Den of Lions Soccer Club

What the club offers

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.

History, partnerships, and community role

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.

Tryouts, registration, and next steps

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.

How to reach the club

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.