The Metropolitan Oval Foundation,a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion and development of youth soccer in New York.

Our mission is:   

• To provide a unique opportunity for youth from underprivileged urban areas in New York to participate in our soccer programs; to encourage good sportsmanship; to encourage teamwork; and to learn the necessary skills to play competitive youth soccer throughout the United States & international.
• To provide exceptional youth soccer players with a challenging program that will offer opportunities to compete in national and international competitions, with a goal that these players will gain exposure to enhance their opportunities to further their development as student athletes at the college level.
• To put a year-round “soccer-only” training facility in place with top quality playing surfaces, lighted field, and an all-weather field turf — an environment through which players at Met Oval can reach their full playing potential

History of Brooklyn Knights and Met Oval Teams

            The Brooklyn Knights were founded in 1997 as a team in the Premier Development League (PDL) of the United Soccer Leagues.  The PDL is the highest amateur league in the United States, preparing players for professional and/or college play.  The Brooklyn Knights are the only team in New York City to be in the PDL continuously since it was founded.  The PDL is part of the United States Olympic Development program.

            The Brooklyn Knights have qualified for the PDL national playoffs several times.  This is despite strict adherence to use of under-23 players, although the league allows as many as eight players over 23 on the roster.  The Knights’ philosophy is player development, which should be accomplished by age 23.  The Knights have used players as young as 17, which sets them apart from many of their opponents.

            In 2000, the Brooklyn Knights became a sponsor of the youth soccer teams of the Metropolitan Oval Foundation, Inc.  Founded in 1925, the Metropolitan Oval is the oldest continuously used soccer-only facility in the United States.  The Brooklyn Knights/Met Oval youth teams include seven teams ranging from under-11 to under-18.  These youth teams have had substantial success.  In addition to first and second place finishes in many local tournaments in the New York area, their accomplishments include: