Bay Cities FC’s has been officially cleared by the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) Board of Governors to join the professional American soccer league and begin play in Spring 2022. Bay Cities will play home games in the 3,500-seat stadium on the Sequoia High School campus in Redwood City.
In a statement by NISA, Anders Perez, co-founder and president of Bay Cities FC, emphasized that Bay Cities is “a community-orientated club at its core committed to the open system based on merit.”
“We will never lose sight of this founding mission,” Perez said. “We fully understand we represent our community and its members every time we take the pitch.”
NISA officials have been “anticipating this moment for months and are elated it is finally here,” NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch said.
“Anders and his team have not slowed the club development at all since we announced their application last April,” Prutch said. “We can’t wait to see how this Northern California club continues to galvanize the community and brings opportunity for rivalry to NISA fans.”
As Climate reported in a profile last summer, Bay Cities FC is a homegrown club views its mission as being the “great unifier” of local clubs, enhancing opportunities for development for all up-and-coming young players on the Peninsula. Bay Cities also aims to be involved in off-the-field programs that uplift the local community.
According to NISA, “Bay Cities’ talent development strategy focuses on signing and growing players between the ages of 16-18. The club also is investing in growing the women’s game and providing professional opportunities for women on and off the pitch. Bay Cities FC will continuously strive to prove that youth players are capable of playing professionally and earning a contract by providing them with proper resources and mentorship.”
Last summer Bay Cities launched a summer tour of friendlies for the men’s and women’s sides, culminating with the club hosting a regional tournament in July. Bay Cities also participated in the 2021 NISA Independent Cup.
NISA is a third-tier professional league of American soccer. Clubs include AC Syracuse Pulse; Albion San Diego; Cal United Strikers FC; Chattanooga FC; Chicago House FC; Detroit City FC; Flower City Union; Los Angeles Force; Maryland Bobcats FC; Michigan Stars FC; New Amsterdam FC: New York Cosmos; NISA Atlanta; Stumptown AC; and Valley United FC.
For more information on Bay Cities FC, visit the organization’s website here.
