“It is with great pride I’m here to introduce to you the first President of AC Grand Rapids, Darrius Barnes.”
ACGR's majority owner, chairman, and CEO David Van Andel introduced Barnes at a youth soccer tournament in Byron Center, the OOSA Classic presented by The Soccer Rebellion and AC Grand Rapids.
He noted Barnes shares the values and vision of the team leadership.
“He loves the sport obviously, but he also understands that the team and the sport need to be integrated very well into the community and that he will be part of that community.”
Barnes played eight seasons with the New England Revolution, worked for the league in marketing, then launched Charlotte, North Carolina’s professional team in 2022.
Barnes expressed his excitement at helping make the club a civic asset for the city, saying he knows what the sport can do for a community.
“Being a community connector, bringing people together, giving young players something to aspire to be.”
Grand Rapids’ MLS NEXT Pro team is set to begin play in 2027 at the new Amway Stadium, currently under construction.
Credit: Sound from video courtesy Shafi Subhan, The Soccer Rebellion.
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