Bristol Rhythm AFC Announce Schedule Datesfor the 2025 NPSL Season
By: Parker W. Cox
Photo: Austin Pantaleo
Ahead of their second inaugural season, the Bristol Rhythm announced their 10-game NPSL schedule on March 28, 2025. The organization looks to build on the lessons learned from last season with some highly anticipated rematches.
The 2025 NPSL season will feature Burlington United FC who replaced Apotheos FC following their move to the USL Championship. “I’m excited to see Burlington join the NPSL and become part of our Southeast Conference,” stated Rhythm owner Matt Smith. “It’s a testament to the growth of soccer in the U.S. and increasing opportunities for players to continue developing their skills, whether in the offseason or after college,” Smith added.
For the Rhythm, the 2025 season brings excitement and anticipation within the organization as well as the fanbase. Head Coach Louis Sharpe aims to show everyone how far the organization has come from last year, with plenty of his players from last season returning as well as some new promising faces.
“The first game of the season is going to be a cracker,” Sharpe stated, when asked which fixture he looks forward to the most this upcoming season. “Back in front of the home fans again against a local rival- what more could you ask for?” 865 Alliance (Knoxville, TN) will travel to Bristol on May 10 to kick off the 2025 NPSL season. Sharpe expressed excitement for his rematches against Appalachian FC and Hickory FC and is also interested to see how Burlington United FC will fair in their first inaugural season.
Rhythm owners Matt and Diane Smith are also anticipating another year of growth within their newly founded organization. “With the exceptional community and support from our first season, we’ve had very successful recruiting so our supporters can expect even more competitive play on game day,” Diane stated. “I’m most excited to see how our returning and new team members come together this season,” Matt added. The two have harnessed a powerful community in the Bristol area, described by Matt Smith as “a professional environment where players can develop, grow and enjoy the game.”
