FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Since its inception in 2014, Grand Rapids Football Club has been a staple in the ever-growing West Michigan soccer community. Initially funded by a group of founding members and local sponsors, it quickly grew into one of the premier soccer clubs of the state. Playing a majority of its home games at the historical Houseman Field, GRFC averaged 4,509 fans in its inaugural season in 2015. After a move to the NPSL in 2016, GRFC made the playoffs and set their single-season attendance record of 6,912 in their win against Indy Eleven in the NPSL Midwest Regional playoffs. Later that same year, the club added a women’s side who would go on to win the United Women’s Soccer League in their first season in 2017.
Setbacks during the pandemic and several other significant financial challenges have led Grand Rapids FC to the difficult decision to disband the club. After making the jump to the USL2 near the end of 2019, a lack of season in 2020, and eventually, no home venue, the club was left with fewer options to thrive. After putting together a valiant 2021 season, the ownership group and donors were faced with some time-sensitive decisions.
“How does one sum up a club like this into words,” said former player and General Manager, Joe Broekhuizen. “It hurts, and I want every fan and supporter to know we worked tirelessly for the past few months on solutions and alternatives. The only thing I have to say now is Thank You. Founding members, Lifetime Members, The Grand Army, youth players, parents, grandparents, former players, coaches, front office personnel, owners, donors, sponsors, city workers, news outlets, and anyone who pulled on that crest, Thank You. I speak for countless former players when I say representing the city of Grand Rapids and GRFC were some of the best years of our lives playing that beautiful game. Please never hesitate to say hello and trade a few stories. Those memories will long live on. We will always be One City One Club.”
He continued, “If you see any former players or personnel in the future, we will always be here for a laugh and a story.
In life, many things are temporary. Grand Rapids FC is forever.
Grand Rapids Til I Die.”
Grand Rapids FC would like to wish all other clubs in West Michigan the best and we encourage our supporters to never stop supporting the beautiful game wherever you may find yourself.
