IT'S GOOD! The Chippewa Valley Phoenix are the latest area semi-pro football team to enter the scene, their season officially underway as of April. (Photos via Chippewa Valley Phoenix / JK Personal Touch Photography)

A new semi-pro football team has emerged in the Chippewa Valley, and it is gearing up for its first official season as an organization.

The Chippewa Valley Phoenix was created last August by Jay and Tanya Doyscher. Jay and Tanya recognized there was a chance to establish an Eau Claire-based semi-pro team to join the Northern Lights Football League (NLFL), and based on player availability and messages they received from individuals in the area, it was something community members wanted.

While Jay and Tanya were excited to bring a new semi-pro football team to Eau Claire, another major motivator was their goal of bringing football back to Carson Park.

“It was our understanding that it’s been a long time since football has been played regularly at Carson Park, and we wanted to change that,” Jay said. “What we’re hoping to do is create a good product both on and off the field for the community.”

The season runs April-July with weekly games on Saturdays. Home games are held at Carson Park. Food trucks will be present at nearly every home game, and sponsors will have the chance to host tables at games. Additionally, the team has partnered with various local nonprofits for every home game to raise awareness for causes important to the community.

The first official game of the regular season is slated for Saturday, May 4, at 7pm, when the Phoenix face the Southern Lakes Blue Devils. Tickets for this game – and all others – can be purchased ahead of time or on the day of the event at the Eau Claire Hy-Vee or online. Tickets are $7 for students (ages 7-17) and seniors (65+), and $10 for adults. Season passes are $56.

Community members can find additional information about the Chippewa Valley Phoenix and their upcoming schedule by visiting their official website and their Facebook.