A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SODA CITY FOOTBALL CLUB AND COACHES FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE FALL 2024 UNITED PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
Summary
H3993 is a House resolution recognizing and honoring the Soda City Football Club of Richland County and its coaches for winning the Fall 2024 United Premier Soccer League National Championship. The resolution highlights the team’s undefeated regular season, its 4-2 victory in the final, and the significance of achieving the league’s first-ever back-to-back title. It also names Head Coaches Debola Ogunseye and George Trifos and notes the team’s resilience after losing key players in the offseason.
The resolution further commends the organization’s broader role in promoting soccer in the Midlands, including plans for youth soccer partnerships, a possible women’s team in the UPSL Women’s League, and the launch of the Columbia SC Professional Soccer Alliance. It frames the team’s success as evidence of growing interest in soccer in Columbia and South Carolina, especially in light of the large Manchester United vs. Liverpool match at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Impact
H3993 does not change state law or create new legal obligations; it is a ceremonial House resolution. Its practical effect is to formally commend the team and direct that a copy of the resolution be presented to the coaches and the team president. The bill affects no statutes, agencies, or regulated parties, but it serves as an official expression of legislative recognition for a local sports organization and its contribution to community pride and youth sports development.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. The House presents the team’s championship as a source of pride for Columbia, Richland County, and the state, and the language emphasizes admiration for the players’ achievement, perseverance, and the coaches’ leadership. There is no recorded opposition, committee controversy, or negative vote history in the available materials.
Contention
There is no substantive contention reflected in the bill text, voting record, or committee materials provided. Because the measure is a nonbinding recognition resolution, it does not appear to raise policy disputes, fiscal concerns, or legal disagreements. The only notable discussion points are descriptive rather than controversial: the team’s future plans for youth partnerships, women’s soccer, and broader soccer promotion in the Midlands.