Updates, team features, partner announcements, and media coverage – all in one place.
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AC Grand Rapids announces Open Player ID Session ahead of inaugural season
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…
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What You Need to Know about MLS NEXT Pro’s calendar shift in 2027
As AC Grand Rapids gets ready to launch in 2027, the league makes a shift to align its calendar with Major League Soccer & other top global leagues. Today’s announcement that AC Grand Rapids’ inaugural home opener will take place on Friday, March 19, 2027, coincided with news that MLS NEXT Pro — the league…
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AC Grand Rapids Partners with Innovative Data Technology Company Fokus to Power Recruitment and Performance
Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 25, 2026) — AC Grand Rapids today announced a strategic partnership with innovative technology company Fokus to provide cutting-edge data-driven solutions for player recruitment and squad management. Incubated in Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt, Fokus spearheaded a data-based technical evolution at the club, helping lead to four championships in the last five…
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New “Back to School” Collection puts soccer style at the head of the class for the new school year
Step into the new school year with the latest AC Grand Rapids merch drop. The Back-to-School Collection blends soccer culture with clean streetwear design, perfect for an afterschool study session next week or a matchday at Amway Stadium next year. So whether you’ re heading to class, standing at the bus stop, or styling a…
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Wearable Art: AC Grand Rapids Unveils Limited-Edition “Summer of Soccer” Collection
New collection based on local artist Nate Knoth’s “World Cup Host City” poster captures the spirit of West Michigan’s soccer culture AC Grand Rapids is capping off this incredible Summer of Soccer by dropping a new line of merch based on local artist Nate Knoth’s “World Cup Host City” poster. The Summer of Soccer Collection…
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AC Grand Rapids Names Experienced Sports Executive Ted Van Zelst as Chief Revenue Officer
Michigan native with NHL, NBA, NASCAR and F1 experience to lead corporate partnerships, ticketing and revenue GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Athletic Club Grand Rapids today announced the hiring of Ted Van Zelst as Chief Revenue Officer. Van Zelst began his role on Aug. 10, joining the MLS NEXT Pro expansion club as it builds toward…
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AC Grand Rapids adds U.S. Men’s National Team scout Eric Laurie to its Sporting Staff
West Michigan native joins AC Grand Rapids as Head of Scouting, Recruitment and Performance Analysis after four and a half years with the USMNT, including two FIFA World Cups GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Athletic Club Grand Rapids today announced the hire of Eric Laurie as Head of Scouting, Recruitment and Performance Analysis. Laurie began his…


