Fairhope Soccer Club Joins FC Cincinnati Affiliate Program, Expanding Opportunities for Players and Coaches

Fairhope, AL – May 12, 2025— Fairhope Soccer Club (FSC) is excited to announce its official affiliation with Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati through the club’s nationally expanding Affiliate Program. This partnership represents a major milestone for FSC as it aligns with one of the premier professional soccer organizations in the United States.

FC Cincinnati, a leading club in Major League Soccer, created its Affiliate Program to foster soccer growth in the Cincinnati Tri-State area. Since its inception, the program has grown beyond regional boundaries to connect with top youth soccer organizations across the country—now including FSC.

“This partnership is about more than just the players on the field—it’s about strengthening soccer in our community,” said Tito Rodriquez, Fairhope Soccer Club’s newly appointed Director of Coaching. “Together with FC Cincinnati, we’re creating a platform for young athletes to thrive, dream, and achieve greatness. Our partnership is built on shared values: a commitment to excellence, a passion for soccer, and a dedication to developing future leaders. Together, we will provide players with the tools to succeed on and off the field.”

The FC Cincinnati Affiliate Program provides member clubs with direct access to coaching education, developmental resources, and insight into the professional soccer pathway within MLS.

“Through this partnership, our coaching staff will have direct access to FC Cincinnati’s resources, training techniques, and expertise,” added Rodriquez. “This collaboration will allow us to raise the bar in coaching development and further enhance the quality of soccer in our club.”

Adrian Parrish, Affiliate Coordinator for the FC Cincinnati Academy, shared his enthusiasm about the continued growth of the program. “We have developed many great relationships with clubs in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region in the first two years of running our affiliate program,” Parrish said. “We are looking forward to expanding our program in a new and exciting way.”

FSC was founded in 1974 as Fairhope Soccer League, born from a grassroots effort by local soccer families. In 2005, travel teams were introduced under the name Blast Soccer. The recreational and competitive programs unified in 2010, operating today as Fairhope Soccer Club. FSC now serves over 700 boys and girls annually across both recreational and competitive levels.

“We look forward to continuing the growth of our club and allowing our players to perhaps enjoy a new and professional experience,” said Declan McSheffrey, longtime Director of Coaching and current Club Advisor for Fairhope Soccer Club.

As part of the FC Cincinnati Affiliate Program, FSC is set to deliver an elevated soccer experience to its players, coaches, and families—empowering the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.