In 2004, Jeffrey Thorn purchased the franchise rights to the Lafayette Swamp Cats, a USL Premier Development League team. In a community “Name The Team” contest, the Bakersfield Brigade name was born. In their inaugural 2005 season, the team led the Southwest Division in attendance and finished fifth in their eight-team division.
In March, 2005, the Brigade conducted youth tryouts in an effort to increase the club’s presence in the Bakersfield community. Within 6 months, ten Brigade youth teams were established and today there are 18 boys and girls youth teams that compete locally, as well as in Southern California’s Coast Soccer League. For more information on the Bakersfield Brigade Youth Soccer Club, visit their website at www.bbysc.com.
