The world’s most popular sport has landed in Bossier, bringing with it a wave of talent on the brink of the professional ranks through the Red River Raiders Football Club.

In its inaugural season, Red River FC has taken to the field in Bossier City, competing in USL League Two (USL2)—a pre-professional league that develops college-aged athletes who are on the cusp of a professional career. USL2 sits just below the professional tiers and is three steps removed from Major League Soccer (MLS), the premier soccer league in the United States.

To give a local comparison: the Shreveport Mudbugs are the preeminent team in the region, USL2 represents an even higher level of competitive play in the sport of soccer.

“The Mudbugs have done an incredible job building a strong fan base and a real sense of pride around hockey in this community. We’re bringing that same energy and passion to soccer while competing at a level that’s only one step below professional,” said Ryan Wheeler, President of Red River FC. “We are the only path to pro-soccer in the area.  Some of these players could end up in MLS. They still have to climb the soccer pyramid, but a few have already played at, or are aiming to reach, the professional level.” 

Red River FC is the only USL team within a 200-mile radius, with an average player age of 22 and a roster representing a diverse range of nationalities. Notably, none of the current players are from the immediate Shreveport-Bossier area. According to Wheeler, this reflects the region’s still-developing soccer infrastructure — a contrast to more established pipelines in cities like Dallas, where youth development has been deeply rooted for decades.

But building that infrastructure is exactly the club’s mission. Developing youth soccer in Bossier and Shreveport is central to their long-term vision. In fact, it was the lack of a high-level path to a professional soccer outlet that inspired the team’s formation.

A group of local families, including active-duty and retired military, came together and launched the organization in less than four months. Having coached in youth recreational leagues, Wheeler and his fellow founders were motivated to strengthen the local soccer ecosystem.

“It’s the classic ‘If you build it, they will come’ idea,” Wheeler said. “It takes time to grow something into what it needs to be. But little by little, soccer is growing here and we’re hoping to be that bridge between what’s already happening and that next level.”

The club’s goal is to provide high-quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment — but they need the community’s support to sustain it. As the season wraps up with a home game at M.D. Ray Field in Bossier City on July 12, Wheeler is encouraging locals to attend, buy tickets and merchandise, and support food trucks and concession vendors at the games.

“We want to show Bossier and Shreveport that this is a real, viable sport with staying power,” he said. “Like anything you build, it takes awareness and participation for it to grow.”

Still, Wheeler expressed deep gratitude for how Bossier and Shreveport have already welcomed the team, especially the host families who have opened their homes to players from across the country and around the world.

“Without the community, we can’t survive. Our players depend on that support,” Wheeler said.

Though the season is coming to a close, Red River FC remains active year-round. The organization is focused on recruiting new host families and supporters, expanding its leadership team, hosting youth camps, and attracting additional sponsors.

“We’ve been fortunate to have great sponsors already,” Wheeler added. “But we don’t have a benefactor with an open wallet. We’re looking for people who want to invest in something meaningful so we can grow, retain talent here, and bring excitement to the community.”

Looking to the offseason, the club aims to deepen its roots and strengthen its presence in the area. Wheeler envisions Red River FC becoming part of a “trifecta” of regional sports, alongside Rouxgaroux indoor football and the Mudbugs, creating a well-rounded offering for all local sports fans.

“Within the local soccer space, I envision a world where we can all work together and give local talent that ‘next step’ possibility to play at the highest level around,” he said.

To get involved, email Ryan at ryan@redriverraidersfc.com or learn more at their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.