City SC Welcomes Lower Merion Soccer Club as Strategic Partner in National Affiliate Network
City SC Welcomes Lower Merion Soccer Club as Strategic Partner in National Affiliate Network
Carlsbad, CA – July 1, 2025 — City SC and Lower Merion Soccer Club (LMSC) are proud to announce a new strategic partnership that brings one of Pennsylvania’s most respected youth soccer programs into the City SC national affiliate network. This collaboration will enhance coaching education, expand player development pathways, and strengthen both organizations’ shared commitment to raising the standard of youth soccer across the country.
With this partnership, Lower Merion SC becomes the 12th club to join the City SC National Affiliate Network—and the first in the state of Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Main Line, LMSC expands City SC’s coast-to-coast footprint and advances a unified vision centered on long-term development, coaching quality, and local community values.
As part of the partnership, Lower Merion SC will retain its historic club name and branding while integrating City SC’s nationally recognized support in key operational and technical areas. Through the City SC Coaching Development Program, LMSC coaches will gain access to a full suite of resources, including the City SC and Coaches Voice session library, Sports Session Planner tools, and bi-monthly coaching webinars—delivered both virtually and in-person. Additionally, Lower Merion SC’s Director of Coaching Shane Rineer will join the City SC National Technical Committee, contributing insight and leadership to the continued evolution of City SC’s development model.
Players within Lower Merion SC will benefit from access to the City SC Connect National Team program and increased visibility through elite competition opportunities. The club will also receive support from a dedicated affiliate manager.
“Lower Merion Soccer Club is a deeply respected organization with a strong tradition of community and player development,” said Steve Cowell, CEO of City Sports Group. “From the very beginning of our conversations, it was clear that we share the same vision—one that places player experience, coaching quality, and long-term development at the core. We’re honored to welcome Lower Merion to the City SC network and look forward to building something truly special together.”
“This partnership is about empowering our coaches and players with national-level resources while staying true to our identity,” said Shane Rineer, Director of Coaching for Lower Merion SC. “City SC brings the kind of meaningful support that can strengthen our foundation and create new pathways for the future.”
“This is a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared belief in what’s best for young players,” added Michele Burns, President of Lower Merion SC. “We’re excited to move forward with City SC as a strategic partner—not only for what it offers our club today, but for how it positions us for long-term growth and sustainability.”
About Lower Merion Soccer Club
Founded in 1969, Lower Merion Soccer Club is one of the most established and respected youth soccer organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. With over 4,000 players annually, LMSC offers both recreational and elite programming for boys and girls, fostering a strong developmental pathway from grassroots to national competition. The club is recognized for its commitment to community, sportsmanship, and instilling a lifelong love of the game. For more information visit Lower Merion SC.
About City SC
City SC is one of the fastest-growing youth soccer networks in the United States, serving more than 15,000 players nationwide. Built on a strategic partnership model that combines local leadership with national support, City SC is redefining the landscape of youth soccer through elite coaching, player-first development, and meaningful community engagement. Learn more at wearecitysc.com and follow @wearecitysc on Instagram.
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