Alliance FC and GPS Kansas City Merger

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  APRIL 15, 2020

TWO PREMIER YOUTH SOCCER CLUBS MERGE FOR 2020-2021 SEASON

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – We are excited to announce that the Board of Directors of Alliance Futbol Club, LLC and GPS Kansas City have agreed in principle to a merger that would take place starting with Recreational registration and Competitive Team tryouts at the end of this Spring season. Both clubs will continue their operations as separate entities for the remainder of the spring, and once we are all cleared to begin team activities again by US Youth Soccer, the merger will become official heading into next season.

After much discussion during a sixth-month due diligence process, leadership from both organizations feel that it is in the best interest of all parties to move forward in operating as one club. Bringing together two premier youth soccer organizations in the area creates multiple new avenues for all youth players within the Greater Kansas City soccer community.

Key info for the merged club:

• The merged club will operate as Alliance Futbol Club beginning in the 2020-2021 season
• The WMSL Rec and In-House program will be part of AFC, however will continue to operate as WMSL for at least the 2020-21 season
• The focus and mission of AFC will remain on developing excellence in all players on and off the field
• Kye Martey will remain as Director of Coaching for the Northland with AFC
• Guerrero Pino will remain as Director of Coaching for Eastern Jackson County with AFC
• Michael Clayton, current GPS Kansas City Technical Director, will serve as Director of Soccer Operations with AFC
• Capelli Sport will be the Official Uniform and Apparel Partner of AFC
• WMSL Soccer Complex will be the Official Training Home for all Northland based AFC teams

Brian Budzinski, Alliance FC Vice President, states, “We appreciate all the members across both organizations that provided input throughout the process of due diligence. We feel prepared to take this next step and thank everyone for their patience.”

“This is an exciting time for both Alliance and GPS KC as two strong organizational cultures provide a new, unrivaled environment for developing soccer at all levels in the Northland. The two best clubs coming together, now growing together to improve the overall experience for each player in our community,” Michael Clayton, Director of Soccer Operations, commented. 

Click here to view an FAQ which we hope will answer any questions you may still have.

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About Alliance Futbol Club, LLC

Alliance FC was established in 2016 by a group of Kansas City small business and soccer executives. Based out of North Kansas City Missouri, Alliance FC has over 900 youth players, 60 teams and a coaching staff of 32. Youth soccer teams compete nationally, regionally and locally with a strong passion for developing the complete player from early years until graduation. For more information contact Sundy McClung or Charleen “Charlie” Fantasma and 816-285-7359. For more information visit www.AllianceFC.net or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alliancefutbolclubkc

 About GPS Kansas City

GPS KC started in the fall of 2019 after 7 years as Real Kansas City. The club was founded and started by WMSL’s Kathy Clayton and Michael Clayton. While the club’s foundation started with in-house programs for 5-6 year olds, the club has grown to upwards of 400 youth soccer players with over 15 staff members.

 About Western Missouri Soccer League (WMSL)

WMSL has been the backbone of soccer in the Northland area since 1979. WMSL has provided the structure for youth soccer from U3 to U19 both boys and girls and continues to host in-house leagues. It is our intent to create a premier facility here in the Northland. WMSL sits on 96 acres in a desirable location between Gladstone and Liberty.