AFC Columbia soccer club to merge with Missouri Reign

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Local semi-professional soccer is getting a little bit of a makeover. AFC Columbia and Missouri Reign announced a partnership on Thursday that will merge both soccer programs.

The AFC Columbia women's soccer team will now be known as Missouri Reign while the men's program will keep the AFC Columbia name.

Dakota Acock, the founder and president of Missouri Reign, said both programs believed it was important for the women's team to "have their own identity", sparking the name change.

Both programs will maintain a "brother-sister" relationship and will have a parent board that supervises the clubs.

"This merger underscores a dedication to unite the mid-Missouri community and bring soccer fans together, celebrating the amazing local talent and the community that raised these exceptional athletes," Accock said in a press release on Thursday.

"I am excited about partnering with our friends from Jeff City, elevating our opportunities for women's soccer players. Their energy and commitment to bringing a quality program will be great for our local players," AFCC Club President Zach Fischer said in Thursday's press release. "AFCC is excited to support this new partnership and looks forward to collaborating with the Reign on as many things as we can."

According to the press release, there will be sponsorship opportunities and fundraisers in Fall 2023 to support both programs.

AFC Columbia and Missouri Reign will begin action in Spring 2024.