Detroit City Football Club is one of 11 clubs to be included in the launch of a new league that will be associated with the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). DCFC has played in the NPSL for the last several years.
According to the NPSL, the new league will compete for the first-ever Founders Cup from August - November 2019. The clubs involved will be making a "full-time commitment to their markets and will include professional players, coaches, and staff."
Eventually, that will lead to a full-league schedule running from the spring to the fall in 2020. The team isn't officially going pro as the league won't seek pro status from the U.S. Soccer Federation. Instead, the team will play in a league sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association.
That means they will be fielding players with professional contracts and playing a longer season.
"We are very excited about this new chapter for Detroit City FC – DCFC owners have been working hard to ensure a longer season for our supporters, our team and for our community, and we are thrilled that this is now a reality," DCFC Media Director Lindsey Pehrson said in a release.
“Beginning with the Founders Cup, fans will be able to enjoy watching authentic clubs compete with professional players and staff. This new venture will build upon the success and experience of NPSL and its nationwide network of local soccer club members," NPSL Chairman Joe Barone said in a release.
The other founding members of the club include: ASC San Diego, Cal FC, California United Strikers FC, Chattanooga FC, FC Arizona, Miami FC, Miami United FC, Milwaukee Torrent, New York Cosmos, and Oakland Roots. Plans are also being developed to add additional clubs.
According to the NPSL, the format, player roster information, schedule and other details will be released at a later date.
DCFC has continued to grow since it was established in 2012. Two years ago, they moved to a new home at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, and last year, the team had its first match ever broadcast on television, a friendly against FC St. Pauli from Hamburg, Germany. The team also took on finished last year's season against Serie A club Frosinone Calcio.
Earlier this fall, the team also opened the Detroit City Fieldhouse in the former home of the City Sports Center ice rink on Detroit's east side.
