The Midwest Premier League is proud to welcome Gladiators FC as the league’s newest member.
Gladiators FC will compete out of Elgin, Illinois, as the only semi-professional club in its city, bringing a new flavor and further depth to the Heartland Conference.
“We are beyond excited and grateful to become a part of the MWPL. As a league that is based on continuous growth and sustainability, it is one that fits many of our core club beliefs. We’re thrilled to bring a new flavor to the league, while competing against storied clubs within our region,” said Jesus Lopez, Director of Player Development at Gladiators FC.
For 15 years, Gladiators FC has served underserved youth, providing a sustainable environment to grow while competing at the highest levels possible on the pitch. In that time, the club has built a community of more than 500 families that is ready for a first team, one made up primarily of players who have come through its youth club system. That focus on sustainability and long-term growth aligns with the Midwest Premier League’s mission.
Gladiators FC families have also developed their own chants, mascots and goal celebrations, all of which are sure to come out on game day.
The Midwest Premier League looks forward to welcoming Gladiators FC to the pitch this summer.
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The Midwest Premier League is an American regional soccer league run by its member clubs. The goals of the league are to focus on sustainability, the promotion of high-level competition between clubs, and the support of all of its members through the sharing of ideas and best practices. The league’s 2026 season involved 52 clubs from 8 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.
Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.