East Atlanta Dutch Lions
The Pathway to Professional Soccer runs through Conyers, GA
In March 2023, the East Atlanta Football Club in Conyers, Georgia transferred ownership and their USL League Two license to become the East Atlanta Dutch Lions FC. Patrick Vierhout, owner of Sportiff apparel, is the majority owner of the new club and aims to offer greater opportunities for local players, including those involved in RYSA.
Sam Walker, Head Coach for the men's team, believes that the partnership between East Atlanta FC and Dutch Lions FC will bring tremendous opportunities for the community. All games and practices will continue on the RYSA fields, and RYSA youth players will receive greater access to professional-level coaches trained in the Dutch Lions FC methodology.
The club is located in Conyers, GA and currently plays on the pitches of the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association (The club may occasionally play at the Rockdale County Earl O'Neal Sports Complex.)
Recently, the club announced it's plans to invest up to $5 million in upgrades and renovations. When complete, this investment will make the home of the East Atlanta Dutch Lions among the most attractive venues for players and fans alike.
Dutch Lions Capital Group USA LLC, which owns ten Dutch Lions FC clubs in the USA, has started the new club. The current ownership of East Atlanta FC retains a minority percentage interest in the East Atlanta Dutch Lions FC, and Vierhout is acting as CEO.
Dutch Lions Capital Group USA LLC (www.dutchlionsfc.com) has started and has ownership in ten Dutch Lions FC clubs in the USA: Dayton Dutch Lions FC (2010, Men's and Women's team - 4th and 2nd level), Houston Dutch Lions FC (2011, Youth Academy), Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC (2013, Men's team - 4th level), Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC (2015, Women's team - 2nd level - and Youth Academy), New York Dutch Lions FC (2017, Men's team, exhibition games, Women's team - 2nd level), Miami Dutch Lions FC (2019, Men's team - 4th level), Chicago Dutch Lions FC (2020, Men's team, 4th level, Women's team - 2nd level), SoCal Dutch Lions FC (2020, Women's team - 2nd level) and Washington Dutch Lions FC (2021, Women's team, 2nd level) and East Atlanta Dutch Lions FC (2023, Men's team, 4th level). They also co-founded and co-owned FC Cincinnati (MLS).