When you talk about sports in New Jersey, soccer doesn’t always get the attention it deserves — but that’s changing fast. And if you need proof, look no further than what’s happening with NJ/NY Gotham FC.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Yael Averbuch West, the club’s General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, at Gotham’s training facility in Whippany. Yael is a Montclair native, a former U.S. Women’s National Team player, and now one of the key architects behind one of the most ambitious projects in professional sports: turning Gotham FC into a global brand with New Jersey at its core.
From the moment we started talking, it was clear how deep her roots in the Garden State run. She grew up surrounded by elite talent and world-class coaches right here in North Jersey, and she credits that experience for shaping not only her playing career, but her leadership style now.
What struck me most was how intentional Gotham FC is about doing things differently. As Yael explained, women’s soccer has long been viewed through the lens of being “tied to the men’s game” — an afterthought or a sidecar. But Gotham isn’t interested in being a little sister club. They’re building their own thing: independently operated, unapologetically bold, and fully capable of standing on its own.
That mindset bleeds into everything from roster construction (which includes Olympic gold medalists and World Cup champions) to the game-day experience, which Yael describes as part soccer match, part community block party. There’s face painting, fireworks, tailgating, and a growing movement of fans who don’t just support the team — they power it.
But Gotham’s ambitions aren’t just on the scoreboard. We talked about their community programs like “Keep Her in the Game,” which provides more opportunities for girls to stay involved in sports. We talked about the launch of the GFC Collective newsletter, designed to connect directly with youth players, parents, and coaches. And we talked about what it’s like to pitch international stars on why they should come play in New Jersey — a place that, to us, needs no introduction but might not be familiar to a player flying in from Europe or South America.
As someone who’s been highlighting the stories of New Jersey’s people and places for years, I left our conversation feeling genuinely inspired. Gotham FC is more than a sports franchise — it’s a reflection of what this state is all about: hustle, pride, resilience, and big dreams.
If you haven’t been to a game yet, go. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or someone who just wants to spend a great night out surrounded by people who care about something bigger than themselves, Gotham FC delivers.
Pride Night is June 7 at Red Bull Arena. I’ll be there. You should be too.
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Learn more about Gotham FC, sign up for their GFC Collective newsletter, and grab tickets at GothamFC.com.
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.