Owner BearFight FC Members Head Coach Kieran Todd Founded 2013 | President Jeremy Sharpe 2015-16 ICSL Premier Div., 3rd | |
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Full name BearFight FC of Wilmington Nickname(s) BearFight FC, BearFight, BFC, BFFC League United States Adult Soccer Association | ||
BearFight FC of Wilmington is an American amateur soccer club based in Wilmington, Delaware. BearFight FC of Wilmington plays in the United States Adult Soccer Association's Inter-County Soccer League (Pennsylvania) in the fifth division of the United States soccer pyramid. The club is wholly owned and operated by BearFight FC - a non-profit shareholders group.
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Founding
The club’s roots are in a supporters group for the Philadelphia Union, the BearFight Brigade. The BearFight Brigade started as a group of people who didn’t feel they completely fit in with other supporter groups, and founded their own. BearFight Brigade have a strong tradition of charitable fundraising, supporting such organizations as Ekisa Ministries who distribute medical and school supplies to orphan children in Uganda, the NF Foundation for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
BearFight FC was founded on August 15, 2013 at Stoney’s British Pub in Wilmington, Delaware. The three co-founders were Eric Shertz, Jeremy Sharpe and Justin Lee. Sharpe and Lee, two of the original members of the BearFight Brigade made the announcement. Like the BearFight Brigade, they wanted to start a club that would challenge the way that a soccer club is traditionally run. That is why from day one, BearFight FC has been supporter-owned and supporter-run. BearFight FC played their first season in 2013, just a few weeks after the club was founded. That night, the Philadelphia Unions first captain, Danny Califf, was announced as the first captain of BearFight FC.
BearFight FC is a very diverse club that strives for inclusion. Players from six different countries and three continents have sported the navy and black through their history including Colombia, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Angola and Sierra Leone.
Colors/Crest
In the creation of the crest of the club, inspiration was taken from the flag of the city of Wilmington, Delaware with a ship over the left shoulder of an aggressive bear. The colors are navy blue, light blue and gold. The light blue and gold come from the flag of Wilmington, Delaware and the navy blue comes from the primary color of the Philadelphia Union, which is where those involved in the creation and operation of the club first met.
Current Roster
As of October 18, 2016
Notable Past Players
BearFight FC has had some notable former players that played professionally. In the opening season of 2013, Danny Califf joined BearFight as their first captain. Danny was selected sixth over in the MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy. Over a 13-year professional career, he also played for the Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes, Chivas USA and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and FC Midtjyllandand AaB Fodbold of the Danish Superliga. He also scored 1 goal in 23 appearances for the United States men's national soccer team.
In the 2015 season, goalkeeper Thorne Holder joined BearFight for their third campaign. He has played professionally for the Philadelphia Union of MLS, the Long Island Rough Riders of the Premier Development League, and F.C. New York of the NPSL.
2013-14 Season
BearFight FC had a tough time in the second division of the Inter-County Soccer League. The team managed to pick up just 3 points in 12 competitive games. The team had the leagues worst defense and goal differential despite being led by former MLS star and team captain Danny Califf. The club had the lead in 5 games before surrendering goals in what turned into a draw and 4 defeats.
Roster
(C) - Captain
Roster
(C) - Captain
Roster
(C) - Captain
2016-17 Season
The 2016-17 season motto is "Forged by Heart and Hustle".