Mission
To bring professional soccer back to Cleveland, OH. Cleveland is a great soccer city.
Mentor
Terry Lawriw - CE0 / President
Terry has grown up in and lived in Cleveland, Ohio his entire life. He has been involved in soccer for over 20 years at all levels including working in the front office for the Cleveland City Stars of the USL. He spent time with the Cleveland City Stars Front Office from 2007 -2009. Once the City Stars folded he decided to become the president of AFC Cleveland CEO and President since 2011. In 2014 he joined the Board of directors for the National Premier Soccer League. Having played soccer for a long time, Terry was motivated and determined to eventually learn the business end of the sport. It has always been a life long dream of his to own a professional soccer team.
Between 2009- 2011 there was no soccer in Cleveland, he was determined to bring something back. Having been involved in the USL he had explored the option of bringing a PDL to Cleveland. After talking with the USL and the issue of territorial rights came in play (they wanted a franchise in Canton,OH). He then made the decision to start looking at different leagues to put a team in. Terry then found the NPSL, and liked there business model and submitted a business plan for a franchise.
In trying to find a name for the club he explored many team names one of them being the old Cleveland Cobras of the American Soccer League. After looking into using the name, the cobras logo was trademarked and he was forced to look for something else. Eventually he came up with the name AFC Cleveland. AFC stands for couple of different things in soccer, but he decided to use it as “A Fans Club” for the fans by the fans. Now in there fourth year, he believes they have made some great slow growth. The future plans of the club are to build a small 5000 seat only soccer stadium and eventually move up to a higher division.
Terry has grown up in and lived in Cleveland, Ohio his entire life. He has been involved in soccer for over 20 years at all levels including working in the front office for the Cleveland City Stars of the USL. He spent time with the Cleveland City Stars Front Office from 2007 -2009. Once the City Stars folded he decided to become the president of AFC Cleveland CEO and President since 2011. In 2014 he joined the Board of directors for the National Premier Soccer League. Having played soccer for a long time, Terry was motivated and determined to eventually learn the business end of the sport. It has always been a life long dream of his to own a professional soccer team.
Between 2009- 2011 there was no soccer in Cleveland, he was determined to bring something back. Having been involved in the USL he had explored the option of bringing a PDL to Cleveland. After talking with the USL and the issue of territorial rights came in play (they wanted a franchise in Canton,OH). He then made the decision to start looking at different leagues to put a team in. Terry then found the NPSL, and liked there business model and submitted a business plan for a franchise.
In trying to find a name for the club he explored many team names one of them being the old Cleveland Cobras of the American Soccer League. After looking into using the name, the cobras logo was trademarked and he was forced to look for something else. Eventually he came up with the name AFC Cleveland. AFC stands for couple of different things in soccer, but he decided to use it as “A Fans Club” for the fans by the fans. Now in there fourth year, he believes they have made some great slow growth. The future plans of the club are to build a small 5000 seat only soccer stadium and eventually move up to a higher division.
Club History
Cleveland has had a rich tradition of soccer with many professional teams such as the Stokers, Cobras, Force and Crunch in the past. Two years after the Cleveland City Stars folded in 2009, the AFC Cleveland Royals were founded on November 11, 2011. The Royals play in the NPSL, which is the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. AFC stands for “A Fans Club” to signify that the club is for the fans and created by the fans. The 6th city syndicate is the supports for Cleveland soccer. The Royals currently call Rocky River High School Stadium home for all of their home games. The club is currently sponsored by Givova and Rocky River Urgent Care.
Year-by-Year history
In 2012, the Royals first season in the NPSL they finished 3rd in the Midwest-Great Lakes division making it to the division finals. They were also winners of the Rush Belt Derby.
In 2013, the Royals finished 4th in the Midwest-Great Lakes Division and advanced to the conference semifinals
In 2014, the Royals finished in 3rd place of the Great Lakes East Conference.
In 2015, the Royals have already collected the I-71 cup in their rivalry match between them and the Cincinnati Saints.
Year-by-Year history
In 2012, the Royals first season in the NPSL they finished 3rd in the Midwest-Great Lakes division making it to the division finals. They were also winners of the Rush Belt Derby.
In 2013, the Royals finished 4th in the Midwest-Great Lakes Division and advanced to the conference semifinals
In 2014, the Royals finished in 3rd place of the Great Lakes East Conference.
In 2015, the Royals have already collected the I-71 cup in their rivalry match between them and the Cincinnati Saints.
League Standings
Click the link to find the update league standings.
http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gpx::72906+L2/+E+104
http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gpx::72906+L2/+E+104
Rocky River Stadium
20951 Detroit Road Cleveland, OH 44116