City’s First-Ever Pro Soccer Club to Begin Play in 2023

SAVANNAH, Ga. (January 11, 2022) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) proudly announces it has approved Savannah Clovers FC for membership. The club will start play in the 2023 season, marking the first season of professional soccer in the City of Savannah’s history.

“We are thrilled that Savannah Clovers FC has joined us and our quest for a true open system in the United States,” says NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch. “Shane Folgado and his staff have done such a great job in the last five years of developing the club and connecting with the community. It will be a strong addition to our growing southeast presence.”

As the highest competitive level of men’s soccer in Savannah, the Clovers had competed in the United Premier Soccer League since its inception in 2016. The team participated in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the NISA Independent Cup. 

“We are thrilled to have our application accepted by NISA’s Board and to bring professional soccer to Savannah,” says Savannah Clovers CEO Shane Folgado. “We are certain that Savannah is uniquely positioned to support a team of this caliber, and we look forward to bringing the world’s game to this historic and beloved city.”

Savannah Clovers Football Club was co-founded by Brian Sykes, who will retain an ownership stake in the Club. Derived from First City Supporters, Savannah Clovers Football Club’s mission is to represent the Hostess City. 

“We are very pleased to have our Application approved by the National Independent Soccer Association,” adds Savannah Clovers Vice President Brian Sykes. “We believe NISA is a great fit for our club as we make the jump to professional soccer, and we are beyond excited about the opportunity to showcase the world’s game in Savannah.”

About Savannah Clovers Football Club

Savannah Clovers Football Club is a Supporter/Community-based soccer club founded on June 23, 2016 as a local amateur soccer club. The team has played in the United Premier Soccer League for five seasons and participated in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the NISA Independent Cup. The Club’s mission is to bring the highest level of League Soccer to the Hostess City through NISA’s professional platform, while engaging players, fans and local businesses to serve our community.  For more information about Savannah Clovers FC visit savannahclovers.com or contact at info@savannahclovers.com.  Follow Savannah Clovers FC on Facebook @SavCloversfc, Instagram @savannah_cloversfc and Twitter @SavCloversfc.