It was initially funded by a group of supporters who purchased memberships to cover the operating expenses, as well as by local sponsors.

[4] Instead, GRFC and AFC Ann Arbor (also denied an NPSL bid in 2015) founded the Great Lakes Premier League.

[6] The 2016 season resulted in a first-place position in the NPSL Great Lakes West conference and qualification for the playoffs by beating AFC Ann Arbor in a 3–1 victory in front of a club record 6,854 spectators.

The badge draws inspiration from the early German influence in Grand Rapids' brewing,[11] notably Christoph Kusterer,[12] as well as city design.

The combination of royal and navy blue reflects a continuity with West Michigan sports teams and various Grand Rapids imagery.

[22] Starting in 2015, all pre-game festivities were held at Bob's Bar and a march led through the Midtown neighborhood.