The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) is adding three new member clubs in Oakland Roots SC, Chattanooga FC and Detroit City FC, the circuit announced Thursday.
“Bringing Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC and Oakland Roots SC all in to NISA at the same time is very exciting!,” said NISA Commissioner, John Prutch. “These clubs truly represent their communities and are proof the open system for soccer is the best way forward. Each has built their support the correct way and that support will sustain them and NISA for years to come. Congratulations to each of them (owners, staff, players, and supporters) for taking that step to play professional soccer.”
Working closely with NISA’s Executive Expansion Team, the three clubs set their sights to take the pitch this Fall 2019 with full membership within NISA. “Everyone at Chattanooga FC is excited about being accepted into NISA and joining the ranks of American professional soccer,” said Chattanooga FC Chairman, Tim Kelly. “This fulfills a promise to our 3,254 supporter-owners while maintaining the philosophical tenets the club has held since our founding in 2009.”
“Being accepted in to NISA represents an exciting new chapter for Detroit City FC,” said Detroit City FC Owner, Sean Mann. “With the support of the city we love and represent, what started out as a community organizing project nearly 10 years ago has evolved in to the city’s first professional soccer team in decades. As a member of NISA we look to continue growing the sport of soccer in Detroit.”
Oakland Roots SC is set to kick off 8/31/19 vs. Cal United on their home field and they see this announcement as the perfect way to kick off the season. “Roots is thrilled to join NISA and take this next step in growing professional soccer in the US,” said Benno Nagel, Oakland Roots SC Co-Founder & President. “Acceptance into NISA marks the official return of professional soccer to Oakland, and we couldn’t be more excited to deliver soccer, at this level, to our local community,”
Chattanooga FC and Detroit City FC will begin full league play in Spring 2020. Full admission for all clubs is dependent upon USSF approval.
Image courtesy Chattanooga Football Club.
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