September 23, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is excited to welcome Bafana United Football Club as its newest member.

Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Bafana United FC begins UPSL play in the 2020 Fall Season as part of the Midwest Conference East Division. The club hosts its UPSL home games at the Auburn Hills Civic Center (1800 Valleyview Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326).

UPSL Midwest Conference Manager Robert Brinkman said, "Bafana United FC is a great program and they are well known in Michigan. With the UPSL's Midwest Conference East Division growing so rapidly, it makes sense that Bafana is part of that growth. We're excited to have them aboard and wish them the best of luck in the season ahead."

Bafana United FC was created in 2013 by Founder Brandon Cooper to participate in the Michigan United Soccer League (MUSL), one of the state's many men's amateur leagues. The club has since grown to four teams, including two open teams, an Over-30 team and an Over-40 team. The club's 'Premier' open team has played in the Michigan Premier Soccer League (MPSL) the last three seasons but now will compete exclusively in the UPSL.

Jason Matthews is Owner and President of Bafana United FC. A Michigan native, Matthews played four seasons at Albion College (NCAA) and currently holds a USSF 'D' coaching license.

"Bafana United FC sincerely appreciates the opportunity to play in the UPSL. We believe that the UPSL is the highest level for Pro Development in Michigan and we've been able to attract more recruits with higher skill levels," Matthews said. "We love the exposure that comes along with being a member of the UPSL, the league's integrated marketing efforts and the overall level of competition. We've played against several Midwest Conference East Division teams prior to the start of the season so we know the UPSL is the right place for Bafana."

Rob Skubic serves as Vice President and Assistant Coach. An Oakland University men's soccer alum, Skubic played for Sparta Michigan (NPSL) before moving over to play for Bafana United FC five years ago.

Bafana United FC (0-0-2) opened its inaugural season with a 4-2 lost to Inter Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 13, and followed with a 5-2 loss to Detroit United on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The club plays Rebels FC at Auburn Hills Civic Center at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 25.

About Bafana United FC

Bafana United FC is an American Soccer club currently based in Auburn Hills, MI, and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. Bafana United FC plays in the UPSL's Midwest Conference.

Bafana United FC can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact
Email: info@bafanaunitedfc.com
Website: www.bafanaunitedfc.com
Facebook: /bafanaunitedfootballclub
Instagram: @bafanaunitedfc
Twitter: @bafanafc

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated.

UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league's affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 888-405-UPSL (8775) and 714-379-4440

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
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www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague