Den of Lions Soccer Club is a Newark, New Jersey–based youth and adult soccer organization founded in 1995. The club blends introductory MLS GO developmental soccer, competitive boys travel aligned with the National Premier Leagues level, and adult league participation through CASA, while operating as a nonprofit that also channels community support into player opportunities.
The MLS GO developmental program introduces beginners and early-stage players to dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork through encouragement, small-sided play, and age-appropriate activities; that pre-travel track is oriented to roughly ages 4 through 12. Developmental pathways also begin from about age three for children who need a non-competitive, learning-first environment before stepping into travel.
Competitive boys travel runs roughly from about age six through the high-school years, with licensed coaches, ongoing assessment, personal development planning, and feedback framed around long-term player growth. Boys travel teams operate on an NPL pathway, and multiple birth-year sides carry named head coaches. For the 2025–2026 travel cycle, tryouts welcome both boys and girls across North Jersey age bands, with direct email contacts for families who need scheduling or placement details.
Adult programming focuses on league soccer in North Jersey through CASA, with separate points of contact for open-age, over-30, and over-40 team interests so adults can find a competitive fit.
The organization traces its roots to 1995 and emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Competitive milestones include a national championship in December 2019 and more than ten state cup titles. In March 2024, Den of Lions became an official academy affiliate of Sporting Clube de Portugal, connecting players to European club methodology and development resources. A nonprofit donation channel supports coaching, equipment, and facility access for youth participants.
Travel tryouts for the 2025–2026 seasonal cycle are open for motivated players across North Jersey. Families typically email the boys program and club leadership contacts or complete the tryout registration steps staff outline for that year. New families start from the online registration hub for MLS GO developmental enrollment, boys travel outreach—including the listed boys program director phone and email—or adult league contacts depending on age and competitive goals.
General inquiries can go to contact@denoflions.com. Boys travel and operational questions are routed to Tiago Afonso at tafonso@denoflions.com or 973-818-0625. Reach Paulo Baptista at pbaptista@denoflions.com for additional club leadership questions. Adult open, over-30, and over-40 teams use Jason Sabrosa (908-265-7901), Alex Brito (908-274-9000), and Jason Manso (973-296-1144) respectively. Instagram @denoflions.sc carries club updates between seasons.
Compare Den of Lions Soccer Club with other youth soccer options in your area before making a decision. These directory links make it easier to review local clubs, broader New Jersey programs, and nearby team options in one place.
What ages and program levels does Den of Lions offer?MLS GO covers introductory, pre-travel development for young children, oriented roughly to ages 4 through 12, with additional developmental pathways from about age three in non-competitive settings. Boys competitive travel serves roughly ages 6 through 19 on an NPL pathway. Adult CASA league teams begin at age 20, with separate open, over-30, and over-40 contacts.
When are tryouts or how do families join travel?For the 2025–2026 travel cycle, open tryouts welcome boys and girls across North Jersey. Email tafonso@denoflions.com or pbaptista@denoflions.com for tryout details, then complete the tryout registration steps those contacts provide for that seasonal year.
What is Den of Lions’ mission, history, or coaching approach?Founded in 1995, the club centers on developing youth talent while stressing skill work, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Competitive milestones include a December 2019 national title and more than ten state cups. Coaching emphasizes individualized development plans, licensed staff, and regular feedback for travel players, and the March 2024 Sporting CP academy affiliation adds a European partner pathway.
How can families contact, register, or follow updates?Email contact@denoflions.com for general questions, tafonso@denoflions.com or call 973-818-0625 for boys travel, and pbaptista@denoflions.com for additional leadership contact. Start at denoflions.com/register to choose MLS GO, boys travel, or adult league pathways. Follow @denoflions.sc on Instagram for announcements; for adult open, over-30, or over-40 interest, call Jason Sabrosa at 908-265-7901, Alex Brito at 908-274-9000, or Jason Manso at 973-296-1144.
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