BRIDGEPORT – MLS Next-Pro franchise CT United FC has added two vital players to its team off the pitch in the past two weeks: new Director of Scouting Adam Najem and General Counsel Bobbi-Sue Doyle-Hazard.
A New Jersey native and former professional player with global experience, Najem was a first-team All-American and MAC Player of the Year at the University of Akron before launching an eight-year professional career that included stints in the US, Canada, Poland, and Indonesia. He played in Major League Soccer with the Philadelphia Union and earned over 15 caps with the Afghanistan National Team, representing the country in FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
After retiring from professional play in international and American soccer, he transitioned into scouting and operations roles with Gotham FC and the Philadelphia Union, and most recently served as director of soccer operations for Scout Us Pro.
“I’m honored to join CT United at such an exciting time,” Najem said. “There’s a clear vision here to build something special from the ground up, and I’m excited to help build a roster that aligns with the club’s identity and long-term vision. I look forward to identifying players who can grow with the organization and represent Connecticut with pride.”
As Director of Scouting, he will lead efforts to identify talent across all levels of the game and expand the club’s national and international scouting infrastructure as the franchise prepares for its foray into MLS Next in Bridgeport. He holds a USSF National B coaching license and a USSF talent scout license level II.
“Adam brings a rare blend of global playing experience, strong soccer IQ, and a sharp eye for talent,” said CT United Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “He understands what it takes to succeed at the professional level and has already made an impact helping young players realize their potential. He’s a tremendous addition to our leadership team as we build for the future.”
New general counsel
On July 29, CT United FC announced the appointment of Doyle-Hazard as the club’s general counsel. A seasoned legal executive with experience across the NFL, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and national media, Doyle-Hazard will lead all legal and compliance matters, including but not limited to employment, media, and league and player relations for the organization as it continues its ambitious growth in Bridgeport and beyond.
Serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, Doyle-Hazard will play a pivotal role in the corporate strategy and internal culture of the club.
“We’re proud to welcome Bobbi-Sue to the CT United family,” said Michelle Swanston, Co-Owner of CT United FC. “She brings an incredible mix of legal acumen, leadership experience, and passion for sport — all of which will be critical as we build a first-of-its-kind club in Connecticut.”
Doyle-Hazard joins CT United from the NWSL, where she served as vice president of legal. In that role, she oversaw licensing, sponsorship, media rights negotiations, and policy matters, while playing a key role in the league’s strategic expansion. Her prior experience includes legal roles at NBC Sports, where she supported live sports production and original programming on Peacock, and at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where she was assistant general counsel.
“CT United is building something visionary — in the community, on the pitch, and in the business of sport,” said Doyle-Hazard. “I’m honored to help shape this next chapter and excited to be part of a club that’s breaking new ground in American soccer.”
Doyle-Hazard is a graduate of UMass Amherst’s Sport Management and Legal Studies programs and earned her J.D. from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law.
Both Najem and Doyle-Hazard will play a big part in the franchise’s move to build a stadium in the East End of Bridgeport for the 2027 season.
CTSG also announced its intent to submit formal bids for both a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club and a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise to play at the stadium.
The state Senate unanimously passed tax increment financing district legislation that could allow Bridgeport to utilize TIF bonds to help fund a proposed soccer stadium and housing development project, with potential for significant economic impact. This project is planned to include over 1,000 housing units, 1,300 permanent jobs, and generate substantial state revenue.
At the same time, the Senate authorized an economic impact study to evaluate the potential benefits of the proposed stadium and housing development. This study will provide decision-makers, including Governor Lamont, with data and analysis to inform future decisions.
The Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) and co-owner of the CT United FC had hoped to receive about $100 million to build a soccer stadium. But that will have to wait until the study is complete.
