Revamped Lancaster FC to Offer the Best of Both Clubs Under the
Regional Strength as an FC Copa Affiliate
In a historic moment for soccer in the region, Lancaster FC and Lancaster Elite have merged under the Lancaster FC moniker. This merger creates one of the most comprehensive soccer development platforms in the region, offering opportunities for players at all levels with the value of an affiliate of FC Copa’s regional umbrella.
Lancaster FC will now represent Lancaster FC’s academy teams, Lancaster Elite’s travel teams and recreation program through Manheim Township Soccer Club (MTSC). Under the Lancaster FC umbrella, Lancaster Elite and Lancaster FC teams will maintain their current structure and competitive levels, ensuring a seamless transition with the same quality programming and expanded club support.
The new entity, Lancaster FC, will join FC Copa’s Academies throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania encompassing over 3,000 players. This acquisition positions Lancaster FC within an esteemed network, enhancing development pathways and strengthening its role in the broader soccer community.
Founded in 2004, FC Copa is a nationally-recognized soccer academy with 25 state and 19 regional titles, seven national finals & championships and over 450 Copa players advancing to the collegiate level. Lancaster FC joins FC Copa Academy locations in Brooklyn (New York), New Jersey Central (Hillsborough) and New Jersey West (Flemington).
FC Copa is owned and operated by Copa Holdings, a New Jersey-based international sports investment firm. In addition to FC Copa Academy locations, Copa Holdings maintains soccer interests at the professional level in Latin America and investments in technology and real estate.
“We are excited to bring Lancaster Elite’s legacy together with Lancaster FC under the FC Copa umbrella,” said Oliver Templeton, founder of Lancaster FC. “We believe this merger creates the best possible offering for current and future players in the region.”
“This is a milestone for Lancaster Elite, and our board unanimously approved this move,” added Jim Gotwald, president of Lancaster Elite. “We look forward to serving our players, families and community in the same fashion we’ve performed since 1972 under the new, dynamic entity of Lancaster FC.”
“FC Copa is very excited about this commitment to the Lancaster area, and we have been overwhelmed with the positive response we’ve received from the local community,” said FC Copa President and Founder Roberto Aguas. “We look forward to maintaining the success these two organizations have achieved while growing Lancaster FC under the resources and experience of FC Copa.”
Lancaster FC offers a comprehensive player development pyramid, for male and female players of all ages and skill levels, with offerings starting at the recreation level up to the collegiate level. Lancaster FC teams compete in USL Academy, EDP, UPSL Premier, UPSL League One, Advanced Premier League, CPYSL and Eastern PA State Cups.
Lancaster FC teams will continue to train and play throughout the area including; Penn Medicine Park, Franklin and Marshall University’s Tylus Field and Foundation Fields at Overlook Park.
Lancaster FC is pursuing a number of initiatives as part of its commitment to long-term development. Copa Holdings and the newly-merged Lancaster FC are in active discussions to build a dedicated training facility with indoor and outdoor fields to support its large player base and the high level of interest from new players. Additionally, Lancaster FC has officially committed to fielding a pre-professional women’s team in the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) league. On the men’s side, exciting announcements are planned for 2026, as the club continues to expand its player pathway and competitive offerings.
With the merger underway, Lancaster FC is actively interviewing top domestic and international coaching talent, as well as assembling an executive team to guide the club into the professional ranks in the near future. The overwhelming support from the Lancaster soccer community has fueled this vision, and the club remains dedicated to providing a world-class soccer experience at every level.
For more information and tryout dates, please visit www.LancasterFC.com. For more information about Lancaster FC visit lancasterfc.com or email us at contact@lancasterfc.com. Follow Lancaster FC on Facebook (@LancasterTV), Instagram (@lancasterfootballclub) and X (@Lancasterfctv).
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