Akron City FC & Ambassadors FC Ohio to Compete in a Charity Friendly Match Benefiting Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2025

AKRON/CANTON, OH– Soccer fans in Northeast Ohio will experience a new rivalry this year as Akron City FC of USL League Two and Ambassadors FC Ohio of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) come together for a special charity friendly match on Saturday, June 7, 2025. These two pre-professional sides in the 4th tier of American soccer will bring new life to their competition at Green Street Stadium on the campus of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.

More than just a battle for local bragging rights, the match serves a greater purpose—supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. All proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of other revenue will directly benefit the Foodbank’s mission to provide food and essential resources to individuals and families facing hunger in the region.

“We are honored to partner with our colleagues Nick and Andy at Akron City FC for this special ‘derby’ match,” said Bob Dean, Director of Men’s Football Operations for Ambassadors Football. “This match is a chance for the community to enjoy the best high-level soccer in the area while also making a real impact in the fight against food insecurity in our region. We are called to serve in our mission and our partnership with the Foodbank is the foundation of that call being answered. There is no more important time than now to help the Foodbank considering the cuts to their funding that have taken place.”

Akron City FC, a successful member of the NPSL from 2022 to 2024 is entering their first year in USL2, while Ambassadors FC Ohio, founded in 2021, is in its inaugural season in the NPSL in 2025. 

“It was a ‘no-brainer’ to establish an annual derby match with our friends from Ambassadors,” said Nick Turchan, owner of Akron City FC. “Building local rivalries is key to growing the game at the grassroots level, and creating more meaningful matches in our community helps strengthen the sport’s foundation in this country. To do it for a great cause makes it even more special. This is about more than just competition—it’s about bringing people together through soccer and making a lasting impact.”

All proceeds from ticket sales, as well as a portion from beer sales and parking, will go directly to fund the Foodbank’s efforts. Tickets for the charity friendly match are available for $15 per person, with kids 6 and under admitted free. Fans are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the game to further support the Foodbank’s efforts.

“Soccer has the power to bring people together, and this match is a testament to that,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. "Community partnerships are vital to our ability to provide food to the 1 in 7 individuals in our community who may struggle with hunger. We're grateful the teams have chosen to support local hunger relief."

Both teams are preparing for their first season in their respective leagues, and this match offers a unique opportunity for players to showcase their talent while strengthening community ties.

For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.akroncityfc.com/ https://tickets.uslleaguetwo.com/events/akron-city-fc-2025-season/event_times/1589587

About the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is the source of emergency food for 630 pantries, meal sites, shelters and food programs serving children and older adults across Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. Last year, the Foodbank provided access to food for 31.4 million meals, the largest year in the organization's history. As the demand for food remains elevated, the community's support means the difference between hunger and hope for neighbors experiencing hunger. 

To learn more or to donate, visit www.akroncantonfoodbank.org.

About Ambassadors FC Ohio

Ambassadors FC Ohio of the NPSL is the men’s pre-professional program of Ambassadors Football, a global Christian soccer mission headquartered in northeast Ohio with missions in 35 countries. The NPSL is the first and only men’s league designated as a Tier 1 national league. Founded in 2021, the men’s program features home grown players, pre-professional, & collegiate players from all over the region and the world. Founded in 1990, Ambassadors is a servant-hearted global mission, working as one team through football, developing innovative strategies to mobilize the Church, so that through the Word of God, disciples are made in every nation. Ambassadors operates a 500+ member youth club in northeast Ohio as well and conducts camps and clinics nationwide. Over 20,000 people are ministered to weekly around the world through Ambassadors Football.

To learn more about Ambassadors, visit ambassadorsfootball.org

About Akron City FC

Akron City FC is a locally-owned member of USL League Two founded in 2022. USL League Two is the leader in pre-professional soccer in North America. The League holds a vital role as it continues to provide the elite platform for those pursuing professional careers domestically and internationally. Akron City FC continues to unite communities in the region through soccer by offering the highest level of competition and entertainment through the game, as well as building into the fabric of the community through service and utilization of home grown talent on and off the field. 
To learn more about Akron City FC, visit akroncityfc.com

Media Contacts:

Bob Dean, Ambassadors FC Ohio
rdean@ambassadorsfootball.org
330.283.6602

Nick Turchan, Akron City FC 
216.570.7557

Raven Gayheart, Foodbank