Philadelphia Lone Star F.C

What Philadelphia Lone Star F.C does

Philadelphia Lone Star FC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit soccer organization headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2001 by Liberian immigrant Bobby Ali as Junior Lone Star Football Club and rebranded to its current name in September 2018. The club operates a vertically integrated player development pathway spanning youth academy teams (U6 Gifted Ballers through U17), competitive youth teams (U20 in USL Academy, U23 Shooting Stars in UPSL Division 1), men's First Teams in USL League Two and UPSL Premier, and a Women's team in the UPSL Women League, with 150+ players across all levels as of 2026.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: (1) matchday and season ticket sales (historically priced at $5 for adult single-match tickets with kids under 12 free), (2) merchandise sales (replica kits at $50, training kits at $25, and fashion items at $30-$55) via a Lightspeed/Shopify-powered online store, (3) sponsorship deals with partners including Emoja Spiced Jerky (front-of-jersey), Capelli Sport (apparel), and historical partners Net World Sports and Cypher Language Services, and (4) tax-deductible donations through a Supporters Hub. The club also operates a Stars TV video platform and partnerships with Game in Frame (March 2026), Veo, and SportsEngine Play for multi-tier match broadcasting.

The organization is led by Paul Konneh (President and Executive Director) and Head Coach Fatoma Turay, with a coaching staff spanning women's, U23, First Team, and goalkeeping roles. The club has accumulated multiple regional titles including EPSA Amateur Cup and State Open Cup championships in 2016 and 2018, UPSL American Premier Regular Season and Playoffs titles in 2023, and WPSL Division and Conference Runners-Up finishes in 2019. It competes in regional Philadelphia and Northeast US markets with no disclosed funding, no parent company, and 1-10 reported employees.

Name

Philadelphia Lone Star F.C

Legal name

Philadelphia Lone Star Football Club

Website

https://philadelphialonestarfc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Philadelphia Lone Star FC is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit soccer organization operating a vertically integrated player development pathway from U6 youth academy through men's and women's pre-professional First Teams in USL2, UPSL, and related leagues, serving 150+ players and funded by tickets, merchandise, sponsorships, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pre-Professional Soccer Club

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Association Football (Soccer) Leagues (MPAKAAAA), Team & League Branded Merchandise Retail (Non-Apparel) (CRAMAOAF), Team Sports & On-Field Performance Apparel (CRAAAEAE), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Pre-professional soccer club
• Youth soccer academy
• Sports merchandise apparel
• Match ticket sales
• Soccer club sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Matchday tickets and season tickets sold directly to supporters for First Team matches at South Philadelphia Super Site
2. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling replica kits, training kits, fashion items, and accessories directly to consumers
3. Sponsorships: Partnership deals with sponsors including jersey sponsors, equipment suppliers, and streaming partners
4. Donations: Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization accepting donations through Supporters Hub

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Philadelphia Lone Star FC operates a non-profit pre-professional soccer club providing a vertically integrated player development pathway from U6 Academy through First Team competition in USL League Two, UPSL, UPSL Women, and USL Academy. The club sells replica kits, training kits, fashion apparel, and accessories through an online store, generates revenue from matchday and season ticket sales, secures sponsorships from apparel and equipment partners, and accepts tax-deductible donations as a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

Product overview

Philadelphia Lone Star FC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit soccer organization that offers a comprehensive club structure spanning multiple competitive levels. The product portfolio consists of: (1) Replica Kits including home, away, and goalkeeper jerseys for the 2026 season; (2) Training Kits including jerseys and shorts; (3) Fashion items including T-shirts, traveling polos, 1/4 zip jackets, and pants; (4) Sports Streaming via Stars TV, Game in Frame, Veo, and SportsEngine Play; (5) Competitive Teams including First Teams in USL2 and UPSL, Women's team, U23s (Shooting Stars), U20s, and Academy teams at U17s, U15s, U13s, and U6-U12 levels. The merchandise line utilizes Capelli Sport branded apparel with CS-COOL and CS-DRY fabric technologies for performance wear.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stars TV: Official video platform of Philadelphia Lone Star FC bringing fans live match broadcasts, highlights, interviews, features, and behind-the-scenes content.

Products and services

• First Team - USL2 Philadelphia Lone Star FC's USL League Two pre-professional men's soccer team competing in the top pre-professional league in North America.
• First Team - UPSL
• Women Philadelphia Lone Star FC women's team competing in the UPSL Women League for the Spring 2026 season.
• U23 Team Philadelphia Lone Star FC Under-23 team (Shooting Stars) competing in UPSL Division 1.
• U20 Team Philadelphia Lone Star FC Under-20 team competing in USL Academy.
• Academy Program Philadelphia Lone Star FC Academy providing youth development with teams at U17s, U15s, U13s, and Gifted Ballers (U6-U12) levels, following the Stars Pathway for player development from grassroots to pre-professional football.
• Stars TV Official video platform of Philadelphia Lone Star FC bringing fans live match broadcasts, highlights, interviews, features, and behind-the-scenes content across all club levels.
• PLSFC 2026 Home Jersey - White/Red Official Philadelphia Lone Star FC Home Matchday Jersey featuring Emoja Spiced Jerky across the front, built with CS-Cool technology, durable polyester interlock fabric, and ventilated mesh side panels for maximum airflow.
• PLSFC 2026 Away Jersey - Royal Official Philadelphia Lone Star FC Away Matchday Jersey featuring Emoja Spiced Jerky across the front, built with CS-Dry technology, durable polyester interlock fabric, and ventilated mesh side panels with piping detail.
• PLSFC 2026 Home GK Jersey - Azure Official Philadelphia Lone Star FC Home Goalkeeper Matchday Jersey featuring Emoja Spiced Jerky across the front, built with CS-Dry moisture-wicking fabric.
• PLSFC 2026 Away GK Jersey - Orange Official Philadelphia Lone Star FC Away Goalkeeper Matchday Jersey featuring Emoja Spiced Jerky across the front, built with CS-Dry moisture-wicking fabric for comfort and flexibility.
• PLSFC Training Jersey - Red Official PLSFC training top made with CS-DRY moisture-wicking fabric featuring a soft feel and athletic fit designed for peak performance in every session.
• PLSFC Training Jersey - Navy Official PLSFC training top made with CS-DRY moisture-wicking fabric featuring a soft feel and athletic fit designed for peak performance in every session.
• PLSFC Training Shorts - Navy Performance training shorts featuring moisture-wicking CS-DRY fabric to keep players cool and dry, with elastic waistband with drawcord for secure adjustable fit.
• PLSFC T-Shirt Available in four colors, PLSFC Capelli Tees made from 100% machine-washable cotton featuring modern athletic fit and embroidered sleeve logo for everyday year-round wear.
• PLSFC Traveling Polo PLSFC Traveling Polo made with CS-DRY moisture-wicking fabric to keep wearers cool, dry, and comfortable, featuring contrast sleeves, 4-Cube logo detailing, and rib-knit collar.
• PLSFC 1/4 Zip Jacket Quarter-zip training jacket made with CS-COOL fabric that helps manage heat and moisture, featuring embossed contrast upper panel, signature 4-Cube logo, and adjustable ventilation.
• PLSFC Pants PLSFC Capelli Training Pants built with CS-COOL fabric technology for training, warmups, and sideline comfort, featuring ankle zips, internal drawcord, and zippered side pockets.
• Matchday and Season Tickets Matchday tickets and season tickets sold directly to supporters for First Team matches at the South Philadelphia Super Site, with historical pricing of $5 for adults and kids under 12 free.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Game in FramecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 March 2026Professional livestream coverage partnership for First Team matches throughout 2026 season. All UPSL Premier home matches streamed live on Game in Frame's YouTube channel with professional broadcast features including live commentary, dedicated camerawork, scoreboard graphics, sponsor integration, and post-match interviews. Select USL League Two matches may be streamed via SportsEngine Play platform. Full match replays available on club's official YouTube channel within 48 hours.
• Net World SportsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2020Training equipment supplier partnership for 2020 season. Provided first team squad with high-quality training equipment including cones, hurdles, pennies, agility ladders, and other training gear for USL League Two and NPSL seasons.
• Cypher Language ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2018Two-year sponsorship deal as First Team sponsor for UPSL team. Jersey sponsorship providing financial support and brand visibility on team kits.
• Capelli SportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerApparel partner providing team kits, training gear, and merchandise. Brand features on PLSFC products sold through online store including jerseys, training kits, and fashion items with CS-COOL and CS-DRY fabric technology.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FC Motown: Community-driven pre-professional soccer club competing in USL League Two and UPSL with strong cultural identity. Directly comparable to PLSFC in tier, ownership ethos, and player-development orientation.
• Chattanooga FC: Independent supporter-owned soccer club that grew from NPSL into MLS NEXT Pro, with strong cultural branding and community ownership. Highly comparable to PLSFC's non-profit, community-first operating model and multi-tier league participation.
• West Chester United SC: Philadelphia-area amateur and pre-professional soccer club competing in USL League Two and UPSL. Comparable geographic market, similar tier of competition, and similar player development mission.
• Ocean City Nor'easters: USL League Two club in the same Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region, explicitly mentioned as a PLSFC opponent. Closely comparable in league, tier, and geography.
• Cleveland Force SC: Amateur/pre-professional soccer organization in the Northeast/Midwest corridor. Comparable in tier and player-development focus, with overlapping UPSL/NPSL participation.
• Detroit City FC: Community-rooted independent soccer club that rose from the amateur/pre-professional ranks (NPSL) into USL Championship. Directly comparable as a fan-owned/community-owned organization that built a cultural identity and stadium experience outside MLS, mirroring PLSFC's grassroots-to-pre-professional trajectory.
• UCFSC Warriors: UPSL Premier opponent explicitly listed in PLSFC match history. Comparable amateur/pre-professional competitor operating in the same UPSL tier.
• Maryland Bobcats FC: NPSL/USL League Two pre-professional club in the Mid-Atlantic. Comparable tier, comparable developmental mission, and overlapping regional competition footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Philadelphia Union: MLS franchise based in the same Philadelphia market. Operates the broader soccer ecosystem in which PLSFC competes for talent, sponsors, and fan attention — directly relevant as the local incumbent shaping the club's growth ceiling.
• Bethlehem Steel FC: Historic Philadelphia-area soccer identity (Union-affiliated USL team). Comparable as a Philadelphia-region professional-development brand, although it ultimately folded — illustrative of the path-and-pitfall dynamics PLSFC faces.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/phillylonestar
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@phillylonestar
• Facebookfacebook.com/phillylonestar
• Instagraminstagram.com/phillylonestar
• TikToktiktok.com/@phillylonestar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/philadelphialonestarfc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Philadelphia Lone Star F.C