Club soccer opens up a world of opportunity for young people who are passionate about the game. Committed players thrive in an environment of professional coaching, access to college scouts, and high-level competition. The downside? Talented players that lack financial means can be left behind – out of view of college recruiters and off the map for athletic scholarships.

Michigan Power Futbol Academy is different. This soccer club offers the benefits of top travel clubs – high level competition, professional coaching, and access to college scouts – while eliminating barriers such as cost and transportation for families that qualify. This ensures that motivated players (who otherwise might be priced out) have a place on the field.

Every player, no matter how talented, is one injury away from ending their soccer career. And, for every single player, there will come a point where soccer ends – and a plan for life after that point is crucial.

MPFA is the only soccer club in West Michigan that offers academic support – and it shows. Since many players are the children of immigrants or may be the first in their families to attend college, they are grateful for the academic support offered by their soccer club. 

To ensure success, MPFA works with players to build a plan for the future, and to understand how playing a sport teaches lessons that lead to success in life.   

Alan, a Wyoming High School sophomore and a son of Mexican immigrants said it best. “Soccer works your mind. It makes you think creatively. It helps with school – if you’re on the field, you need to think quickly, have quick movement, and be creative.”

At the same time, student-athletes who excel on the playing field sometimes struggle in the classroom. Poor grades can result in being benched – which doesn’t solve the problem.

That is why MPFA is excited to partner with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). This partnership will allow MPFA players to participate in a Need to Know College Success Workshop.

This workshop, led by experts at Writer’s Alley, demystifies the college experience by helping students understand themselves as learners, clarify what to expect from professors, improve the soft skills needed for success, and understand life on campus.

Soccer is what motivates MPFA players – so to build excitement for college, MPFA offers Navigating the College Soccer Recruiting Process as a family event. Learning the ins and outs of what scouts are looking for makes all the difference for getting talented players onto a college team that fits their needs – both as an athlete and as a student.

Emanuel, a junior at Grand Rapids Union High School who has played with Michigan Power Futbol Academy since 2018, is someone who knows what he wants. “I really want to go to college and play soccer at least at a D2 or D1 school.” He said, “I really learned a lot about what colleges can help me with and what I can get from them. I think I can get really good opportunities from Power Futbol and they can actually help me reach the college level.”

Michigan Power Futbol Academy is like a second home for many players. Allen noted that even after playing with the club for a week or two, he already felt like he’d been playing with them for years. He attributes this to outstanding coaching – and to the fact that there are no cuts – that coaches find a place for each player to belong, whether that is on a Select or Premier team. Everyone fits somewhere.

Diversity adds to the sense of camaraderie for these players. Some players hail from as far and wide as Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Guatemala, and Mexico. Some grew up in West Michigan but have families that immigrated from around the globe. And some have deep roots in the greater Grand Rapids area. Many juggle school, part-time jobs, and family obligations. One thing they have in common – a love for soccer. The opportunity to play soccer at a high level is what drives them.


Emanuel echoed the sentiments of many players when he said, “I really enjoy playing with some of my Hispanic teammates and I really enjoy playing with a bunch of coaches where I can really learn.”


That is what Michigan Power Futbol is all about -- providing a place where players learn, develop, lead, and succeed.