2025/26 Preseason Profile: MIFFA Returns With Championship Ambitions

by NFPL

Michigan Futsal Factory Academy enters the 2025/26 National Futsal Premier League season with unfinished business. After a strong campaign last year that ended in heartbreak — a loss on penalties in the NFPL Final — MIFFA returns with a veteran core, a wave of academy-grown talent, and a clear expectation: bring home the title.

The club’s identity has always been closely tied to development. MIFFA features a deep pipeline of talent, with many players progressing through the youth academy into the men’s team. Over the years, the club has developed some of the most decorated American futsal players in the game today:

  • Robert Damron — U.S. National Team GK at the 2021 Futsal World Cup; competed in the 2024 CONCACAF Futsal qualifiers.

  • Ben Pritchard — U.S. Mini Football National Team; recently returned from Norway after studying abroad.

  • Cole Russell — Former NAIA All-American at Spring Arbor University.

  • Thomas Dono — NFPL Golden Ball winner last season.

MIFFA’s history in the NFPL is strong as well. Formerly competing as the AA Mudpuppies, the club won the league in Year 1, establishing itself early as a powerhouse in the Midwest.

This season, expectations are even higher.

“We’re excited to not only have everyone returning but adding a few players that will immediately impact the team. Losing on PKs in the final last season was a tough loss for us, so the expectation this year is to bring home the title,” said Drew “Ducks” Ducker, Player/Coach

The roster entering the 2025/26 season is deep, experienced, and versatile, with confirmed players including Damron, Pritchard, Dono, Russell, Iarley Martins, Renan Paiva, Gui Ramos, and more — giving MIFFA one of the league’s most balanced rotations.

With strong leadership, a high-performing academy pipeline, and the sting of last season’s near miss still fresh, MIFFA enters the new campaign focused and motivated. The Midwest Division is raising its level — and Michigan Futsal Factory Academy is ready to meet the challenge.

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For more preseason profiles and season updates, visit nationalfutsalpremierleague.com.