Exciting Times Ahead: AFCR (Formerly known as Brighton FC) and Full Circle Soccer Club Merger Announcement We are thrilled to announce a significant development for our club family: The merger of AFCR and Full Circle Sports Clubs! This partnership marks a new chapter in our journey to elevate youth soccer in our region and beyond. Background In late 2023, Brighton FC internally decided to rebrand to Association Football Club of Rochester, going by the name AFCR Brighton, and officially renaming it to AFC Rochester after the conclusion of the 23/24. The move was to align our growth and commitment to local communities, already forming additional teams in Pittsford. The Merger Over the past summer, discussions between AFCR and Full Circle Sports Clubs began exploring the potential of a merger. After thoughtful consideration and alignment of visions, it was agreed that Full Circle Sports Clubs would merge under the AFCR banner as well. This consolidation will streamline operations, enhance coaching expertise, and provide a unified platform for our players to thrive. New Structure and Teams As part of the merger, Brighton FC will officially be renamed as Association Football Club of Rochester. Full Circle Sports Clubs will move their teams to AFCR at the conclusion of the 23/24 season. AFCR will initially comprise four travel programs; AFCR Brighton, AFCR Pittsford, AFCR East Rochester Jets, and AFCR Avon. This consolidation allows us to offer a comprehensive range of programs including select teams, recreational teams, futsal, ensuring there's something for every young player passionate about the beautiful game. Leadership Announcement We are pleased to introduce the leadership team who will guide AFCR into this exciting new era: William Banahene : Executive Director, oversees program development, manages staff, secures funding, ensures compliance with regulations, fosters community relationships, and implements strategic plans. They are responsible for the club's overall operations, financial health, and mission fulfillment, aiming to provide a safe, engaging environment for youth Development. Banahene, a Brighton grad in 2012, went on to play collegiately at SUNY Canton where he picked up All-American honors, Niagara University, and Buffalo State College. After college, he went on to play for the Rochester Lancers and currently plays professionally in the MASL for the Milwaukee Wave. He has a vast coaching résumé, at Buffalo State and Geneseo as the goalkeeper coach, a goalkeeper coach for Empire United (Now RNYFC) in the DA, and most recently the MLS next and GA GK Director for SC Wave in Milwaukee. He also coached at the high school level at Eastridge, Pembroke, and Bishop Kearney. In 2018, He founded Brighton FC and served as the club President for the past six years. Greg Lull: League (RDYSL) Director, oversee all travel teams and sub clubs. Aims to provide competitive opportunities and enhance players' skills and experiences as well as all logistics for all teams/clubs. Works with sub club directors to serve as a liaison with the league and teams and will serve as RDYSL President. In his 33rd year of coaching youth soccer at all levels, Coach Greg's approach is for the players to love the game first and the skills will follow. In addition to coaching recreational and travel soccer, Coach Greg has served as the Modified Soccer Coach at Our Lady of Mercy HS and as the JV and Varsity Coach at Harley-Allendale-Columbia (HAC) school. Marisa Rivera: Director of Operations, oversees daily activities, manages website, coordinates events, ensures safety protocols, handles resource allocation, supervises staff, maintains equipment, and supports program implementation. They ensure smooth operations and a safe, effective environment for youth engagement and development. Marisa’s journey in the sport began humbly; she played recreational soccer for a couple of years but soon discovered that playing wasn't her forte. However, her involvement in soccer deepened during her adolescence when her younger brothers played at a competitive level in Racine, WI. Marisa started volunteering to support her family, which marked the beginning of her extensive career in soccer administration.

 Her early experiences included working for the local league, where she organized tournaments, managed concessions, oversaw facility management, and handled budgets. Her dedication to the sport continued as she enrolled her son and daughter in the same league, where they played youth soccer. Program Directors: AFCR Brighton: Pat Nicholson AFCR Pittsford: Shawn Carter AFCR Avon: Robert Coyne AFCR ER Jets: Chris Flores What's Next? In the coming months, we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all players, families, and staff involved. Our priority remains providing a supportive environment where every player can develop their skills and passion for soccer. We are excited about the future of AFCR and the opportunities this merger brings. Together, we will continue to build a club that fosters excellence, teamwork, and community spirit. Check out the new website at www.afc-rochester.com