AC Boise Unites Boise’s Basque Community with New USL Club

AC Boise’s journey to establish a USL club is a testament to the city’s deep Basque heritage, community pride, and passion for soccer. As the club prepares to make its USL League One debut in 2026, the project has become a beacon for Boise’s vibrant Basque population, transforming local enthusiasm into a professional football reality.

AC Boise’s Basque Roots Fuel Ambition

AC Boise stands apart from other emerging USL clubs, thanks to its unique connection to the Basque community. The seeds were planted in August 2015, when Boise’s schools brimmed with children clad in the iconic red and white of Athletic Club Bilbao. The occasion followed a friendly that brought Spanish La Liga giants Athletic Bilbao to town. For many, it was proof that soccer could thrive in the heart of Idaho—an unlikely hotbed with a population just under one million.

Argia Beristain, an AC Boise board member, remembers that morning vividly. The city’s Basque contingent rallied around the event, signaling that Boise’s minority culture could find new expression through modern sport. “There are more Basque people living outside of the Basque Country than in it,” Beristain told GOAL. “How do you keep this minority culture alive and relevant? You bring in modern sport and do different things.”

Building the AC Boise Identity

The creation of AC Boise is more than just starting a football club. It’s about crafting an identity rooted in authenticity and symbolism. The club’s crest honors the Basque flag, and its colors mirror those worn by generations of Boise’s Basque community. With a new badge, a dedicated stadium, and a focus on representing Boise’s heritage, AC Boise offers much more than a typical lower-league team.

A Unique US Soccer Project

Every community in America seems to want a USL club. The league provides a legitimate, affordable entry into professional soccer, free from the astronomical expansion fees of Major League Soccer. Yet, what separates lasting clubs from fleeting ventures is authenticity—a quality Boise has in abundance. The Basque community, an indigenous group with roots in southwestern France and northeastern Spain, has turned Boise into a soccer haven. Their presence is felt not just in the stands, but in every aspect of the club’s identity.

AC Boise Inspires Local and National Interest

Interest in AC Boise extends beyond Idaho’s borders. The club is on track to break USL records for season ticket deposits, with supporters drawn to both its footballing project and the celebration of Basque pride. Local schools, businesses, and families have embraced the team, making it a true community endeavor.

The city’s transformation—from a place with little soccer tradition to a new USL hub—demonstrates how cultural heritage can revitalize sport. Boise’s Basque community has shaped every step, turning red and white playgrounds into the foundation for professional football.

Basque Culture: The Heart of the Club

Boise’s Basque influence is felt citywide, from annual festivals to cuisine and family traditions. AC Boise’s launch provides a modern platform to sustain and share this identity with a wider audience. The club’s motto, symbolism, and fan engagement all reinforce its Basque roots, ensuring that every match is a celebration of both soccer and heritage.

Looking Ahead: AC Boise’s Vision for the Future

As AC Boise prepares for its USL League One debut, the club’s leadership is intent on building a sustainable, community-focused organization. There are plans for youth academies, outreach programs, and partnerships with Basque organizations worldwide. The project is not just about winning games; it’s about keeping a culture alive, strengthening community bonds, and inspiring the next generation of players and fans.

For those interested in following AC Boise’s journey and the broader world of football, visit for more news on the latest developments.

Opinion: Boise’s Basque Story Sets a Standard

AC Boise is a prime example of how a football club can transcend sport, serving as a guardian of local identity and pride. By weaving Basque culture into its foundation, the club stands as a model for authenticity in American soccer. As we look to the future, AC Boise’s story should inspire other communities to honor their roots and build teams with a true sense of place.