PALMDALE, CA August 12, 2024 – Edwards Federal Credit Union, a trusted financial institution serving the Antelope Valley since 1962, is pleased to announce its partnership with AV ALTA FC, a newly established professional soccer club based in Lancaster, CA. The partnership and collaboration underscores Edwards Federal Credit Union’s commitment to support local sports and community initiatives that elevate the Antelope Valley.
“This partnership with AV ALTA FC marks a significant milestone for Edwards Federal Credit Union and our commitment to enhancing community life in the Antelope Valley,” said Edwards Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Carter Pope. “As the only financial institution born and raised in the AV it is only natural for us to support initiatives like AV ALTA FC by providing our members with exciting and new opportunities to connect with the community and enjoy thrilling soccer matches. Partnerships such as these are core to our values and dedication to making a positive impact, improving local prosperity, and showing up for the advancement of our community to foster community pride and engagement.”
Founded on the principles of mutual support and financial empowerment, Edwards Federal Credit Union operates as a member-owned, federally regulated not-for-profit financial cooperative. Offering a comprehensive range of personal banking products and services, Edwards Federal Credit Union prioritizes low-fee services, competitive loan rates, and superior deposit yields, ensuring members and the community benefit directly from the credit union’s success.
AV ALTA FC represents a new chapter in the Antelope Valley’s sporting landscape as its only professional soccer team, providing pathways for talent on and off the field and civic pride for the entire AV. The Club is part of United Soccer League, the longest standing and fastest growing organized soccer league in the U.S., and consists of a professional men’s team in League One, a pre-professional women’s team in W-League and a free-to-play Academy for the AV’s most promising young players. The men’s team will kick off its inaugural season in March 2025 in newly renovated Lancaster Municipal Stadium, which will become only the fourth professional soccer-specific stadium in Southern California. AV ALTA FC’s home matches will appeal to the entire AV community, with affordable prices, a family-friendly atmosphere and a dedicated supporters’ section for the Club’s most ardent fans and be carried on ESPN+ and CBS digital platforms.
“The Antelope Valley deserves a professional soccer club of its own, and that is what AV ALTA FC is,” said AV ALTA FCFounder & President John Smelzer. “We believe in local partnerships, and none was more appealing than Edwards Federal Credit Union –the AV’s only truly local financial institution. Most importantly, we share Edwards Federal Credit Union’s commitment to the Antelope Valley community, making us natural partners for years to come.”
Through this partnership, Edwards Federal Credit Union and AV ALTA FC look forward to amplifying community involvement and celebrating the rich cultural diversity and sporting enthusiasm of the Antelope Valley. As one of AV ALTA FC’s Founding Partners, Edwards Federal Credit Union will be featured prominently in the stadium, at community events and via online digital platforms. Edwards Federal Credit Union Members will also have the opportunity to exclusive ticket and merchandise offers and AV ALTA FC branded debit cards. Additional details on the partnership to be released in the coming months as the Club prepares for its season. For more information about Edwards Federal Credit Union and its services, visit edwardsfcu.org. For information on AV ALTA FC, please visit avaltafc.com.
