ANN ARBOR, MI - AFC Ann Arbor will not join the National Premiere Soccer League in 2015, but that doesn't rule out an Ann Arbor-based semi-pro team in the near future.

With their application to join the NPSL denied, due in part to financial constraints, co-owner Jamey Amrine and his partners have expressed interest in creating a separate league for semi-pro teams across the Midwest.

"We would have loved getting into the NPSL - there's some great clubs there - but in the long run, it might end up being a much better option," Amrine said. "NPSL is setup well to help teams be sustainable, but this could be an even better step from there."

The group used an online Indiegogo campaign during the summer to raise funds to help cover application and start-up costs, collecting $11,130 in donations. Unfortunately the club's funding came up short.

Since being denied in October, the partners have begun talks with other Michigan start-ups, including Oakland United and Grand Rapids FC, to work out specifics for a potential new soccer league.

AFC Ann Arbor would still play at Pioneer High School's Hollway Field, with a team made up of mostly collegiate players competing in their offseason from May through late July.

"To the fans, it won't look any different," Amrine said. "We won't be on the NPSL standings, but that's really just a regional league anyway. We still think we can put a good product on the field with an equal level of talent."

AFC Ann Arbor will be coached by University of Michigan men's club soccer coach Dave Hebestreit. With more than 35 years of experience coaching, playing and reffing, Hebestreit has made a name for himself in the local soccer scene.

"He's got more background than even I know," Amrine said laughing.

Hebestreit has already begun building his roster with the hope of competing in the men's annual Christmas tournament at the Winstar Sports complex in Pontiac later this month.

Amrine said he's not sure when the team will hold tryouts, but he expects the roster to look different come next spring.

In the meantime, he's working behind the scenes with marketing groups, potential sponsors and other teams interested in getting involved in the league.

Despite disappointment in the NPSL's decision, Amrine said he hasn't had any of the 130 season ticket holders request for their donations back, and all remain optimistic.

"We've talked to people from other clubs that might be interested," he added. "Maybe they didn't have the same aspirations of (starting) next year, but maybe creating this would spark them to do what we're doing."

Justin P. Hicks is a sports reporter and storyteller for MLive / The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at jhicks3@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and MLive.