Lionsbridge FC


Lionsbridge Football Club, or Lionsbridge FC, is an American soccer club based out of the Virginia Peninsula, which comprises the cities of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York and James City counties. The club was founded in 2017, and play in USL League Two. The club's colors are blue, black and white, and the club is named for the Lions Bridge, the iconic Peninsula landmark that has stood along the James River and in the Mariners' Museum Park since 1923. The team plays its home games at TowneBank Stadium on the campus of Christopher Newport University.

Background

The original founders include Mike Vest, Kevin Joyce, and Dan Chenoweth, all of whom are Virginia Peninsula residents. Lionsbridge FC announced its launch on June 9, 2017 via a social media release. At the time of the team's announcement, the club invited fans to help determine its crest via a fan vote on social media. More than 600 people voted and the team unveiled the winning design in July 2017. The crest integrates four identifying features of the Virginia Peninsula - the Lions Bridge, the team's location and launch year, the James and York Rivers, and the region's importance as a hub of the United States military.
Lionsbridge FC announced its league affiliation and TowneBank Stadium agreement during a press conference on November 14, 2017.
The team named Chris Whalley as its first head coach on February 14, 2018.

Notable former players

Tom Devitt signed with Gateshead FC on August 1, 2018.
Josh Spencer signed with Hinckley A.F.C. in England on August 2, 2018.
Joe Rice signed with Richmond Kickers of USL League One on March 20, 2019.

Current roster

Source:

Year by year

Jersey sponsors

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
2018-19NikeChick-fil-A
2020-presentErreaChick-fil-A

Lionsbridge FC's inaugural season sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Riverside Health System, Planet Fitness, Nike and Financial Security Group.