William Paterson University announced a new partnership with two professional teams that call Paterson’s historic Hinchliffe Stadium home, the New York Cosmos and the New Jersey Jackals, creating new opportunities for students while strengthening ties between the university and the city.

Under the arrangement, the Cosmos and Jackals will use facilities at William Paterson University for training and team activities. In return, Hinchliffe Sports Partners will provide internships for William Paterson students in a variety of roles with the

organizations, including sports management, marketing, broadcasting, athletic training and event operations.

Carol Cuadrado, Associate Vice President, University and Government Relations introduced the partnership during an announcement event that brought together members of the university leadership team, city and county officials, and representatives from the professional teams. Among those present were Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo and Passaic County Commissioner Zoila Cassanova.

William Paterson President Richard Helldobler welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the partnership for both the university and the city of Paterson.

“This partnership announcement is proof of that vision,” Helldobler said. “This new, innovative collaboration with Hinchliffe Sports Partners reflects our shared values of opportunity, access and excellence.”

Helldobler noted that the Cosmos and Jackals will play their home games at Hinchliffe Stadium, one of Paterson’s most historic venues, and said the agreement strengthens the university’s connection to the community.

“It represents a unique and special place in the history of Paterson,” he said.

Helldobler also reflected on his previous experiences with professional sports teams while working in Toledo, Ohio, describing how those organizations helped revitalize neighborhoods and create new opportunities for residents. He said he sees a similar potential in Paterson through the partnership between the university, the teams and city leaders.

“This partnership is about more than sports,” Helldobler said. “It’s about bringing opportunity to our students and strengthening our relationship with the city.”

The New York Cosmos are scheduled to make their debut on March 14 with a 2 p.m. match at Hinchliffe Stadium. The club competes in a second-tier professional soccer league and is relaunching in Paterson as part of a broader effort to grow the sport’s presence in the region.

The New Jersey Jackals, meanwhile, will begin their season in May. The team plays in the Frontier League, a professional baseball league made up of teams that operate independently of Major League Baseball affiliations.

Hinchliffe Stadium is also home to the Jersey Shore Wave, which competes in the Women’s National Football Conference. The team’s home schedule begins in April.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said the partnership represents an important moment for the city and reflects the broader role education and sports can play in transforming communities.

“Cities are always asking how you help, how to transform,” Sayegh said. “I just think education should be at the forefront of changing people’s lives or improving their lives.”

Sayegh said bringing professional teams and university resources together can help drive economic development while providing opportunities for students and local residents.

“For us being able to be here at this moment where we are re-launching the Cosmos and the Jackals, I think it’s important for us to grow together,” he said. “And I want us to grow together.”

The mayor also stressed the value of internships and career pathways for students in Paterson, saying the partnership allows young people to see professional opportunities within their own community.

“The dream of being a professional, it’s the dream that’s down the street, it’s the dream that’s around the corner when you see professional athletes,” Sayegh said. “I think it’s important that we say to the community: I can work here. I can intern in my community.”

Sayegh described the collaboration as part of a broader effort to position Paterson for progress and said success requires participation from institutions, leaders and residents.

“When you’re trying to position a place like Paterson for progress, it’s not a spectator sport,” he said. “It’s a team sport, and nobody can afford to sit on the sidelines.”

Team officials also highlighted the value of the partnership for both athletes and students.

Baye Adofo-Wilson, the owner of the New Jersey Jackals,  said the presence of professional athletes in the community can inspire young people while also giving college students valuable experience in the sports industry.

“Having professional athletes in our community for those who want to accomplish it and the future can further opportunity,” Adofo-Wilson said.

He added that internships will allow sports management students to gain real-world experience while remaining connected to campus life.

“Students can intern and then go home to eat dinner at night,” he said. “It increases what happens at William Paterson.”

State Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly also spoke about the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and professional sports organizations.

“When we connect with institutions like William Paterson, professional teams like the Jackals and Cosmos can create something truly special,  a pipeline for opportunities from the classroom to the field to the future,” Wimberly said.

Wimberly added that he hopes the partnership will lead to additional community events at Hinchliffe Stadium, including the possibility of hosting games involving William Paterson athletics.

University officials said another component of the partnership includes housing some players on campus, creating opportunities for students to interact with professional athletes and learn from their experiences.

Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz said the arrangement reflects a shared commitment to investing in the city and building connections between the university and the professional sports community.

“On behalf of William Paterson and our partners in this great city, we look forward to seeing you expand and continue investing in the great city of Paterson,” Cruz said. “More importantly, we look forward to seeing you on our campus.”

Leaders involved in the project described the collaboration as a transformational moment for Paterson, combining education, professional sports and community development.

By linking the resources of the university with professional teams based in the city, supporters say the partnership has the potential to create a pipeline of opportunities for students while inspiring the next generation of athletes and professionals in Paterson.

With professional teams training on campus, internships available to students and games being played just blocks away at Hinchliffe Stadium, officials said the initiative represents more than a partnership, it is an effort to build a stronger connection between education, sports and community pride in Paterson.