United Women’s Soccer announced Wednesday that Genesee F.C. will play in its league for the 2018 season.

The team will be based out of Flint, Mich. and play its home games at Atwood Stadium. Genesee F.C. will plsy in the Midwest Conference, which includes defending UWS champion Grand Rapids F.C. Women.

“I have lived in this county for 14 years and I have worked across numerous organizations, teams, and clubs,” Genesee F.C. director of operations Stevie Shard said in a statement. “I know how loved the game of soccer is here in Genesee. For me, it’s been a dream to bring soccer at this level to Genesee and I am so honored to be welcomed into the league. Speaking for the club, and myself, we are looking forward to bringing soccer back where it belongs.”

UWS commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. felt Flint was a perfect place for a franchise.

“Our market research indicated that there was a void and a desire for top-level soccer in the Flint area,” he said in a press release. “The organization put forth an impressive business plan and we anticipate that the club will be a positive beacon both on and off the field.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.