GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids' professional soccer team officially has a leader at its helm.

Athletic Club Grand Rapids (AC Grand Rapids) announced on Saturday that Darrius Barnes will be the president of the MLS NEXT Pro team.

Barnes, a 38-year-old native of Raleigh, North Carolina, is AC Grand Rapids' first hire. His presidency was announced at a news conference at Brewer Park in Byron Center during the inaugural OOSA Classic, a youth soccer tournament.

Barnes has spent his last four years helping build Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC franchise. Since 2022, Barnes has been the president of its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy FC, launching and developing the club from its inception.

He was the director of business operations leading into Charlotte FC's inaugural MLS seas

See Full Page