AFC Columbia is pleased to announce the arrival of Allyson Spafford as the third addition to the Women’s squad’s backroom staff alongside Head Coach, Kurtis Boardsen and fellow Assistant Coach Lauren Robb.

Spafford brings a fresh perspective and new ideas to the backroom staff. Her current role as Coach Boardsen’s Assistant Coach at Battle High School means she will slot seamlessly into her role with AFCC. Spafford also coaches the ’06 girls at Sporting Columbia.

Coach Spafford brings perspectives from both the playing side and the operations side. She most recently moved full-time into Campus Recreation, overseeing the Personal Training department at Purdue University, and she manages the Group Fitness and Personal Training program at MizzouRec for the University of Missouri. Spafford holds certifications in Personal Training, Group Fitness, USA Weightlifting, and Wellness Coaching as well.

As a player, Spafford notably played at Texas Christian University before playing for Texas Spurs WPSL. She joined Texas Spurs for the 2020 WPSL Stars n Stripes tour in Valencia, Spain, where she had a pivotal role in the squad.

Coach Spafford is excited to be a part of the inaugural WPSL team’s coaching staff. “I am honored to be a part of the AFC Columbia Women’s coaching staff in our first year of the program. I look forward to working alongside other passionate individuals as we build this exciting opportunity for local female soccer talent within the Columbia community.”

Spafford will start working with coaches Boardsen and Robb immediately to oversee tryouts and squad development ahead of the 2023 inaugural WPSL campaign.