Photo by Ed Marra

Metuchen, NJ — Pittsburgh Hotspurs, a member of the East Conference, will rebrand as Steel City FC (steelcityfc.com) for the 2023 season as they expand their program and continue to build a strong pathway for players at all levels in the Pittsburgh area.

The team had their inaugural season in the UWS in the 2022 season, however is not new to the Women’s game. Head coach and club director, Tom Ovenden, coached the Steel City FC Women’s team that was founded in 2015 by Stephanie Harrison and Jordan Daloisio. In 2019, that team merged with Hotspurs. 

“We’re thrilled to have our program competing as Steel City FC beginning this summer,” said Ovenden. “In 2021, we entered into a collaboration with Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh to develop and ensure a pathway for Pittsburgh-talent to compete at the highest level. As our collaboration has strengthened, having our First Teams and academy in the same badge will further move the game forward.” 

The Steel City FC program oversees the development of more than 1,300 Pittsburgh players between 5-19 at the Academy level. While providing the path to compete in the UWS (women’s) or NPSL (men’s) for top talent beginning at 15 years old. 

“We began our collaboration in 2021 with Hotspurs as much of what we were trying to achieve aligned already. The pathway has already demonstrated a strong value for all involved as we have homegrown talent competing with our First Teams,” said Jon Velotta, executive director of Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh.

 While the 2023 squad is still being formed, looking at the 2022 squad, the UWS team provided ample opportunities for Pittsburgh players.

• 39 of 48 players were Pittsburgh-area players. 
• 11 players were still in high school or had just graduated.
• 13 players were Hotspurs/Arsenal homegrown talents.

“Together we will continue to raise the level of Pittsburgh soccer. The players from our Youth through our First Teams represent the strength and determination that Pittsburgh embodies,” said Ovenden. “And really, we’re buzzing with the new name, as it’s Hotspur(s) and Arsenal – no one would believe that the strength of that combo really works as well together as we do! It’s Steel City strong.”

For more information on Steel City FC, visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.