Athletic Club Boise: A New Era in Boise Soccer

In a city known for its iconic ‘Smurf Turf,’ Boise, Idaho, has a new sports sensation: Athletic Club Boise, the city’s first professional soccer team. As they prepare to face Portland Hearts of Pine in their upcoming match, the team is making waves in the USL League One with record-breaking attendance and season ticket deposits.

Head coach Nate Miller and his team have already set multiple USL and USL League One records, with over 6,700 season ticket deposits before their first game and a sold-out crowd of 7,211 for their home opener against Spokane Velocity on April 4. This impressive start has the city buzzing with excitement.

A Community-Driven Approach

At the heart of Athletic Club Boise’s success is a commitment to building a strong connection with the local community. Ownership team members Sofia Huerta and Brad Stith, both natives of the area, understand the importance of engaging with fans and developing a loyal supporter base. Huerta, a Seattle Reign defender and AC Boise co-owner, believes that bringing soccer to Boise is one of her greatest accomplishments, saying, ‘It’s not about the stats; it’s about the deeper connection we’re making with the community.’

Stith, a co-founder and club CEO, emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable team that invests in the local community. He notes, ‘It always comes down to bringing in the right people, having the right team, having the right community support, pouring back into the community as much as possible.’

A Basque Influence

The club’s name and European-centric approach may raise eyebrows, but it’s rooted in the area’s Basque population and their connection to Athletic Club Bilbao. In 2015, Bilbao played a friendly against Club Tijuana in Boise, drawing over 20,000 fans and raising money for the Idaho Youth Soccer Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County. This event marked a turning point for youth soccer in the region, highlighting the potential for growth and investment in the local community.

Argia Beristain, CEO of Boise State University Foundation, notes the congruence between the Basque region’s emphasis on investing in their system and players and the approach taken by Athletic Club Boise. He says, ‘For Idaho, we don’t have unlimited players to pull from, so you really have to invest in your community here to develop the players.’

A Supportive Fan Culture

Ryan Pritchett, founder of the River Guard, AC Boise’s supporters group, has played a crucial role in building a loyal and enthusiastic fan base. With a growth in membership since day one, the River Guard has become a driving force behind the team’s success. Pritchett reflects on the early days, saying, ‘We had like three songs, and people were following along, half-heartedly, but they were starting to get it.’ Today, the fans are fully engaged, waiting for the River Guard to start the first word of a song before erupting in cheers.

Ambition and Promotion/Relegation

As the USL introduces promotion and relegation in 2028, Athletic Club Boise is positioning itself for success. With a focus on winning and a desire to compete in the USL Cup, the team is building a strong foundation for long-term success. Players like Blake Bodily, who came with Major League Soccer experience, are crucial in this effort, saying, ‘We said from the start that we want to compete in the USL Cup; we don’t just want to skip by and whatever happens, happens.’