First City FC Becomes Second Official Club to Join Challenger League

The Kansas City Association Football Federation is proud to announce the newest addition to the Challenger League, the official second division under the Select League beginning in 2026. First City FC, based in Leavenworth, Kansas, will join Lorenza SD as one of the inaugural members of the league’s first season.

Nicknamed the Trailblazers, First City FC takes its identity from the rich history of Leavenworth—the first city in Kansas. Their crest, designed in the club’s custom “1854 Blue,” highlights symbols of local pride: the Missouri River’s flow, the sunflower of Kansas, and a wagon wheel honoring the city’s pioneer roots.

The ownership group behind First City FC brings together three leaders with a strong mix of business, coaching, and soccer operations experience:

• Brad Alexander (Chairman) – a seasoned coach and referee mentor with over a decade of leadership in both youth and high school soccer.

• Daniel Howard (Academy Director) – a licensed coach with a track record in youth player development and club leadership.

• Josue Rodriguez (Marketing Director) – a rising sports executive and media professional, currently serving as General Manager of Southside FC.

The club’s vision is clear: to build a community-rooted soccer program that offers high-level competition while fostering local pride and opportunity. A key part of that mission includes launching a free-of-charge Youth Development Academy, giving young players in the Leavenworth area the chance to represent their hometown on the pitch without barriers of cost.

First City FC plans to call 10th Avenue Park in Leavenworth its home ground, creating a matchday atmosphere that connects the community directly with its team. The men’s first team will be the club’s immediate focus, with future expansion into women’s and youth programs already in the plans.

“We’re passionate about seeing community-based soccer thrive,” the ownership group stated in their application. “Nothing embodies this more than a homegrown player taking the field for their First Team and feeling the pride of representing their community.”

With a commitment to competitive growth, community engagement, and the league’s long-term vision, First City FC is ready to blaze a trail as one of the founding members of the Challenger League in 2026.