The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has sparked immense interest, with more American sports fans becoming interested in soccer. And while Mississippi doesn’t have a professional soccer team, the Magnolia State does have several teams advancing to higher levels of play and making a name for our state.
Gaffa FC is a premier semi-pro soccer club based in Jackson, MS, now competing in the Gulf Coast Conference (2026 West Division) of The League for Clubs (TLfC). Gaffa FC has been a prominent member of the Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) since 2017. They won the league in their debut season, secured the title in 2022, and were runners-up in 2024.
“Gaffa FC started with me and a few soccer coaching friends, who were offered to join the Gulf Coast Premier League in 2017,” shared founder and general manager Brian Strong. “We’ve grown since then, raising enough money to expand our roster to include upcoming young adult players, improve our uniforms, and raise some money for the Children’s of Mississippi Hospital along the way.”
Gaffa FC kicked off their 2026 season in a new division, the Gulf Coast Conference, with a new head coach aiming to build on previous successes.
Before joining the coaching staff, Owen Connelly was a two-year starter for Mississippi College’s Choctaws in 2018 and 2019. He appeared in 30 matches, scoring six goals and tallying five assists. Following his senior season, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Team and earned Second Team All-GSC honors.
“I’m from a town called Paisley, Scotland, which is just outside Glasgow, one of the bigger cities in Scotland,” shared Connelly. “I was recruited by Coach Kevin Johns, a big figure in the soccer community in central Mississippi. I came over, played soccer, and am now married to my lovely wife, Tally.”
Strong and Connelly are looking to help grow the sport of soccer in Mississippi by recruiting local talent and showing the greater Jackson Metro Area what the next level of soccer competition looks like, beyond high school or college. Many players can play both school soccer and with Gaffa FC.
“We have a good mixture of players that some are in high school, some are just graduating this month, others are currently in college, and then other guys who are finished playing college but still love the game and have stayed in good enough shape to compete at a high level,” explained Connelly.
While getting out and supporting their games helps grow the sport in Mississippi, it also helps young players see what’s possible.
“Growing up in Scotland, we could go watch professional soccer, the Celtic, play every weekend,” Connelly explained. “Unfortunately, Mississippi doesn’t have a professional team in the area for young players to see up close, but Gaffa FC and their opponents can show them the excitement and athleticism available at a higher level.”
Gaffa FC opened their 2026 The League For Clubs campaign on Saturday, May 2, 2026, against the New Orleans Ramparts at St. Andrew’s Stribling Field. Gaffa FC will hit the road to play matches in New Orleans, Alabama, and other Gulf Coast areas, but will return home to play at St. Andrew’s Stribling Field. All team updates are done on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Other semi-professional soccer clubs to support in Mississippi include Mississippi Brilla FC (Clinton), which competes in USL League Two. Southern States SC (Hattiesburg): Known as “The STARS,” they compete in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League). Mississippi Blues (Jackson): A men’s semi-pro team, often competing in the Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL). Hattiesburg FC: Competes in the GCPL. Mississippi Blues (Women’s): Compete in the WPSL (Women’s Premier Soccer League), affiliated with Mississippi Rush United.
