Draft:Bellevue Athletic FC

• Comment: Non-professional clubs in the U.S. are rarely notable and require quality sources to meet the general notability guideline. This team does not seem to have any mentions in The Seattle Times or other major publications in the area. SounderBruce 04:33, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

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Bellevue Athletic FC is a semi-professional soccer club based in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 2022, the club competes in the UPSL. Bellevue Athletic FC aims to provide opportunities for local talent in the Greater Seattle area and foster the growth of soccer in the community.

History

Bellevue Athletic FC was established in 2022 with the belief that there is an extensive and untapped talent pool in the Greater Seattle area that is lacking opportunities at in the gap between high school and the professional level. By providing opportunities for younger talents and undiscovered gems, BAFC works to fill that gap and provide a pathway to higher-level collegiate, amateur, and professional leagues. In the future, BAFC plans to work towards becoming a professional organization with a youth system and grow our brand locally and internationally. Since its founding, the club has been competitive in their UPSL division and has recently earned a player development partnership with Central Valley Fuego FC. BAFC has also entered U.S. Open Cup qualifying their first two years of operations.

Club Structure

Bellevue Athletic FC is owned by Excelerate LLC. It is operated by the Director of Operations Laura Rivera, and the Sporting Director Anastacio Rivera. The club consists of 3 teams that play in varying semi-professional leagues.

Men's First Team

The Men's first team is coached by Head Coach Adam Fenster, and Assistant Coaches Brian Burkholder, Mike Mata, and Anastacio Rivera. They have played in the Premier Division of United Premier Soccer League since Spring 2022, finishing in playoff spots 2 of the 4 seasons.

Men's Second Team (B2)

B2, the men's second team program, is operated by Program Director Tao Shen. They have played in the second division of the Cascadia Premier League since Summer of 2023. Previously, they played in Seattle RATS league, and continue to in Fall seasons.

Women's First Team

Formed in 2024, the BAFC Women will be the first women's team in BAFC's history. Women's Program Director Val Seid will be leading the charge along with help from the clubs back office.

Stadium & Facilities

Bellevue Athletic FC plays its home matches at Bellevue College, located in Bellevue, Washington. The stadium has a seating capacity of 500 and offers Astro Turf brand artificial turf with one of the softest surfaces in the Pacific Northwest, which is less stressful on the body resulting in a possible reduction of overuse injuries. The facility also has LED lighting; one of the only facilities in the region with it. The club also utilizes Robinswood Park and Wilburton Hill Park for training sessions and other activities.

Media Coverage & Recognition

The club has received coverage on the United States Soccer Federation website, the United Premier Soccer League newsletter, and it's partner Central Valley Fuego FC's newsletter, and most recently through Area Sports Network for their notable achievements as a club.