The amateur Cosmopolitan Soccer League plays a major role in the Greek American community. Since soccer has always been an important part of Greek culture, it comes as no surprise that immigrants would want to establish teams and play soccer when they immigrated to Astoria. Soccer is more than just a sport, but it is a cultural tradition.

Greek Americans comprise two teams in the league; the New York Greek American Atlas and the Pancyprian Freedoms. Additionally, the junior version of the Cosmopolitan League is home to the Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club for younger Greek Americans. These teams play against other ethnic teams throughout the United States. Two of such teams that also call  New York their home are the Manhattan Celtics  and the NY Croatia. The Greek-Americans boast having won various titles since being founded in the mid 20th century. 1 

     

The New York Greek American Atlas, based in Queens at the Metropolitan Oval in Maspeth, Queens, was one of the first teams founded in the league by Tom Laris in 1941. The current General Manager George Millis is prideful of the rich history of the team, as well as the tradition and honor that comes with its name. “Our clubhouse is like a museum, so that everyone who comes in knows about the honor and tradition when they put on a Greek American jersey.” The team currently holds a spot in Division 1 West of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. The team is divided into three sub-teams: the “First Team,” “Reserve Team,” and “Over-30’s.” 2

 

The Pancyprian Freedoms also pride themselves on a rich history associated with the league. They were founded much later than the Greek American Atlas, 1974, but hold eight League titles. The Pancyprian Freedoms are also based in Queens and compete in Belson Stadium at St. John’s University. The Pancyprian Freedoms currently play in Division 1 East. Most of the players that play for the Pancyprian Freedoms come from the Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club, which was founded seven years after the original team in 1981. 3

 

The Eleftheria Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club offers teams to young Greek Americans between the U6 and U19 categories. Their mission statement is “to provide the children of this community the opportunity to play a beautiful sport, to develop good players, to teach discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship on and off the field, and to promote academic excellence. All are children welcome.” The league is dedicated to the future success of its players, and pride themselves on giving the young players the foundation they need to discover their potential.4