Arizona Arsenal SC
Overview
Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club is a competitive youth soccer club based in the Phoenix area, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 46-2192713). The club holds the ECNL franchise for both boys and girls in Arizona — the only club in the state with full ECNL membership. Training and tryouts are held at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa.
Financials
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,495,752 | $2,797,599 | $2,878,085 |
| 2023 | $2,806,204 | $1,921,689 | $2,179,932 |
| 2022 | $2,178,341 | $2,938,932 | $1,295,417 |
| 2021 | $2,855,721 | $2,268,261 | $2,056,008 |
| 2020 | $2,195,404 | $1,694,960 | $1,468,548 |
| 2019 | $1,861,820 | $1,568,653 | $968,104 |
| 2016 | $1,067,132 | $1,103,141 | $483,281 |
Source: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, 990 filings (HIGH).
Key trends: Revenue grew from $1.1M (2016) to $3.5M (2024) — 228% growth in 8 years. Net assets are strong at $2.9M with zero liabilities reported. The club generates consistent surpluses ($700K in FY2024). One anomaly: FY2022 expenses exceeded revenue by $760K — possibly a one-time investment.
Teams & Players
Estimated 1,500+ competitive players (LOW — extrapolated from revenue). Teams U7 through U19.
League Affiliations
- ECNL — Boys and Girls (full member, Southwest Conference)
- ECNL-RL — Regional League
- USL Academy
- ASA State League
Facilities
Primary training at Arizona Athletic Grounds, 6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ. Also hosts the Inside Classic summer indoor tournament.
Leadership
- David Belfort — Executive/Technical Director (USSF Academy Director License, USSF A, US Soccer YNT Boys Scouting Network)
- Tanna Finnvik — Club President
- Lindsey Johnson — ECNL & ECNL-RL Girls Director
Competitive Position
Arizona Arsenal is the #3 club by revenue in Arizona but holds arguably the most prestigious competitive platform — full ECNL membership for both boys and girls.
Strengths: ECNL franchise (both genders), strong financials, zero debt, rapid growth, USL Academy pathway Weaknesses: Smaller scale than PRFC Youth or RSL-AZ; dependent on leased Arizona Athletic Grounds facility
Industry Context
Arizona Arsenal occupies a distinctive position in the Arizona market: it holds the ECNL franchise for both boys and girls — the only club in the state with full dual-gender ECNL membership. Financial fundamentals are strong: $3.5M revenue, $700K surplus, zero debt, and $2.9M in net assets. The club has grown 228% since 2016 and continues to generate consistent surpluses. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure is typical for clubs at this tier. The ECNL franchise rights are the defining competitive asset and the primary barrier to entry for any club seeking to replicate this pathway position in Arizona.
Open Questions
- Is David Belfort or the board open to acquisition or partnership conversations?
- What is the club’s facility lease arrangement at Arizona Athletic Grounds?
- How does the ECNL franchise transfer work in an acquisition?
- What drove the FY2022 expense spike?