Michigan Jaguars FC
EIN: 45-2435833 · Tax status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Overview
Based in Livonia/SE Michigan, with branches in Downriver, Northville, and Dearborn. Founded 1989 in Southeast Michigan; current 501(c)(3) entity took over operations from the Novi Jaguar Soccer Association effective July 1, 2011 (consistent with the EIN issuance date). Long-established club with a Rush Soccer network legacy — Michigan Rush rebranded to Michigan Jaguars FC. Also operates a semi-pro team in the Midwest Premier League.
League Affiliations
- MLS NEXT (Homegrown Division — top tier, one of two MI clubs at this level)
- Girls Academy (Mid-America Conference, 2025-26)
- Midwest Premier League (men’s semi-pro)
Tournaments
- Hosts Michigan Jaguars Spring Tournament (March)
- Hosts Michigan Jaguars Fall Tournament
- Hosts Michigan Jaguars adidas Girls Showcase (college recruiting)
- Hosts Boys Winter Showcase
Hosting their own showcases to bring college coaches to Michigan rather than always traveling out is a smart strategic move.
Teams & Players
Approximately 1,920 youth players during a normal season per IRS filing language (FY2017 era). Current count likely similar or modestly higher post-MLS NEXT entry. Multi-branch geographic model spans Livonia, Downriver, Northville, and Dearborn.
(MEDIUM) — player count anchored to historical 990 narrative; current figure not separately disclosed.
Financials
Form 990 filings via ProPublica (EIN 45-2435833):
| Year | Total Revenue | Total Expenses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2018 (990-EZ) | $85,792 | $272,014 | Net assets $221K — 990-EZ form, sharply lower than prior years |
| FY2017 | $4,281,640 | $4,466,817 | Pre-restructuring scale |
| FY2016 | $3,870,538 | $3,714,219 | |
| FY2015 | $3,346,847 | $3,128,604 | |
| FY2014 | $2,183,734 | $2,193,385 | |
| FY2013 | $2,110,428 | $2,058,983 | |
| FY2012 | $2,082,841 | $1,796,016 |
Source: ProPublica 990 filings (HIGH for figures shown). The FY2018 990-EZ form is anomalous — revenue dropped to $86K — suggesting either a fiscal-year scope change, a restructuring, or that program services revenue moved to a different filing entity. No 990 filings located post-FY2018. This is a meaningful gap given MLS NEXT and GA platform-fee economics typically require a $2M+ revenue base.
Status: flag for re-research. Either the entity has fallen below 990 filing thresholds (unlikely given MLS NEXT membership), filed under a different EIN, or current filings have not been ingested by ProPublica.
Confidence: (MEDIUM) for historical scale; (LOW) for current revenue.
Leadership
- Barry Scott — Technical Director (publicly listed via LinkedIn / staff page)
- Trevor King — staff role, Michigan Jaguars Football Club (LinkedIn)
- Historical 990 disclosed: Richard Rich (Treasurer, $25,400 comp FY2017), Annalisa Van Houten (General Manager Director, $16,600 comp FY2017)
- 990 work historically prepared by Daniel E. Tomala CPA
(MEDIUM) — current titles confirmed via public staff pages; 990-disclosed officers may have rotated since FY2018.
Competitive Position
One of two Michigan clubs in the top-tier MLS NEXT Homegrown Division. Also holds Girls Academy membership — providing dual-pathway coverage. Multi-branch geographic model (Livonia, Downriver, Northville, Dearborn) creates broad SE Michigan reach. Competes for SE Michigan boys talent against Nationals SC and detroit-area MLS Next peers; competes for girls talent against ECNL holders and other GA Mid-America members.
Investment Thesis
Dual-pathway nonprofit (MLS NEXT + GA) anchored in the SE Michigan market is structurally interesting for a Michigan platform. Multi-branch model pre-builds geographic distribution. Key diligence items: confirm current financial scale (post-FY2018 990 gap), legal status of branch operations, and any residual ties to the Rush Soccer network. Thin historical net assets and the FY2018 reporting anomaly are yellow flags worth understanding before engagement.
Open Questions
- Current revenue / 990 status (post-FY2018 gap)
- Total player and team count today
- Active ED / Executive leadership beyond technical staff
- Exact relationship with Rush Soccer network post-rebrand
- Branch operating structure — separate LLCs or consolidated?