The trio brings a wealth of knowledge and executive soccer experience to the Square City Club. Brain Sykes, a Savannah native who founded the Club in 2016, will serve as Chief Community Officer. Jef Thiffault, with over twenty years of soccer business experience, will serve as Chief Operating Officer. Shane Folgado, member of the investment group, has vast experience in the soccer industry with successful investments across different continents in senior professional and youth development. Folgado will serve as Chief Executive Officer. Sykes and Thiffault will retain minority ownership stakes after the organization was acquired by the ownership group led by Folgado.

“I’m excited to continue working towards building soccer in the Hostess City. Savannah has such potential to be a significant soccer hub for so many players and fans in the Southeast. We are certain this is the perfect time to launch a professional team with this group to capture the excitement and growing passion of the sport in North America.” – Jef Thiffault, COO

“Since its inception in 2016, our goal has been to bring the highest level of league soccer to Savannah. Our jump to NISA provides us a great opportunity to showcase the world’s game to Savannah. It also gives us the opportunity to showcase Savannah to the rest of the country. Our focus is to prioritize the community as we build upon the soccer legacy of Savannah and the Southeast.” – Brian Sykes, CCO

“Our investment group has interests in many countries across the globe, and we’ve seen NISA and Savannah Georgia as incredible opportunities while also complementing other interests in our portfolio. More importantly, I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive response we’ve received thus far and look forward to being here on the ground to launch an organization that serves Savannah in the long term.” – Shane Folgado, CEO

The Savannah Clovers will kick off their professional soccer season in March of 2023. This will mark the first season of outdoor professional soccer in Savannah. Fans can expect more information about the Clovers in the coming weeks and months, including coaching staff, home venue and ticket information.