In a community where collaboration and grassroots growth continue to flourish, two local soccer enthusiasts are making their mark—this time on the pitch. The newly established White Lake Adult Soccer League (WLASL) is giving adults in the White Lake area a fresh opportunity to lace up their cleats, compete, and connect.
We caught up with league founders Kyle Bartlett and Jeff Greive to learn more about what inspired them to bring this vision to life, and how they hope WLASL can become a permanent fixture in the community.
A Vision Born on the Sidelines
“We started with just a pickup group,” said Bartlett. “We realized how many of us were either former players or just people looking for competitive recreation that didn’t exist here.”
The nearest league was south of Grand Haven—too far for many locals. “Traveling that distance is a huge deterrent for people. Offering something local was a no-brainer,” he added.
Both founders have deep ties to the game. Kyle’s dad was a high school soccer coach, and Jeff has played indoor soccer for nearly 15 years. “You’d think I’d be better,” Jeff joked, but emphasized that the league isn’t just about winning—“It’s about staying in shape and enjoying the game with others who love it too.”
Building a League With Heart—and Smart Rules
Now in its inaugural season, WLASL offers co-ed and men’s divisions for ages 18+ and 30+, with 7-vs-7 games played on local township fields. The rules encourage sportsmanship and safety: no slide tackles, unlimited subs, and even mid-game water breaks in the summer heat.
Games are scheduled on weekday evenings, allowing participants to balance work and recreation. “We all have to go to work in the morning,” said Jeff, explaining their mindful approach to competitiveness and community.
The league has partnered with Montague Township for exclusive field use and is working with experienced referees to ensure quality play. Equipment has been purchased and managed directly by the organizers.
Fostering Health, Community, and Inclusion
While the physical benefits of adult sports are clear, the social aspect is just as important. WLASL encourages players to build connections across teams, develop friendly rivalries, and even support opponents who are short players.
“It’s about more than goals and wins. It’s about seeing your community come together,” Kyle explained.
Inclusivity is also central to the league’s philosophy. By offering various divisions and flexible rules, WLASL opens the door to players of all skill levels and ages.
Planning for the Future
Though the league is just getting started, Kyle and Jeff are already thinking long-term. They hope to collaborate with White Lake Youth Sports Club, help maintain field quality, and possibly even support development of a dedicated soccer complex down the line.
“In five years, we want WLASL to be something people look forward to—something that inspires the next generation by showing them that the love of the game doesn’t have to end,” said Kyle.
They’re also open to partnerships with local businesses and are actively seeking volunteers for setup, refereeing, and ball-handling duties.
Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead
Organizing a league from scratch hasn’t been without its hiccups. “Getting a website up on a tight budget? Not easy,” said Jeff, with a laugh. “People with more resources should definitely hit up a place like CatchMark.”
Still, both founders feel encouraged by the positive community response. “The interest we’ve seen so far makes the work worth it,” said Kyle. “It’s clear there was a real need for this here.”
Get Involved
Interested in playing, volunteering, or supporting the league? Visit WLASL.com or email [email protected] to learn more.
For updates, standings, and stories from the field, follow the White Lake Adult Soccer League on social media.
