Family Affair
By Mary J Blige
12:41am
Community Calendar
FSU Mens Soccer Club vs CMFC U19 exhibition game
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CENTRAL MICHIGAN FOOTBALL CLUB COLLABORATES Ferris State Men’s Club Soccer Team to Face CMFC U19 in Free Community Exhibition Match BIG RAPIDS, MI — September 24, 2026 — Central Michigan Football Club (CMFC) is excited to announce an upcoming community exhibition match between the Ferris State University men’s club soccer team and the CMFC U19 team on September 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids. The match is free and open to the public, giving families, soccer fans, and community members an opportunity to experience high-level soccer close to home and support the continued growth of the sport in the Big Rapids community. But the September 27 match is just one part of a much larger story for CMFC. FROM A GROUP OF PLAYERS TO A YEAR-ROUND SOCCER COMMUNITY Approximately one year ago, a group of recreational soccer players wanted to keep playing together and continue developing beyond the playground. That idea grew into Central Michigan Football Club, a nonprofit organization created to provide young athletes with opportunities to play, develop, compete, and build lasting connections through soccer while promoting affordable access to the sport. Since then, CMFC has grown into a multi-team, year-round soccer organization. CMFC's approach is built around keeping players active and developing throughout the calendar year through league play, tournaments, scrimmages, and different forms of soccer — including outdoor competition and sand soccer during the warmer months and indoor soccer during the winter. The current soccer season is just getting underway, but CMFC is already looking ahead to the next stage of its year-round program. A SUMMER OF COMPETITION AND SUCCESS CMFC's commitment to year-round soccer has provided its players with numerous opportunities to compete throughout the summer. At the 616 Tournament in Grand Rapids on June 14, the CMFC U12 Coed team competed in the boys division and earned Gold. On June 28 in Grand Haven, CMFC brought six teams to Soccer in the Sand, where the U12 Girls and U13 Boys earned first- and second-place finishes, adding to the club's tournament successes. CMFC continued its summer tournament run at the WSMC Holland Tournament, bringing three teams to compete. The U12 Boys earned Gold, while the U14 Coed team competing in the boys division earned Silver. These tournament experiences are part of CMFC's larger effort to provide young athletes with opportunities to continue learning, competing, and developing well beyond a traditional soccer season. MORE THAN WINS AND LOSSES For CMFC, the purpose of competition goes beyond the scoreboard. Coach Rich Brannan, who helped guide the club from its early days, describes what he believes is at the heart of CMFC: “My kids are really loving what the Club has brought them, and mostly that is a place to belong and be able to be a part of something despite where you grew up, your last name, or anything else. This thing started with a group of rec players who just liked their coach and wanted to do more soccer. It has become a place to develop and learn the game in a competitive atmosphere. We don’t win every game, and that’s not the point. The win is seeing these kids smile and get better, which everyone has. That’s the real win.” — Coach Rich Brannan, Central Michigan Football Club That philosophy is reflected in CMFC's year-round approach: give players a place to belong, opportunities to improve, and experiences that encourage them to keep working toward their goals. FERRIS STATE COMES TO BIG RAPIDS The September 27 exhibition against the Ferris State men's club team represents another opportunity for CMFC's young players to experience a high level of competition. The Ferris State team brings college-level experience and players with strong club soccer backgrounds, providing the CMFC U19 players with an opportunity to challenge themselves against a different level of competition. The match also creates an opportunity for local families and soccer supporters to watch competitive soccer in their own community. EVENT INFORMATION Ferris State Men’s Club Soccer vs. CMFC U19 Date: September 27, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Crossroads Charter Academy, Big Rapids, Michigan Admission: FREE Community members, families, soccer supporters, and local media are invited to attend and support both clubs. SUPPORT CMFC Admission to the September 27 match is free, and community support is always welcome. As a nonprofit organization, CMFC relies on the support of families, volunteers, community members, and local supporters to help keep soccer opportunities accessible and affordable for young athletes. Donations and other forms of support help CMFC continue providing players with opportunities to practice, compete, develop their skills, build friendships, and experience the positive impact of being part of a team. Those interested in supporting CMFC can contact the club through its official channels for information about current ways to help. ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN FOOTBALL CLUB Central Michigan Football Club (CMFC) is a nonprofit community soccer organization dedicated to providing young athletes with opportunities to play, develop, compete, and build lasting connections through soccer. What began with a group of recreational players who wanted to continue playing together has grown into a multi-team, year-round soccer organization serving young athletes and families in the community. CMFC is committed to keeping soccer accessible and affordable while creating a positive, competitive environment where players can develop their skills, confidence, friendships, and love for the game. MEDIA CONTACT Coach Rich Brannan Central Michigan Football Club Cell: 231-349-7854 Email: centralmichiganfootballclub@gmail.com Alternate Email: Richardbrannan12@gmail.com Sam Guidry — Media Director Phone: 231-408-8573 Joyce Lane — Assistant FOLLOW CMFC Follow Central Michigan Football Club through its official social media and YouTube channels for team highlights, video, game replays, tournament updates, and news about upcoming opportunities. Central Michigan Football Club https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581965210219 Official CMFC Facebook Page https://youtube.com/@centralmichiganfootballclub?si=aaTfDJi3BdGG6jvr Official CMFC YouTube Channel
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