In a spirited gathering at Petoskey City Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with pride as the City Council recognized the remarkable achievements of the Northern Michigan Football Club (NMFC) U13 girls team. This young squad, hailing from various towns including Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Grayling, and Gaylord, has made history by becoming the first team from Northern Michigan to reach a state cup final.

The council meeting highlighted the team's impressive journey, marked by a stunning 13-1 goal differential during bracket play. They faced and triumphed over seasoned teams from Detroit, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids, showcasing their skill and determination. Although they narrowly lost the championship match to the Waterford Detroit Area Warriors with a score of 1-0, their performance has set a high bar for future seasons.

Coached by Petoskey graduate Alyssa Harold, the team includes talented players such as Abby Zielinski, Anna Koszak, and Sophia Miller, many of whom have been selected for Michigan's Olympic development program. The council also celebrated the achievements of coaches Alyssa and Jeff, who recently earned their US Soccer national B license, a prestigious certification that underscores their commitment to nurturing local talent.

As the team gears up for another season, aiming to lift the coveted Michigan State Cup trophy, the city stands behind them, filled with anticipation and support. Mayor John Murphy, alongside the city council, extended heartfelt congratulations to the NMFC U13 girls, wishing them continued success in their pursuit of excellence this fall. The recognition not only honors their past achievements but also inspires the community to rally around these young athletes as they strive for greatness.