Club To Play In Northeast Region’s Keystone Conference
First State FC Midnight Riders from Wilmington, Deleware, is joining the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as an expansion team. The club will begin competition in the Northeast Region’s Keystone Conference in 2020.
“This is an exciting new market for the NPSL,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “Wilmington is a fantastic soccer community and we expect that this club will have huge success on and off the field under the NPSL brand.”
Founded in 2019, First State FC’s goal is to expand opportunities for both soccer players and fans alike in Delaware. They believe in the power of sport and that soccer strengthens the community by bringing people together and teaching important life skills to those willing to engage. The club intends to partner with local youth soccer leagues and non-profit organizations to expand access to playing opportunities and support young players in their soccer journeys.
The Midnight Riders are led by Dave Holloway, Don Holloway, Kyle Evans Gay and Chibsah Faisal.
Majority Owner Dave Holloway will serve as President and General Manager of First State FC. He is also the Managing Member of Holloway Law, a law firm located in Wilmington, Delaware. Minority Owner Don Holloway will serve as VP of Sales and Marketing of First State FC. He is a veteran executive of both the music and telecom industries.
“We’re here to make some noise. We want to showcase the courage and independence that our state – the First State – stands for. We will develop strong rivalries with neighboring teams. In First State FC, the NPSL will have gained not just a team, but also a thriving and boisterous soccer community.”
Dave Holloway – President & GM
Minority Owner Kyle Evans Gay is an attorney practicing corporate law in Delaware and also serves on the boards of a number of local non-profit organizations. Chibsah Faisal will serve as the first head coach in First State FC history. He played Division I soccer at the University of Delaware, where he is now an assistant coach. He is also a coach at Delaware FC, the state’s largest youth soccer organization.
“We are excited to be jumping into a thriving league,” Dave Holloway continued. “We know there is stiff competition in our conference, but our expectations from day one are to compete for the conference title while also giving our fans an exciting, engaging atmosphere during our home games.”
“The NPSL is excited to break into the Delaware market and fill a gap that existed in the region,” NPSL Director of Membership Development Dina Case concluded. “First State FC brings a solid ownership group with a strong passion for the game. We look forward to seeing great things from them in their inaugural season.
