Important Announcements
March 9, 2023:
Dear MSC Community,
Since 1969, Montclair Soccer Club has been a part of the Oakland youth soccer community. Over the past 50+ years, the club has also grown from a neighborhood recreational soccer club into one of the premier competitive youth soccer programs in the East Bay. We now have close to 1500 children playing youth soccer for various Montclair teams with recreational teams ranging from 3 to 18 years old and almost 30 competitive teams playing in NorCal leagues and tournaments across the state and country.
The club has come a long way since 1969 and it is because of that we believe it’s time to refresh the MSC brand. For many years, our competitive teams have used the nickname “Clippers” for their teams. We believe this is inspired by Oakland’s first professional soccer team, the Oakland Clippers, who played here professionally from 1967-69, coincidentally, the year MSC was founded. While Clipper ships signified speed, an important trait on the soccer pitch, they only worked effectively when everyone on board was working together, much like a soccer team!
So after a process of board exploration, community focus groups and much debate and discussion, we have decided to rename our club Clippers Football Club, or Clippers FC. This name will include both our competitive teams and our recreational teams. We are excited to roll out the new branding, including a new logo, in the weeks to come and we cannot wait to see kids on the pitch this fall in their new Clippers kits! All our teams, recreational and competitive, will play as Montclair Soccer Club this spring with the transition to Clippers FC coming at competitive tryouts in May.
We did not take this action lightly, we know that the name Montclair Soccer Club and our brand have meant a great deal to generations of Oakland kids and families. We want to better reflect the entire Oakland community and know that this club has grown well beyond its initial roots. We are excited for this next chapter and what it means for youth soccer in Oakland.
Sincerely,
MSC Board of Directors
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FAQs | Clippers Football Club (Clippers FC)
1. Will teams be playing as Montclair Soccer Club this spring?
Yes, all recreational and competitive teams will be playing as Montclair Soccer Club (MSC) this spring.
2. When will you shift over to being officially called Clippers FC?
Technically, May 8, 2023 will be the first official day using our new name and logo as Clippers FC. On this day our website, social media, and many official things in the background will shift to (or direct people to) Clippers FC. We will be using the new branding at competitive tryouts in early May.
3. Can recreational players wear MSC uniforms next year (for the 2023-2024 season)?
Yes, recreational players will have the option to purchase a new Clippers kit, but uniform design will be identical/very similar, including the same colors, except for the different logo. Therefore, Rec players can wear their MSC uniforms for this transitional year if they would like (and can continue to pass down rec uniforms for years to come as has often been the practice).
4. Why did the club change to “football club”?
The different clubs that we compete against have a mix of names; many call themselves “football clubs”. In addition, many of our competitive players move to AFC (Association Football Club) once they hit U13. Given the popularity of the sport on the global stage, and the growth of our program, we felt this shift best suited our club now and for the years to come.
5. What is the significance of the name “Clippers”?
For many years, our competitive teams have used the nickname “Clippers” for their teams. We believe this is inspired by Oakland’s first professional soccer team, the Oakland Clippers, who played here professionally from 1967-69, coincidentally, the year MSC was founded. While Clipper ships signified speed, an important trait on the soccer pitch, they only worked effectively when everyone on board was working together. By choosing the name “Clippers”, we honor this legacy and represent the strength of our club.
6. What inspired the re-brand and new logo?
After a year-long process of board exploration, community focus groups and much debate and discussion, we decided to rebrand with a name and vision that better represented our club and our Oakland community. Our community has grown tremendously since the club’s origin (in Montclair) long ago, and now includes close to 1500 children playing youth soccer for various teams. After looking closely at our core values, growth, and Oakland community, rebranding as Clippers FC was a natural progression.
The design of our logo crest was first inspired by our “3 Cs”, Collaboration, Commitment, and Community. In addition, the waves are a nod to the Oakland Clippers’ legacy and Oakland’s location on “The Bay”.
7. Will there be new merchandise to purchase?
Yes! We will have Clippers FC items very soon. We can’t wait to see our players, families, and community showing their support. Stay tuned!
