So who are you and how did you get involved with Inter Detroit?

My name is Edwin Jiménez. I am Co-Owner if Inter Detroit alongside Omar Trevizo. Inter Detroit used to be called Coahuila FC back in our Sunday league beginnings before teaming up with my friend Omar to evolve it into Inter Detroit.

Detroit soccer is sort of dominated by DCFC. Has your club had any interaction with the big boys at Keyworth?

Detroit Soccer IS dominated by DCFC. We have been trying to get into contact with them as we feel like exhibition matches would be good for both parties but they’re pretty big so it hasn’t been easy but soon enough. I would like to acknowledge that Michigan Stars has a great program and they don’t get credit for what they do well. Our clubs have played numerous times and we have a good club relationship. Instead they get bashed left and right for many reasons on twitter. It’s hard to compete with DCFCs History and program so let’s be nice everyone!

It would be neat to see a rivalry form eventually, what's the soccer talent like there in Detroit?

The soccer talent in Detroit is RICH, but We believe the Metro Detroit area is just as talented. We created this club as a pathway for metro Detroit players to be recognized by different universities and pro teams just like players from the city do. So many good players From OAKLAND, WAYNE, MACOMB, & LIVINGSTON County.

Your website describes your club as "metro Detroit's most diverse soccer club," can you talk about what you mean by that?

The Ownership group, Edwin Jiménez, Omar Trevizo & Luis Jiménez are Mexican. Our players come from USA, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Guatemala, England, Canada, Italy, Iraq, Morroco, Philippines, Lebanon, Bolivia, Jamaica, Ghana, German, Turkey & Trinidad & Tobago. Not just diverse in nationality and cultures, but lifestyles. From Healthcare workers, to Physical Trainers, to Union Tradesmen to Police Officers to Automotive Engineers. We have all forms and walks of life in a beautiful family that is so unique and different yet all the same.

Is diversity a goal for the club? If so, why is diversity so important to Inter Detroit?

Diversity is what helps Players develop. Of course a player is going to be good with all his hometown buddies, but can he produce and perform at a high level with a player he just met from the other side of the state, country, or world? Diversity helped players learn about each other’s life’s, cultures, and values. At the end of the day we’re more than just a soccer team, we’re a group of young men looking to live out our dreams, together; down the same road, just different lanes.

2020 was to be your debut season in the UPSL, how is the club keeping things together during the pandemic?

It hasn’t been easy because we started training for the year The first week of February. Before the shut down happened we had two friendlies, one vs Stars & one UPSL vs Reserves. Practicing twice a week. So we were ahead of the learning curve and ahead of most teams with chemistry and style of play being implemented. Since then we’ve had weekly check ins & zoom calls. We also reach out to players every other day personally as well as encourage them to upload their workouts to IG so we can post. We are continuing to plan the spring & summer as well as fall no matter what happens. The 55 guys we have deserve a great summer together. When the time is right they will. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best right?

Can you tell us about some of your players and why we should know about them?

That’s a tough one, I’ll probably get a lot of backlash for this but there’s 5 players we would like to be known. Obviously with so many it’s not easy but we try to show equal love across the board.

Chris Sayles UPSL - GK 18 Y/O Absolute Animal between the sticks, zero college offers despite shining against previous UPSL PASL & other college athletes.

Javier Lozano UPSL - CDM 20 Y/O Undersized and under estimated, can run all 90 minutes of a match at a high motor. Two Time Michigan Golden Glove Champion (Boxing) that is the feistiest player anyone could face. 0 College offers leaving HS, looking to take his game as high as possible.

Irvin Castro UPSL - Winger 20 Y/O Two words, Speed & Tekkers. One the the best UPSL players in the country. Looking to go pro, has had a few trials, but looking for something to stick. Definitely a player teams game plan for.

Rudy Alvarado UPSL - CM 21 Y/O Runs TNT (Training Program) has had pro trials in the UK as well as with Orlando City B. The most pro ready player in the Midwest Divison of the UPSL, and a Pontiac,MI Native just like the majority of the club.

Anthony Kiser MPSL - ST 24 Y/O Big Body Bruiser, can beat you with speed or strength doesn’t matter. Depth at UPSL kept him with reserves but is a key factor for both squads. Expect many goals this season!

The club has a season under its belt in the MPSL, how did it go and did you learn any lessons you'll use in the UPSL?

Our first year was a blast. We had so many ups and downs but so much fun. From pulling huge upsets to losing those no-brainers, we really enjoyed our time. Just like everything in life you must continue to grow and continue to evolve. Those who stay stagnant become forgotten, we want to be around for as long as the people want us to be. That really helped us solidify our views on our own club and helped us realize that the jump to the UPSL was needed. Roster Talent was never an issue but more of learning how to keep things rolling. The UPSL has the great structure we so desperately wanted.

Does the club plan on continuing to field two teams in the different leagues?

We believe the best format for success is to keep the community involved. We keep the community involved by creating opportunities for not just 18-20 players but for 50-60 along with staff and assistants. Not only does it create a healthy work environment but a very competitive one. Teams should always have reserves, they create a sense of urgency where players work for their positions 24/7 around the clock. It’s great for developing our players and the club as a whole.

Anything else we should know about the club?

We love being a part of a soccer community that cares about the game. We aren’t in it for the money, we just to change people’s lives, one match a time. It’s cliche but true. So many talent goes to waste, we don’t want to keep letting it. We are a Non Profit Club, always looking for donations to help continue to touch lives.