Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is excited to announce Soda City FC as a new member starting with the 2018 fall season.
Soda City FC based in Columbia will be begin UPSL play in the Southeast Conference Mid-Atlantic Division, and will finalize and announce its home venue in the next coming weeks.
"We're pleased to welcome Soda City FC as the UPSL's third team from South Carolina to enter into the Southeast Conference Mid-Atlantic Division. The ownership group has a plan for success in the Columbia community, both on and off the field, and they're already making the kinds of connections that will prove beneficial to their club for years to come." said United Premier Soccer League Commissioner Yan Skwara.
Soda City FC (SCFC) was founded by four passionate local soccer players – Tony Baker, Patrick Burnette, Andrew Richardson and Marcus Hunter – who want to bring exciting, entertaining, and beautiful soccer to the community for which they care deeply.
Soda City FC President Tony Baker said, "Columbia and the surrounding areas have a tremendous amount of undiscovered and homegrown talent striving to play for a purpose. Within the Soda City footprint, we intend to offer the opportunity for our soccer base to extend their playing careers, where SCFC can provide that pathway, along with the ability to bring the community closer together. The mission is clear and appropriately reflected in our tagline: 'Our City, Our Soccer.'"
The name Soda City FC pays homage to 'Cola', Columbia's nickname, while additionally promoting the community attachment of many local businesses that have adopted the "Soda City" name, brand and feel. Soda City FC's colors are Sky Blue, Black, and Dark Red in honor of the original city flag of 1912, and the club's crest is an adaptation of the South Carolina Statehouse, above bubbles -- the "suds" of Soda City.
The club will host an open trial on Sunday, May 20 at Heathwood Hall High School (3000 S. Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201). Go to www.sodacitysoccer.com for full details.
