Columbus Knights Eagles Providing Playing Opportunities for Active Military Members 

As America celebrates Independence Day, few stories embody the spirit of service and dedication quite like that of Columbus Knight Eagles Football Club. Competing in the UPSL Division 1 Georgia South Conference, the club is made up predominantly of active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Moore, Georgia.  

More than just a soccer team, the Knight Eagles represent a powerful blend of discipline, community, and patriotism — proving that you can serve your country and your local soccer club at the same time. 

“Over half of our players are active military soldiers, Army,” said Brandon Durrah, a former U.S. Marine and now co-head coach and owner of the team. “We just kept growing from local leagues and youth teams into a full adult UPSL side. And now we hope to have a reserve team in the UPSL in the near future too.” The club has long been a staple in the Columbus, GA area, but it was the decision to step into the UPSL that marked a new chapter for the club. 

“We started a long time ago as the Columbus Knights, but the Fort Moore military guys we merged the club with brought a new level of leadership and discipline that helped,” Durrah shared. “They really allowed us to step it up. They help out with the youth teams as well, and they’re incredibly professionals.”  

The professionalism shows on and off the pitch — in how the team manages training, mentoring youth players, and supporting one another through demanding military schedules. Flexibility is key to the team’s success. With many players subject to deployment or military leave, the Knight Eagles have built a structure that adapts when necessary. 

“We’re so supportive of our guys,” Durrah explained. “There’ve been times when multiple military players have had to leave, and that’s when our youth players step in. It’s a real team effort.” That deep connection to both the military and local soccer talent in the community has helped the club thrive while remaining grounded in its core military values. 

The UPSL is proud to recognize active military personnel competing with clubs like Columbus Knight Eagles FC. To learn more about the United Premier Soccer League, visit www.upsl.com. To register a team to join this upcoming Fall season, please visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team. 

About the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) serves as the unofficial fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. With over 800 teams competing across its Premier, Division 1, A-League, Academy, and Women’s divisions, the UPSL is the largest Semi-Pro Pro League in North America. A National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the UPSL is made up of independently owned and operated clubs. Through its USSF affiliation, UPSL teams are eligible to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds.

For more information, visit www.upsl.com or follow @upslsoccer on Facebook, Instagram, and X. General Inquiries: [email protected] – Media Inquiries: [email protected]