Hartford Athletic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hartford Athletics an MLS team?

Is Hartford Athletics an MLS team? Hartford Athletic is not an MLS team. While Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top-tier professional soccer league in the United States, Hartford Athletic competes in the USL Championship, which is recognized as the second division in the U.S. soccer league system. Founded in 2018 and based in Hartford, Connecticut, the team began play in the 2019 USL Championship season. Although Hartford Athletic is a fully professional club and draws passionate support from the local community, it is not affiliated with Major League Soccer. Instead, the USL Championship provides a highly competitive platform just below the MLS, featuring ambitious clubs from across the country. Fans interested in top-level soccer action in Connecticut will find Hartford Athletic offering an exciting game-day experience, but for now, the club competes just below the MLS tier, striving for excellence and building a strong soccer culture in the region.

What are the Hartford Athletics?

What are the Hartford Athletics? Hartford Athletic is a professional soccer team based in Hartford, Connecticut, competing in the USL Championship

Does Hartford have any sports teams?

Does Hartford have any sports teams? Yes, Hartford, Connecticut, is home to several professional and semi-professional sports teams across various sports. The most prominent is Hartford Athletic, a professional soccer team competing in the USL Championship, which brings exciting soccer action to the city. Additionally, Hartford has a rich sporting history, once being the home of the NHL's Hartford Whalers. Today, the city also boasts the Hartford Yard Goats, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Colorado Rockies, playing at Dunkin' Park. In hockey, the Hartford Wolf Pack, an AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, calls the city home. These teams contribute to a vibrant sports culture in Hartford, offering year-round entertainment for fans of soccer, baseball, and hockey. Whether you're interested in catching a thrilling soccer match with Hartford Athletic or enjoying America's pastime with the Yard Goats, Hartford provides a diverse array of sporting experiences for residents and visitors alike.

What level is Hartford Athletics?

What level is Hartford Athletics? Hartford Athletic plays at the second tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid, competing in the USL Championship. This league is officially recognized as Division II by the United States Soccer Federation, sitting just below Major League Soccer (MLS), which is Division I. The USL Championship features strong competition and is home to many clubs with ambitions of growing the sport and developing future soccer stars. Hartford Athletic's participation at this level means they face high-quality opposition and have access to professional facilities, coaching, and training resources. The club's involvement in Division II ensures that fans witness a high standard of play and enjoy the excitement of professional soccer close to home. As the team continues to establish itself, Hartford Athletic remains a central part of Connecticut's sporting landscape, bridging grassroots soccer and the elite levels of the game in the United States.

What league is Hartford Athletic Academy in?

What league is Hartford Athletic Academy in? Hartford Athletic Academy serves as the developmental arm of Hartford Athletic, focusing on nurturing young soccer talent in Connecticut and beyond. The Academy competes in the USL Academy League, a platform designed to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer. The USL Academy League brings together elite youth teams affiliated with USL professional clubs, offering a high level of competition and a clear pathway for players aspiring to progress to the senior squad or higher levels of the sport. By participating in this league, Hartford Athletic Academy provides its players with valuable experience against top-tier youth competition, advanced coaching, and exposure to professional soccer environments. The Academy's mission is to foster homegrown talent, emphasizing player development, education, and community engagement, making it an essential part of Hartford Athletic's commitment to growing soccer in the region and developing future stars for both the club and the wider soccer landscape.