Soccer takes over Atwood Stadium for annual Vehicle City Soccer Classic on May 17

FLINT, Michigan — Local soccer fans can look forward to an exciting day of competition as the annual Flint & Genesee Vehicle City Soccer Classic returns to Kettering University’s historic Atwood Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

The event kicks off at noon with three regular-season matchups featuring six area high school teams. The schedule includes:
  • Noon – Mattawan High School vs. Grand Blanc High School
     
  • 2 p.m. – Stony Creek High School vs. Powers Catholic High School
     
  • 4 p.m. – Hartland High School vs. Davison High School
     
Capping off the day, Flint City AFC will host their season opener at 7 p.m. against FC Pontiac. One ticket grants admission to all four matches. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the gate or online at GOFan.co. Parking at Atwood Stadium is available for $5.

Organizers say the event is designed to showcase the growing popularity of soccer while promoting Flint and Genesee County as a sports destination.

“The success of our annual Gridiron Classic led us to soccer, which continues to grow across the country,” said Judge Duncan Beagle, chair of the Vehicle City Sports Committee. “We are excited to have a great lineup of high school games alongside our pre-professional women’s team, Flint City AFC.”

Flint City AFC will highlight local talent this season, with players such as Reece Canada, Elle Phillips, Natalie Vance, Grace Cameron, and Kensey Teffner taking the field.

“This event is a celebration of girls and women’s soccer, and we look forward to welcoming the community back to iconic Atwood Stadium,” said Costa Papista, president of Flint City AFC.

Leaders from across the community echoed their support, noting that the event offers an opportunity for local players to be seen by Michigan collegiate coaches without the need to travel to showcases out of state.

The Vehicle City Soccer Classic is organized by the Vehicle City Sports Committee, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting the local economy and quality of life through youth and amateur sporting events.

For more information, contact Judge Duncan Beagle at (810) 252-3272.
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