Midwest Premier League

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Midwest Premier League Announces 2026 Conference Alignments

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to officially announce its 2026 Conference and Divisional Alignments, marking another major step forward in the league’s growth, geographic expansion, and competitive structure towards the 2030 Plan.

With new clubs joining, returning organizations strengthening their pathways, and regional rivalries continuing to form, the 2026 MWPL season will feature 53 clubs in 7 divisions across 3 conferences – Gateway, Great Lakes, and Heartland – creating one of the most robust regional competition platforms in American lower-division soccer. Every club will play a ten-game regular season in 2026.

These alignments are designed to reduce travel, enhance local rivalries, and provide meaningful competitive pathways for clubs pursuing promotion across the Heartland Conference, and a Championship in the Gateway and Great Lakes conferences.

GATEWAY CONFERENCE

The winners of the Gateway Conference’s East Division will play the winners of the West Division in the Gateway Conference Championship Game on Saturday, July 25th. Time and location will be determined at a later date.

Gateway East Division

  • 314 Soccer Club (St. Louis, MO)
  • BOHFS St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
  • St. Louis Fusion FC (St. Louis, MO)
  • St. Louis Stars SC (St. Louis, MO)
  • United Capital City Athletic (Jefferson City, MO)
  • St. Louis Development Academy (Maryland Heights, MO)
  • St. Louis Scott Gallagher (Fenton, MO)
  • Pearl City SC (Muscatine, IA)
  • Souteast Soccer Academy (SESA) (Burlington, IA)
  • Ehtar Belleville FC (Belleville, IL)
  • FC Kirkwood (Kirkwood, MO)

Gateway West Division

  • First City FC (Leavenworth, KS)
  • Woodland FC (Shawnee, KS)
  • Great Plains FC (Lenexa, KS)
  • Union KC (Kansas City, KS)
  • Southside FC (Kansas City, MO)
  • AFC Columbia (Columbia, MO)

GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE

The winners of the Great Lakes Conference’s East Division will play the winners of the West Division in the Great Lakes Conference Championship Game on Saturday, July 25th. Time and location will be determined at a later date.

Great Lakes East Division

  • Michigan Jaguars (Novi, MI)
  • Legends FC (Brighton, MI)
  • Futsal Factory (Dexter, MI)
  • Toledo Villa FC (Toledo, OH)
  • FC Pontiac (Pontiac, MI)
  • Troy United FC (Troy, MI)
  • Oakland County FC (Royal Oak, MI)
  • Cedars FC (Dearborn, MI)

Great Lakes West Division

  • Holland Rovers (Holland, MI)
  • Tulip City United SC (Holland, MI)
  • Goshen City FC (Goshen, IN)
  • 1927SC (Fort Wayne, IN)
  • Grand Rapids SC (Grand Rapids, MI)
  • Midwest United FC (Grand Rapids, MI)
  • Lansing Common FC (Lansing, MI)

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE

The Heartland Conference began a system of promotion and relegation with two separate divisions in 2024. Due to the increased number of clubs playing in Division 2 in 2026, that division has been split into two separate groups for scheduling purposes.

The clubs that finish in the bottom two positions of Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2 for the 2027 MWPL season.

Heartland Division 1

  • Green Bay Glory (Green Bay, WI)
  • Bavarian United SC (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Cedar Rapids Inferno (Cedar Rapids, IA)
  • AFC Roscoe (Chicago, IL)
  • Chicago House AC (Chicago, IL)
  • Edgewater Castle FC (Chicago, IL)

Heartland Division 2 – Group A

The club that finishes in first place in Division 2 – Group A will be promoted to Division 1 for the 2027 MWPL season.

  • FC Select (Evanston, IL)
  • Jahbat FC (Evanston, IL)
  • Sueño FC (Bolingbrook, IL)
  • Steel City FC (Joliet, IL)
  • AAC Eagles (Chicago, IL)
  • Berber City FC (Chicago, IL)
  • Chicago City SC (Chicago, IL)
  • Czarni Jaslo (Chicago, IL)

Heartland Division 2 – Group B

The club that finishes in first place in Division 2 – Group B will be promoted to Division 1 for the 2027 MWPL season.

  • RKC Third Coast (Racine, WI)
  • Madison Fire (Madison, WI)
  • Rockford FC (Rockford, IL)
  • DeKalb County United (DeKalb, IL)
  • Chicago Ghost FC (Chicago, IL)
  • Chicago Soccer Academy (Chicago, IL)
  • River Light FC (Aurora, IL)

LOOKING AHEAD

The 2026 season represents one of the largest and most competitive MWPL campaigns in league history, with clubs spanning Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

From long-established academies and community clubs to ambitious new organizations, the MWPL continues to serve as a true development and competition platform for players, coaches, and supporters across the Midwest.

Full schedules will be announced in the coming weeks.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes Chicago Soccer Academy

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to announce the addition of Chicago Soccer Academy as the league’s newest member ahead of the upcoming season, further strengthening the MWPL’s growing footprint in one of the country’s most talent-rich soccer markets.

Chicago Soccer Academy brings a strong reputation for player development, competitive ambition, and a clear pathway from youth soccer to the senior game. The club’s commitment to building players the right way, through high-level training, meaningful competition, and long-term growth, aligns seamlessly with the MWPL’s mission to provide a platform where clubs and players can thrive.

Patrick O’Neil, Coach of Chicago Soccer Academy, shared his excitement about the move:

“Chicago Soccer Academy is very excited to be joining the MWPL for this upcoming season!
We see this league as the best fit for our Men’s team players and their development. With the quality and competitiveness this league offers we couldn’t be more excited. Especially with the promotion and relegation system.
We also see this league as a benefit for our youth academy players who now have an opportunity to continue their soccer career and work for playing at a higher level.”

Chicago Soccer Academy’s entry into the MWPL creates a powerful new bridge between youth development and high-level amateur competition. With a built-in pipeline of motivated young players and a senior team ready to test itself against the region’s top clubs, the CSA project embodies what the MWPL is all about – opportunity, ambition, and community-driven soccer.

The league looks forward to welcoming Chicago Soccer Academy to the MWPL family and seeing the club compete, grow, and help raise the standard of the game across the Midwest in the seasons to come.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes 314 SC

The Midwest Premier League is proud to welcome 314 SC as the league’s newest member, continuing MWPL’s growth across the Midwest and reinforcing its commitment to community-driven soccer and elite regional competition.

Based in St. Louis, 314 SC enters the Midwest Premier League with a clear vision: to create meaningful opportunities for players, foster strong local connections, and compete at a high level while honoring the culture and passion of the game. The club’s addition strengthens an already competitive landscape and adds another ambitious organization to the MWPL family.

“This marks an exciting new chapter as we grow and provide our players opportunities to develop,” said Cristina Sánchez A., Co-Founder and Director of Operations. “Joining MWPL reflects our commitment to excellence, community, and the beautiful game. We can’t wait to compete against the region’s top teams and showcase the talent and passion that defines us.”

314 SC will begin competition in the upcoming Midwest Premier League season, bringing fresh energy, talent, and ambition to the league. The MWPL looks forward to watching the club’s journey unfold and welcomes 314 SC to a growing community dedicated to sustainable, high-level soccer.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes St. Louis Fusion FC

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to announce the addition of St. Louis Fusion FC, as the club officially joins the league ahead of the upcoming season, further strengthening MWPL’s presence in the St. Louis market and continuing its mission of sustainable, community-driven growth.

Founded on the principles of opportunity, development, and inclusivity, St. Louis Fusion FC has built a strong foundation rooted in local talent and a passion for the game. The club’s commitment to creating a competitive environment while fostering a deep connection with its community aligns seamlessly with the league’s core values.

“St. Louis Fusion FC is honored to begin a new chapter in the Midwest Premier League,” said club leadership. “The league’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and club identity mirrors our own journey, and we’re proud to bring our story, our players, our talent, and our community into the MWPL. Built by hard work and dreamers, sustained by the community and united by soccer — we’re excited to grow together and contribute to the league’s future.”

St. Louis Fusion FC’s entry into the MWPL continues the league’s expansion across key Midwestern markets, adding another ambitious and forward-thinking organization to its growing membership. The club will look to make an immediate impact both on and off the field, bringing a distinct identity and competitive edge to the league.

The Midwest Premier League is excited to welcome St. Louis Fusion FC and looks forward to seeing the club’s continued growth, community impact, and competitive success in the seasons ahead.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Announces Sueño FC as Newest Member Club

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to welcome Sueño FC as the newest member of the league ahead of the upcoming season.

Based in Illinois, Sueño FC has rapidly built a reputation for its commitment to player development, competitive excellence, and community engagement. Founded with a mission to create meaningful opportunities for aspiring players, Sueño FC has established a strong platform for athletes to train, compete, and progress within a high-performance environment.

By joining the MWPL, Sueño FC takes an important step forward in expanding its competitive pathway, providing its players with access to one of the most respected and competitive regional platforms in the country. The addition of Sueño FC further strengthens the league’s footprint in Chicagoland and enhances the overall level of competition across the Heartland Conference.

“We are extremely excited to be joining the Midwest Premier League and becoming part of such a competitive and respected platform,” said Josh Guerra, Co-Founder of Sueño FC. “This move allows us to continue providing high-level opportunities for our players while strengthening our presence in the local market. Our goal has always been to help more players find a strong, competitive environment where they can train, develop, and truly hone their skills, and MWPL aligns perfectly with that vision.”

The Midwest Premier League looks forward to welcoming Sueño FC and their supporters, and to seeing the club compete in the upcoming season.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC

The Midwest Premier League is proud to announce St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club as the league’s newest member ahead of the 2026 season, continuing the league’s growth across the Midwest and strengthening its commitment to elite player development.

Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, one of the most respected and established youth development organizations in the region, brings a proven track record of competitive excellence, player progression, and community impact to the MWPL platform. The addition of a U23 team marks an important expansion of the club’s development pathway, bridging the gap between youth and collegiate soccer.

“Our alumni competing at the collegiate level have consistently asked for a high-level, competitive summer environment between college seasons, and we are thrilled to be able to provide that opportunity,” said Martin Clayes, SLSG Program Director. “Joining the Midwest Premier League adds a U23 component to our extensive player development pathway. It allows our college players to come home for the summer while also creating valuable training and competitive opportunities for our U19 players to train alongside older, more experienced athletes.”

The addition of a MWPL team reinforces Scott Gallagher’s long-standing commitment to offering meaningful development opportunities for players at every stage of the club pathway.

“This provides a meaningful competitive outlet for our U23 players to compete against more mature, physically and tactically advanced opponents, which will directly support their progression in college and beyond,” said Steve Tritschuh, MLS NEXT Academy Director and MWPL Head Coach. “This is an exciting addition to the club and a natural next step in our development model.”

The Midwest Premier League is excited to welcome St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and looks forward to their impact both on and off the field as the league continues to grow and elevate the standard of pre-professional soccer across the region.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

United Capital City Athletic Joins the Midwest Premier League

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is excited to welcome United Capital City Athletic (UCCA) as the newest addition to the league for the upcoming season. UCCA brings a strong vision for player development and community engagement, enhancing the MWPL’s mission of fostering high-level soccer across the Midwest.

“United Capital City is delighted to announce its participation in the MWPL league. This presents an outstanding opportunity for us to elevate our brand and product, particularly with the introduction of our new state-of-the-art complex. UCCA is dedicated to collaborating with local colleges to provide a platform for players to continue their development, thereby preparing them for their collegiate seasons,” said Thomas Chapman, Executive Director.

UCCA’s entry into the MWPL marks an exciting step for both the club and the league. Fans can expect a competitive team committed to excellence on and off the field, with an emphasis on providing players pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities.

The MWPL looks forward to seeing UCCA contribute to the league’s growth, competitive spirit, and community impact as the season approaches.

About United Capital City Athletic:
United Capital City Athletic is a premier soccer organization focused on player development, community collaboration, and competitive success. With its new state-of-the-art complex and strong collegiate partnerships, UCCA is poised to make a significant impact in the Midwest soccer scene.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Union KC Joins the Midwest Premier League for 2026 Season

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to announce that Union KC will be joining the league for the upcoming 2026 season. This addition strengthens the MWPL’s presence in the Midwest and provides new opportunities for players across the region.

“Union KC is excited to join the MWPL in 2026. We are looking forward to the opportunities it will provide our players and alumni as we continue to expand our offerings here at Union KC. Our men’s program continues to grow, and we feel joining the MWPL will continue to provide more opportunities for more players and add to our player pathway,” said Adam Lamb, Union KC Boys Director.

Union KC has a longstanding commitment to player development, emphasizing growth both on and off the field. Their inclusion in the MWPL highlights the league’s mission to foster competitive soccer while supporting the broader player pathway in the Midwest.

Fans and players alike can look forward to an exciting season as Union KC takes the field, further expanding the competitive landscape of the MWPL.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes AAC Eagles

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to announce the addition of the AAC Eagles, who will join the league beginning with the Spring 2026 season, further strengthening the league’s competitive landscape and deep-rooted soccer tradition.

Founded more than eight decades ago, the AAC Eagles are one of the most storied amateur soccer clubs in the United States. Their résumé includes national championships in the 1990 U.S. National Open Cup, the 1989 USASA National Amateur Cup, and the 2002 National Werner Fricker Cup, achievements that underscore a long-standing commitment to excellence at the highest levels of the American game.

“The AAC Eagles, Champions of the 1990 US National Open Cup, the 1989 USASA National Amateur Cup, and the 2002 National Werner Fricker Cup, are pleased to announce that our Men’s Open Team will be joining the Midwest Premier League beginning Spring 2026. Our longstanding dedication and enthusiasm for competitive soccer, spanning 85 years, remain unwavering as we continue our proud tradition.”
— AAC Eagles Board of Directors

The Eagles’ entry into the MWPL represents a natural alignment between a historic club and a league built on community-driven soccer, regional rivalries, and competitive integrity. As the Midwest Premier League continues to grow, the addition of the AAC Eagles brings both championship pedigree and a deep-rooted soccer culture that will elevate competition across the league.

The MWPL looks forward to welcoming the AAC Eagles to the league and to seeing their legacy continue on the Midwest Premier League stage beginning in Spring 2026.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Midwest Premier League Welcomes FC Select

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is proud to announce the addition of FC Select ahead of the upcoming season, welcoming another ambitious and proven club into the league’s growing footprint.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, FC Select officially joins the MWPL after several successful years competing at a high level in both the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the National Soccer League (NSL). Founded in 2018, the club has steadily built a reputation as a strong competitor within the regional soccer landscape, marked by consistent on-field success and long-term organizational growth.

FC Select’s recent accomplishments underscore that upward trajectory. During the 2025 campaign, the club reached the State Cup Finals, demonstrating its ability to perform on the biggest stages. In addition, FC Select has captured multiple honors, including NSL Champions and PSL Cup Champions, reinforcing its status as a club prepared for the challenges of MWPL competition.

“We are excited to be part of the Midwest Premier League and look forward to competing against some of the top clubs in the region,” said Gabriel Brouillette, FC Select player and manager. “The MWPL provides a strong competitive environment that aligns with our goals as a club and challenges our players to continue raising the standard on and off the field.”

For FC Select, the move to the MWPL represents a natural next step—one that aligns with the club’s emphasis on player development, community engagement, and sustained competitive success.

“This move reflects the hard work, commitment, and consistency shown by everyone involved since the club’s founding in 2018,” added Jakub Niemiec, FC Select player and technical director. “From players and coaches to supporters and staff, this step forward is the result of years of steady growth and shared belief in the club’s direction.”

As FC Select prepares for its inaugural Midwest Premier League season, the club does so with confidence and enthusiasm, ready to represent its community and contribute to the continued growth of the league.

About FC Select
Established in 2018, FC Select is a competitive soccer club committed to excellence on and off the field. With league titles, cup championships, and a State Cup Finals appearance, the club continues to grow with a focus on development, competitiveness, and community engagement.

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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 2025 season involved 44 clubs from 7 different states, including a promotion-relegation system in the Heartland Conference.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.