When were you founded and what is the mission? Who were the folks behind that?
The bearings were founded this year, 2021. There is a group of 4 of us who were going to play with another semipro team in the West Michigan area last summer but due to covid were unable to do so. When the team decided to not field a team for the 2021 season, we took it upon ourselves to make a season happen. Our mission is as follows: "The West Michigan Bearings seek to demonstrate excellence on the soccer field while using the platform of sport to engage and serve the Grand Rapids community.”

What league do you currently play in? Some clubs participate in various state and regional cups too - do you have any plans for that?
We currently play in the Midwest Premier League (MWPL). It is in its inaugural season. With the Midwest being so rich in teams, there are plenty of opportunities to add to our schedule with local teams. We want to be a uniting presence in West Michigan, especially in the soccer community.

What inspired your badge? What do the elements mean?
Our badge was inspired by the need for a sponsor. Carter Bearings located in Grand Haven Michigan were gracious enough to support the team and in return we made the badge a ball bearing.

Do you have any players coming in who might have played on other teams? If so, who and which teams?
Most of our current players are graduates playing at various collegiate levels. The core group is made up of primarily players from Hope, Cedarville, and Calvin college. Some of our players played on the Dayton Dynamo, Dayton Dutch Lions, BIH, and Grand Rapids FC. We will be filling out the remainder of the roster at the end of March through a tryout.

If you could schedule two meaningful friendlies with other teams in the US, who would they be and why?
Detroit City FC because of the crowd and environment that they have built for their fans and players. One of our players played at Detroit City with the Dynamo and it was one of the highlights of his career. Columbus Crew SC would be the other team because we would like to play the reigning champs.

How were you impacted by Covid last year and what does success look like in 2021?
This team started because of Covid. Success on the field would be to win the league. Off the field it would be to garnish enough community support to allow the team to continue for the coming years while impacting the community in a positive way.

Follow and connect with WM Bearings on Facebook HERE
And on Twitter, HERE