Weston FC explained

Weston FC is a soccer club in Weston, Florida competing in the USL League Two. They are also one of the largest soccer clubs in the country for youth soccer.^[1]

History

The club was founded in 1998 as a youth soccer club.^[2] They have approximately 1,100 players and 70 teams registered in their youth program,^[3] developing several players such as Inter Miami CF players Benjamin Cremaschi, Noah Allen, George Acosta,^[4] among others across the MLS. In 2020, they were selected as one of the clubs to join the new MLS Next academy program.^[5]

In 2015, Weston added a semi-professional team in the National Premier Soccer League.^{[6] [7]} They moved their team to the Premier Development League in 2017.^{[8] [9]}

Controversy

In 2019, Weston FC faced a major scandal when a 14-year-old player alleged that he was sexually assaulted by teammates during a trip to Colombia. This sparked outrage, leading to lawsuits, investigations, and player suspensions. The controversy exposed hazing practices, lack of safeguarding measures, and power dynamics within youth sports. It resulted in increased scrutiny, policy changes within Weston FC, and calls for broader reform across youth sports organizations to prevent abuse and protect young athletes.^{[10] [11]}

Year-by-year

Year	Level	League	Reg. Season	Playoffs	Open Cup
2015	4	NPSL	5th, Sunshine	did not qualify	did not enter
2016	4	NPSL	8th, Sunshine	did not qualify	did not enter
2017	4	PDL	8th, Southeast	did not qualify	did not qualify
2018	4	PDL	6th, Southeast	did not qualify	did not enter
2019	4	USL League Two	8th, Southeast	did not qualify	did not qualify
2020	4	USL League Two	Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021	4	USL League Two	4th, Southeast	did not qualify	did not qualify
2022	4	USL League Two	6th, Southeast	did not qualify	did not qualify
2023	4	USL League Two	1st, Southeast	Conference Quarterfinals	did not qualify

Notes and References

1. Web site: Weston FC Cup & Showcase draws thousands of youth soccer players. Emmett. Hall. March 11, 2018. Sun-Sentinel.
2. Web site: About Us. Weston FC.
3. Web site: 100s of young soccer players left with postponed games as Weston club is sidelined. October 26, 2019. Tonya. Alanez. Sun-Sentinel.
4. Web site: George Acosta proud to represent hometown with Inter Miami CF. Khobi. Price. June 7, 2020. Sun-Sentinel.
5. Web site: MLS youth academy program adds three South Florida clubs. Khobi. Price. May 13, 2020. Sun-Sentinel.
6. Web site: Weston FC Joins the NPSL. February 27, 2015. International Soccer Network.
7. Web site: Weston FC Joins the NPSL. February 27, 2015. NPSL.
8. Web site: Rowdies U23 Joining Premier Development League. February 3, 2017. Soccer Stadium Digest.
9. Web site: PDL Welcomes Weston FC as New Franchise. Premier Development League. November 30, 2016 .
10. Web site: Lawsuit alleges Weston FC soccer player sodomized on team trip. Local 10. June 11, 2019 .
11. Web site: Alleged sexual assault of a minor at Florida soccer club. Univision.