Grand Rapids Football Club announced today that GRFC Founder Matt Roberts will step down as President of the club effective January 1st, and a new Lifetime Membership has been created that will give fans of GRFC the opportunity to have a say in its future.

Roberts, who recently relocated to Ann Arbor with his wife Katie, has led the club through the first five seasons of existence.

“I am eternally grateful for all of the support we have gotten for this little project, and can’t thank our players, coaches, staff, and fans enough for giving us so many cherished memories during these five campaigns” said Roberts. “I am terribly proud of what we have built here and can’t wait to see what is in store during the next chapter of Grand Rapids Football Club. While we may be leaving Grand Rapids, I will always be a supporter of soccer in West Michigan and certainly am #GRTID.”

A new Board will be established to lead the club, and will be made up of local soccer professionals, business leaders in the area, and minority owners. The newly formed Lifetime Members club will also hold a seat on the Board, giving fans of the club direct access to shaping the direction of GRFC for years to come.

“We looked at several different ways to organize the next group that will lead GRFC, and after speaking with many fans and several private investors, came to the decision that this was the best way to secure the short-term and long-term success of the club. We know that our fan base is very passionate and will want to help lead the club and this will give everyone a chance to have a direct say in how the club operates.”

The limited time offering will be available soon, and each individual who purchases a Lifetime Membership will receive a lifetime season pass, a vote on the board of directors’ seat, access to exclusive events with players and coaches, and automatic entry into a monthly drawing for GRFC swag.

To say thank you to the original supporters of the club, Founding Members will have the opportunity to purchase a Lifetime Membership at a major discount.

“GRFC has become a staple of the Grand Rapids sports scene, and we hope the community will see the value in helping us sustain this great project. We have seen so many fans get excited about having a team to be able to call their own, and we want to make sure GRFC is around for the next generation to enjoy.”

Grand Rapids FC will compete in USL League 2 during the 2020 season. Click here to read more about this exciting move.