Lancaster Elite Becomes Lancaster FC

After decades of contributing to Lancaster’s soccer landscape, historic club Lancaster Elite—established in 1972—has officially merged with Lancaster FC. Previously, a strategic partnership enabled Lancaster Elite’s player development pathway to feed into Lancaster FC’s academy programs. Now, the two clubs have united under one banner, further streamlining the journey from U9 through the USL Academy level and beyond to future senior teams.

This merger follows the recent announcement of Lancaster FC’s acquisition by Copa Holdings, a New Jersey-based soccer investment firm. By joining forces, Lancaster Elite and Lancaster FC form a cohesive organization that provides clear progression for players. The foundation laid by Lancaster Elite over the years ensures a strong platform for athletes aspiring to compete in college or professional soccer.

With a newly structured system, Lancaster FC will now offer development teams at every age group, leading to academy-level squads for players ready to advance. This seamless approach reflects an exciting time for soccer in Lancaster, uniting the sport’s rich local history with fresh investment and opportunities for growth.

“After numerous discussions with Lancaster FC and Copa Holdings, it was clear this was the logical next step for our club,” said Jim Gotwald, President of Lancaster Elite. “Having partnered for two years, we’ve already seen how effective this collaboration can be. Merging under one umbrella allows us to deliver the highest level of service to our players while maintaining momentum in advancing soccer locally and nationally. We look forward to what this new chapter brings for Lancaster’s greater soccer community.”