DCFC Youth Genesee

Keeping in line with tradition is important to the DCFC Youth Genesee (formerly known as Michigan Arrows) Soccer Club and their leadership.

In 2011, President Rob Nuckolls and Vice President Steve Applebee teamed up with Michigan Bucks pro Kenny Uzoigwe, Hall of Fame Grand Blanc Coach Doug Burroughs, MHSAA Hall of Fame coach Kevin Fiebernitz and a laundry list of others from the Arrows past to lead the historic soccer club into the future.  In 2016, the club formed a partnership with the Canton Soccer Club and became part of the Celtic family.  Now in 2019, the club is excited to be joining Detroit City FC along with Canton. Forming a partnership with a semi-professional organization allows a pathway to the pros for our players and also offers our youth a club they never have to grow out of.

The club’s founder, Tom Saxton, now the head coach for the Michigan State University women’s soccer team, established the Arrows, which then were known as the Flint Arrows in 1979, to hone area talent. Today’s Arrow’s leadership are honored to carry on Saxton’s legacy, established more than 30 years ago.

Same name. Same philosophy. And perhaps more importantly, the same attention to detail in regards to shaping Genesee County soccer talent.

Former players such as Jeff Dresser and Mali Walton played under the Arrows label before getting their starts in professional soccer. Walton played for the Rochester Raging Rhinos & Indiana Blast and Dresser had a professional stint after becoming one of the NAIA’s top single-season goal scorers when he notched 40 for Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids) in 1993.

Having the backing from Saxton and the original creators of the Arrows is reassuring for the new Arrows leadership – a way of letting them know that carrying on the tradition is being looked upon favorably from those who started it all.

“We just always wanted to do it the right way,” said VP Steve Applebee. “We have good people that have the kids in mind. Being a part of forming the Michigan Arrows, and bringing it back to where it used to be – doing that is super exciting.

And while Saxton won’t have a direct role in the club, as his duties at MSU prohibit doing so, his influence is greatly appreciated.

“To me, it’s huge,” said President Rob Nuckolls. “Having Tommy’s support in any way, shape or form that he can give — being able to talk to him as a friend and having him provide guidance and advice is great. Since he started it from the beginning, I thought it was important to bridge that gap and talk to him.”

“I’m honored they’re supporting this endeavor,” said Applebee. “The support we’re getting from them is amazing to me. We have a lot of soccer talent in this area. If we do it the right way, we’ll keep it in this area.”