Oakwood Soccer Club
Overview
Founded in 1988 in Glastonbury, CT. Non-profit youth soccer club with year-round training. One of the most decorated clubs in Connecticut history. Based in the Hartford metro area.
Financials
Unknown. 990 filing data needed. EIN unknown.
Teams & Players
Estimated 40+ teams. Boys and girls programs from youth through U19.
League Affiliations
Key move: Oakwood announced in March 2026 that it is leaving MLS NEXT and joining ECNL Boys beginning 2026-27. The decision was driven by roster challenges caused by Connecticut’s dual-participation rules — players cannot compete for club and high school simultaneously. As many as 15 players from the 2008 age group and 8 from the 2009s chose high school over MLS NEXT in the fall, leaving Oakwood unable to field full rosters. Technical Director Carlos Parra (arrived November 2025) led the strategic shift.
Facilities
- Oakwood Sports Center (Glastonbury) — Two 20,000 sq ft indoor turf fields, 15,000 sq ft basketball/volleyball courts, 5,000 sq ft strength/conditioning turf. Renovated summer 2024. Historic facility operating since 1980. Relationship between club and sports center needs clarification (owned? affiliated entity?).
Leadership
- Carlos Parra — Technical Director (since November 2025). Drove the MLS NEXT to ECNL transition.
College Placement
Strong track record: 25+ collegiate All-Americans, 18 national team players, 25+ alumni in professional soccer.
Competitive Position
- 4 national championships, 22 regional medals, 70+ state championships since 1988
- Glastonbury location gives access to affluent Hartford suburbs
- ECNL move positions Oakwood as the second ECNL Boys club in CT (alongside CFC)
- The HS conflict issue that drove the ECNL switch is a bellwether for other CT clubs
SYNRGY Relevance
Top acquisition target in Connecticut. Oakwood combines brand history, facility access (Oakwood Sports Center), ECNL membership (2026-27), national championship pedigree, and Hartford metro location. The recent leadership change and league transition could create an acquisition window. Facility economics (owned vs. leased) are a critical unknown.
Open Questions
- Does Oakwood own or lease the Oakwood Sports Center? What entity controls the facility?
- What is the club’s revenue? 990 data needed.
- What is the full coaching staff structure under Parra?
- How does the ECNL transition affect enrollment and retention?
- What is the relationship with Glastonbury town soccer programs?