Redwood City To Get Professional Soccer Club

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Professional soccer is coming to Redwood City.

Bay Cities F.C. plans to begin playing in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in 2022 after submitting an application on Thursday. NISA is a league in the third tier of the American soccer pyramid.

In a news release on Thursday, organizers said the club’s goal is to sign and grow players between the ages of 16 and 18 by giving them the opportunity to play with professionals and speed their development. The club also hopes to bridge communities in the Bay Area across various social and economic backgrounds through presenting opportunities for top youth soccer players.

“We are excited to bring a new professional team to downtown Redwood City and the soccer-crazed San Francisco Peninsula,” said Anders Perez, the co-founder and president of Bay Cities F.C. “Our goal is to deliver an exciting soccer experience to our new fanbase while building a grassroots organization that affects positive change for our youth and greater community.”

According to its website, Bay Cities F.C. will play home matches at Sequoia High School’s 3,500-seat stadium in downtown Redwood City. It also committed to fielding a women’s team.

NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch said that the league is hoping to re-establish a presence in Northern California.

“Bay Cities F.C. shares our perspective on growth, development and connection with community,” Prutch said.

The club plans to open with a “Summer ‘21 Tour” of friendlies and a regional tournament. Youth soccer players are invited to participate in tryouts, which are ongoing, for its summer team of under-19 and collegiate players. The next tryout is Wednesday, April 21.