Hartford City FC Set to Join NPSL for 2017 Season
Hartford City FC will kick off the 2017 NPSL season as the league’s latest expansion side. The NPSL is welcoming several expansion clubs as the league has developed a cost-effective model to bring the beautiful game to communities across the United States.
NPSL Soccer News: The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has announced that Hartford City FC (Hartford, CT) will join the league as its latest expansion club for the 2017 season. Hartford City will compete in the Northeast Region’s Atlantic Conference.
“Hartford is an important step in the Northeast,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone commented. “It’s A huge soccer community surrounded by a wealth of elite collegiate soccer. It’s a tremendous bridge between Boston and New York City.”
Hartford City FC is led by Aaron Sarwar and Hami Kara. Sarwar, who will serve as owner of the club, is currently an officer in the Connecticut Air National Guard. His family owns the Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan, a Hartford restaurant that opened 28 years ago. Sarwar’s father, Naseer Sarwar, is a partner and investor in the team.
Kara will serve as the team’s captain and goalkeeper. An NSCAA All-American in junior college, Kara transferred to the University of Pittsburgh for the remainder of his eligibility. During his time with the Panthers, he earned Big East Goalkeeper of the Week honors three times and finished in the top 10 in shutouts in school history. During his professional career, Kara spent six months in Turkey with several clubs in addition to playing for the Columbus Crew SC during the 2013 MLS preseason.
“Our goal is to get on the field and bring soccer to Hartford,” Sarwar added. “We joined the NPSL because it is a respected league with a proven track record. They have had great success in markets such as Hartford.”
Related Articles: Inter Nashville FC Joins NPSL; NPSL Expands With Orange County FC
Photo Credit: National Premier Soccer League
