GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (September 8, 2026) — AC Grand Rapids, West Michigan’s new professional soccer club set to begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in spring 2027, has announced details for an Open Player ID Session that will give aspiring players from across the region the opportunity to be seen and evaluated by the club’s sporting staff.
The session will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the MSA Fieldhouse complex in Grand Rapids.
As ACGR builds its roster and sporting infrastructure ahead of its inaugural season, this one-day event is designed to surface regional aspiring professional players in West Michigan and beyond — players who believe they belong at the professional level and deserve the chance to prove it.
“As a club that aims to reflect and represent Grand Rapids and West Michigan, we look forward to giving players from our community, and beyond, the opportunity to prove they are capable of competing at the professional level,” said B.J. Snow, ACGR Vice President of Sporting Operations & Strategy. “We know there is lots of talent in this region that hasn’t always had a platform to showcase it. The Open Player ID Session is that platform, and we hope we will find a hidden gem.”
All players interested in participating in the Open Player ID Session must register by 11:59 PM on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Time: Participants will be assigned to one of three 90-minute blocks — 9:00 AM–10:30 AM, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, or 1:00 PM–2:30 PM — prior to the event.
- Location: MSA Fieldhouse Complex (Turf Fields), 5435 28th St. CT SE, Grand Rapids, MI
The format of the Open Player ID Session will be focused on match play. Each 90-minute block consists of a warm-up followed by three 20-minute 9v9 games.
Teams will be pre-assigned based on players’ preferred positions, ensuring each participant gets the best opportunity to show his abilities.
Requirements & Information:
- Eligibility: Participants must be male and between the ages of 16-30 at the time of the player ID session.
- Registration Fee: The registration fee for each participant is $150, which covers participation and an ACGR t-shirt. (Participants are responsible for any travel costs, including airfare and accommodation, food, etc.)
- Gear: Training gear will not be provided. Participants must bring their own apparel and equipment, including shirts, shorts, socks, cleats, gloves, shinguards, etc.
- Refunds: Refunds will be issued only in the event of cancellation of the ID Session.
The Open Player ID Session is NOT open to the public. No one but club staff and participants will be permitted to attend the event.
IMPORTANT: Creating an Account
Players 18 or older: When creating your account, select “College/Pro Player”, complete your profile, then select “Join ACGR”.
Parents of Players Under 18: Select “Family Member” and create your parent/guardian profile first. Then add your player’s information and select “Join ACGR” for you player.
ACGR continues to prepare for its inaugural season in 2027 at Amway Stadium in downtown Grand Rapids. The inaugural home opener is scheduled for Friday, March 19, 2027.
Fans can be there from day one by placing a Season Ticket Deposit to secure their place in line to purchase season tickets. Go to www.acgrandrapids.com/tickets to place your deposit today!
