SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (December 28, 2023) – Today, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) welcomes amateur side Capistrano FC (Capo FC). It will take to the pitch in the 2024 NISA season.

“Capo FC is a club with amazing heritage and community ties,” says NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch. “For years we have been working towards this event, alongside USSF, to provide the platform and opportunity to show that true community clubs, like Capo FC, should not be ignored in the professional landscape in the United States.”

Capo FC began as a grassroots, community youth club in 2006 and most recently fielded sides in the Southwest Premier League, United Premier Soccer League, and spent the past summer season in USL2. Prior to this move to the professional ranks, Capo FC's first team has been an outstanding member of the full-year NISA Nation incubator league, participating the last three seasons. Importantly, it is a strong fit culturally within NISA’s merit-based approach to building an open system.

“NISA makes it possible for a small local club like us to get into a pro league without having to compromise our culture or change our identity,” says Capo FC President, Club Director and Head Coach Peter Carey. “Our membership allows us to grow deeper in our community, giving our little ones something to dream of and players to look up to – that come from the same neighborhoods, that have the same background, and same upbringing.”

For Capo FC, the pro side completes the club’s pathway to pro through youth, high school and college opportunities. It helps overcome the pay-to-play system to keep development about soccer, not money. That is critical for kids that may not have the resources of connections, money, politics, or an ability to travel.

More information on the club can be found at capofc.com. The complete NISA 2024 slate of clubs, schedule, and playoff format will be announced in early 2024.