its ability to compete at the Regional and National levels,” said Da Costa. “The soccer landscape throughout the U.S. is highly competitive, and Rodrigo has the expertise, dedication and passion to advance our training curriculums as we seek to provide a superior environment for our players
and families.”
“The 20th anniversary of Olé marks not just a commemoration but a leap forward in nurturing soccer talent and ambition in Connecticut,” said Nunes. “As CFC and Olé unite under a shared mission, we will build a future where local athletes can thrive and make their mark in the broader soccer landscape. I’m thrilled to join the CFC team and am confident that together, we will make a huge impact in advancing soccer development in the state.”
Olé Soccer was established in 2004 to bring focused training and development programs to Connecticut. In just two decades, Olé has grown from a town travel provider to one of the largest U8-U18 boys and girls Academy programs competing in leagues from the Connecticut Elite Development Program to its recently announced entry into the National Academy League.
About Connecticut Football Club
CFC is a proud founding member of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) which is generally regarded as the highest echelon league in the U.S. for youth soccer. Today, the ECNL represents the epitome of excellence in youth soccer, for boys and girls, as the league and its clubs, players, coaches, and everyone involved seeks to constantly “Raise the Game” for the future. Founded in 1999, CFC’s mission was to produce and form Premier-Developmental teams (U9 – U12) and Premier teams (U13 – U19) that competed favorably with top organizations throughout the nation. Today CFC is the largest youth soccer club in Connecticut, offering a variety of team and individual programs from Elite to Premier, for players of all ability levels to aid them in their desire to continue to improve and develop as soccer players and young people. | 
