Fans in Stadium Seats Where Allowed … Reduced Capacity Guidelines Will Be Dictated State-by-State
With the Coronavirus numbers decreasing and America slowly emerging from the pandemic, sports fans eagerly await the start of games.
The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) today released the 2021 NISA spring season schedule and fans can watch the action live in the stadiums, depending upon local safety restrictions.
Supporters will be back in the stands at reduced capacities based on each club’s respective state guidelines.
“We are set to make 2021 a season of strong growth throughout our league for our clubs and their supporters and we can only do that if we are building the right relationships and executing in a safe way for everyone participating,” said NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “Through it all, we will continue make attendance safe for everyone from our stance on racial and gender equity to our match-day COVID protocols.”
“NISA continues to grow, most recently adding Maryland Bobcats FC, Chicago House AC, and Flower City Union.”
John Prutch – NISA Commissioner
“We have worked very hard to create a season of competition that is attracting more clubs for long-term growth,” said Prutch.
NISA clubs participating in the spring season include California United Strikers FC, Los Angeles Force, San Diego 1904 FC, Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars FC, Chattanooga FC, Maryland Bobcats FC, New Amsterdam FC and Stumptown AC.
“We really worked to make sure our member clubs had space to play around a strong NISA schedule,” said NISA Chief Operating Officer Brian Melekian. “Between our Legends Cup spring tournament in Chattanooga, eight in-season matches, potential playoff matches, and their independent schedule, 2021 will give supporters a lot of quality soccer.”
“We are extremely excited about the level of competition with the new teams that have joined NISA,” said Michael Collins, President and General Manager California United Strikers FC. “Our entire team is thrilled to be back playing, and we are excited to see our new players impact the field.”
“We have all been waiting for this and our players will be ready to compete,” said George Juncaj, owner of the Michigan Stars who is excited to get on the field after being closed for almost a year. “I have purchased 100 acres and we just started digging today to build our own stadium,” said Juncaj. “We believe we will have the field and lights ready for NISA matches in May and, by the end of the year, we will have a 12,000+ seat stadium built.”
“We are excited to play for a league championship at our home stadium,” said Detroit City FC’s CEO Sean Mann. “As the 2021 roster continues to take shape, we look forward to getting the spring kicked off with the hope of supporters being able to return safely to Keyworth.”
“Stumptown is excited to get an 8-game season,” said Carrie Taylor, COO of Stumptown AC. “We had a great turnout of very talented players at tryouts and we look forward to playing our first game with head coach Rod Underwood.”
Alex Alexandre Gontran, head coach of 1904 FC echoed the sentiment of the other NISA teams and is also eager to see his team start playing in May. “We’re super happy to be back on the pitch ahead of the NISA spring season,” said Gontran. “We’re going to play with a mix of returning and newly acquired players but our offensive philosophy of play will remain the same. We’re really excited to make our fans and the San Diego community proud this season.”
NISA Soccer Action Starts in May
The NISA Spring Season kicks off on May 1st when Michigan Stars takes on New Amsterdam at home and Detroit City hosts Maryland Bobcats. The first weekend finished on My 2nd, California United Strikers welcome Chattanooga.
The second weekend starts with the action on Friday night May 7th with New Amsterdam hosting Detroit City and continues with three NISA matches on May 8th. Maryland Bobcats play Stumptown at home, Chattanooga hosts Michigan Stars and LA Force welcomes 1904.
NISA was founded in 2017 with a mission to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA’s model is based on independent clubs controlling their own league,, all without the barrier of territorial rights.
