[SOCCER MERGER] Five soccer organizations in the Greater Tri-Cities of Tennessee and Virginia have agreed to merge their competitive programs into Fusion FC.

Impact Nike, Highlands Heat, SCOSA, Elizabethton Soccer Association and Bristol Soccer Association will form Fusion FC, the largest youth soccer organization in the region, with local academies from pre-K to middle school in Abingdon, Bristol, Johnson City, Elizabethton and Kingsport, as well as field Division 1, 2, and 3 level teams beginning at 12 years old.
 
"This is an important step forward for the soccer community of the Tri-Cities Area," said Scott Calabrese, the coach of the new ETSU men's program.  "Most importantly, aspiring young soccer players of the Tri-Cities area will be better served by the merger. A united club system will provide the elite players an environment where they can develop as soccer players and as people. Playing with the best players in the area, against the best players in the South creates the conditions necessary for development to occur."