Island F.C. brings MLS Next Pro to Long Island: 2,500-seat Uniondale stadium opens 2027

Island F.C. is bringing professional soccer to Nassau County—joining MLS Next Pro with a brand-new, privately funded stadium planned at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale. The club is targeting a spring 2027 debut and an initial 2,500 seats, expandable to 5,000 as demand grows.

Led by principal owner and chairman Mitchell Rechler and president Peter Zaratin, Island F.C. aims to elevate the region’s player pathway with year-round training and community programming. Zaratin—also founder/CEO of Globall Concepts and an owner of the Long Island Rough Riders—says the mission is to build opportunity, pride, and lasting impact for local players and fans.

Stadium + timeline
The new stadium will rise inside the Mitchel Athletic Complex, long known for hosting soccer and track events, and will serve as both game venue and academy hub. Seating starts at 2,500 with the ability to expand to 5,000, aligning with MLS Next Pro standards for intimate, supporter-friendly venues. First kick is slated for spring 2027.

Why MLS Next Pro, why Long Island?
MLS Next Pro is Major League Soccer’s professional development league, designed to bridge elite youth development and the first team. Adding Island F.C. makes Long Island the league’s newest market in the Tri-State area and the first on Long Island—reflecting the Island’s deep soccer roots and strong pipeline of youth talent.

Economic + community impact
Local leaders hail the plan as a boost to entertainment options, small-business activity, and youth programming across Nassau and Suffolk. The ownership group has signaled scholarship opportunities, expanded academy initiatives, and a future push to bring women’s pro soccer back to Long Island.

What’s next
Island F.C. will build out its technical staff, youth pathway, and supporter community ahead of the 2027 kickoff. We’ll track stadium milestones, academy announcements, and ticket timelines as they’re released.