CHICAGO (April 30, 2024) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) released the NISA Independent Cup (NIC) regions for the 2024 edition. The biggest change for the fifth annual event is NISA professional clubs will begin play in the very first round, scheduled for the weekend of July 6.

“What we have learned through the years from the Independent Cup, from England’s FA Cup, and even from the U.S. Open Cup is we all love seeing underdog’s getting their shot against the bigger clubs,” says NIC Tournament Director Matt Morse. “Amateurs taking on pro sides is the most exciting version of that. With NISA pro clubs playing first round matches, meritocracy will bear out on the pitch.”

The field this year will consist of all nine NISA clubs and 20 amateur clubs playing across five regions. With condensed regions, NISA clubs will share brackets.

• EAST REGION – Georgia FC and Maryland Bobcats FC
• GREAT LAKES REGION – Michigan Stars FC
• PACIFIC REGION – Capo FC and Irvine Zeta FC
• SOUTHEAST REGION – Club de Lyon FC and Savannah Clovers FC
• WEST COAST REGION – Arizona Monsoon FC and Los Angeles Force

First round matches will start the weekend of July 6. Winners of those matches will play the weekend of July 14 against another amateur club that was granted a first-round bye. Regional championships are slated for the weekend of July 28.

Matches will stream on NISA+ at watch.NISASoccer.com . Clubs interested in more information on the 2024 NISA Independent Cup or future competitions, please contact mattm@nisasoccer.com.