IRVINE, Calif. (June 9, 2023) – The National Independent Soccer Association today announced former Cal United Strikers president Michael Collins is leading a group that will bring back professional soccer in 2024. The revived club will hit the pitch as Strikers FC.

“We couldn’t be happier to work alongside Michael and his team to bring a club with such a solid history and culture,” says NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch. “He is bringing a strong and diverse ownership group with worldwide soccer connections. NISA continues to add clubs in the west for intense rivalries new and old.”

A more balanced league also will provide the benefit of greater scheduling flexibility to all NISA Clubs. The Strikers club is included in NISA’s 2024 sanctioning application for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) consideration. The ownership group has submitted an application to the NISA Board of Governors and is subject to USSF approval.

“The new club will have stronger, more connective tissue with the Strikers FC youth organization,” says Collins. “From Day One, our Club will look for top talent from Southern California to develop and bring them through our club – and then to the professional level in the U.S. or Mexico, Europe (Germany), Scandinavia, Asia and beyond.

“We are really looking forward to what the future holds for Strikers FC and NISA!” he exclaims.