Gateway Conference

BOHFS St. Louis’ Stone Marion Joins St. Louis CITY2

Stone Marion, a standout from Gateway Conference member club BOHFS St. Louis this 2025 season, has taken the next step in his soccer journey by joining MLS NEXT Pro side St. Louis CITY2. A product of the St. Louis CITY Academy system, Marion’s addition to the professional level ranks highlights both his individual growth and the talent developing within the Midwest Premier League.

While already familiar with the CITY setup through his youth career, Marion’s time competing in the MWPL this season provided him valuable experience at the senior level. BOHFS St. Louis’ Alen Bradaric praised Marion’s qualities both on and off the pitch: “Stone’s dedication to the game, tireless work ethic, and outstanding attitude have always stood out — and now, his commitment is being recognized at the next level. We couldn’t be more excited to see him take this next step in his career. He has incredible potential, and we’re confident he’ll be a fantastic addition to the CITY2 squad.”

Marion has been named to the St. Louis CITY2 game day roster for the first time tonight as the team takes on Ventura County FC and becomes the latest MWPL player to make the leap to the professional level, reinforcing the league’s growing role as a development platform for emerging talent.

May 2025 Recap

Current Standings

Schedule

The 2025 Midwest Premier League season is in full steam, and the opening weeks have brought no shortage of surprises. New contenders are pushing perennial powerhouses, reshaping early expectations across the board. Several expansion clubs have wasted no time proving they can compete for top spots, adding even more intrigue to an already unpredictable campaign. Competitive balance has been especially apparent in divisions like Gateway North and South as well as the always-tight Heartland Division 2, where every match seems to carry weight towards promotion hopes. With June approaching, the race is only getting more intense.

Gateway Conference

The Gateway North Division has had an unpredictable start to its inaugural campaign, shaped in part by the early withdrawal of Warrior FC after just three matches. Their exit forced the league to adopt a points-per-game (PPG) system to ensure fairness moving forward, a shift that’s added an extra layer of volatility to the standings. Leading the charge so far is expansion side AFC Omaha, who have made an immediate impact with a statement 2-1 away win over SESA and a hard-fought home draw against Linoma FC in which has been coined as the “402 Derby”. In a division where every match carries significant weight under the PPG format, consistency is crucial—any slip in form could quickly derail a team’s push for the top. SESA and Pearl City SC have shown they’re far more competitive than in previous campaigns, staying close on Omaha’s heels as the race tightens. Meanwhile, 2024 Gateway Conference champions Cedar Rapids Inferno find themselves in the middle of the pack, averaging just 1.0 PPG from four matches, while Linoma FC remains a wildcard with only one match played so far—a promising draw at Omaha that suggests they could be a serious factor once their schedule catches up.

In the Gateway South Division, St. Louis Development Academy emerged as the early leader in May, making a strong first impression in their debut MWPL season with two convincing wins—including a dramatic 5-3 comeback over BOHFS St. Louis after trailing by three goals. However, their unbeaten run came to an end on June 4th with a 2-0 road loss to AFC Columbia, who responded to a slow start by securing their first win of the season in front of their home fans. Despite the setback, STLDA remains a serious contender at the top of the table, and head coach Jim Wipke reflected on the team’s early experience: “Coming into the Midwest Premier League (MWPL) we really did not know what to expect. Honestly we are just trying to learn as we go here. I can tell you that we have been very fortunate in our first two games that the ball has bounced our way. I can speak for our team in saying we are very impressed with the talent and competitive nature of the MWPL.” The chase remains tight, with Ehtar Belleville FC, Club Atletico Saint Louis, and BOHFS St. Louis all sitting on three points—Club Atletico STL with a game in hand. The St. Louis Stars have only played once, a narrow defeat, but will look to make their mark as more fixtures unfold. After a tough opening stretch, AFC Columbia’s recent win could prove to be a turning point as they aim to climb the standings in what promises to be a closely contested division.

Great Lakes Conference

In the Great Lakes East Division, Michigan Stars U23 have set the early pace with an impressive start to their 2025 campaign, collecting 10 points from their first four matches. Wins over Badgers FC, Troy United FC, and Legends FC, along with a hard-fought draw against Inter Detroit, have positioned them as early leaders in a competitive field. Hot on their heels is Liquid Football, who remain perfect through three games, sitting just one point behind with a game in hand. The middle of the table is tightly packed, with MI Futsal Factory, Inter Detroit, Cedars FC, Troy United FC, and FC Pontiac all jostling for position as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of the season. Of note, 2024 Great Lakes champions Cedars FC have only played once so far—a dominant win over Michigan Jaguars FC that hints at their continued strength. At the other end of the table, the Jaguars, along with expansion sides Legends FC and Detroit Badgers FC, are still searching for their first points of the season and hoping to turn things around soon.

In the Great Lakes West Division, expansion side Goshen City FC has made an immediate impact, climbing to the top of the standings with 8 points from their first four matches. Their strong start has been powered by convincing wins over Tulip City United SC and 1927 SC, along with hard-earned draws against both Holland Rovers FC and Grand Rapids SC. Holland Rovers, currently level on points with Goshen, are enjoying one of their best starts in MWPL play and sit second only on goal difference. Just one point behind is Lansing Common FC, who remain unbeaten through three games with two wins and a draw, continuing to show the consistency that has defined their past campaigns. The lower half of the table includes 1927 SC and Tulip City United SC, each managing a single victory so far, while newcomers Midwest United FC U23 and Grand Rapids SC are still searching for their first win of the season. With just a few games separating top and bottom, the division remains wide open heading into the summer months.

Heartland Conference

Heartland Division 2 has seen a commanding start from expansion side RKC Third Coast II, who have burst onto the scene with two emphatic wins to begin their inaugural MWPL campaign. The Wisconsin-based club opened with a 5-0 victory over Steel City FC, followed by a 6-0 dismantling of Chicago City Dutch Lions, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive discipline. “We’ve only played 2 games but things have gone pretty well for the boys,” said club owner Wayne Howard. “The goal is to win the league, so off to a nice start but it’s a long season and we need to stay focused on improving every day and really start to execute how we want to execute. Hopefully that progress continues through the next two months.” RKC’s early dominance has made them the team to beat, but the battle for the lone promotion spot is already heating up. Chicago-based sides Berber City FC and Chicago Ghost FC have each started well with 4 points and are keeping the pressure on. Edgewater Castle FC and Strikers Fox Valley SC both sit on three points from two games and look poised to stay in the mix, while Steel City FC has also collected three points, though from three matches. Still looking to get off the mark are Rockford FC and Chicago City Dutch Lions, both of whom have games in hand and plenty of time to rebound as the season unfolds.

Heartland Division 1 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the Midwest Premier League this season, with battles heating up at both ends of the table. At the top, reigning champions RWB Adria Chicago have picked up where they left off, collecting 14 points from their first six matches. Their only setbacks so far came in fixtures against Chicago House AC and newly promoted Green Bay Glory—the two clubs currently chasing them in the standings. Chicago House AC sits second with 10 points from just four games, maintaining an unbeaten start and holding games in hand that could prove decisive. Green Bay Glory, also off to a strong start in their first season in Division 1, follow closely behind with 10 points from five matches, proving they belong among the division’s elite. Fellow promoted side AFC Roscoe has also shown promise, sitting in the middle of the table with six points from four matches. Bavarian United SC has made a quiet but solid start, earning three points from their first two games and still very much a factor as the season develops. At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is already taking shape, with DeKalb County United and Czarni Jaslo both still searching for their first points—DeKalb from three games and Czarni from five. With only two relegation spots and plenty of matches left, the fight to avoid the drop promises to be as intense as the race for the Heartland Conference title.

2025 Season Preview: Gateway South

A new page turns in the Gateway Conference this spring as the league splits for the first time into North and South Divisions—signaling both growth and possibility. With 2024 champions Cedar Rapids Inferno placed in the North, the Gateway South is wide open. None of the six clubs in this division have ever claimed a Midwest Premier League conference championship nor a divisional title, and that unfamiliarity with the summit brings hunger, unpredictability, and drama.

The Gateway South is a blend of tradition and ambition this season: three experienced clubs who know the grind of a full MWPL campaign and three bold expansion sides eager to leave a mark. From the college-town energy of Columbia MO to the cross-river pride of Belleville IL, from youth development pipelines to veterans of global leagues, every team brings a different flavor to a division that feels like a powder keg waiting to ignite.

AFC Columbia enters 2025 as the senior member of the Gateway South. This is their fourth campaign in the league, and under Chris Miller, the club has grown a strong identity built on technical discipline and attacking enterprise. The offseason has been quiet on the surface—tryouts were just held last week—but key figures from last year’s squad could form the core once again: players like Breck McGrail, Elliot Goodwin, Jacob Moore, and Sam Appiah could be leading the line after a strong 2024 goal haul. If the club can start strong and maintain consistency, they could very well emerge as early favorites in the division. After three years of MWPL experience, the expectation is no longer just to compete—it is to contend.

Despite this being their debut MWPL season, BOHFS St. Louis steps into the league already carrying a seasoned air. A longtime presence in St. Louis’ lower league soccer scene, BOHFS enters with not just ambition, but pedigree. At the helm is Head Coach Alen Bradaric, whose experience and leadership will be crucial as the club transitions into the Midwest Premier League. Their inaugural roster reads like a résumé of pro-level experience: former Swansea City Chad Bond brings European class; ex-D.C. United and Nashville SC playmaker Liam Collins adds MLS level pedigree; and Bosnian-American midfielder Emir Alihodzic joins after spells with Union Omaha and the USL. With no shortage of tactical know-how and locker room leadership, BOHFS might not need much of an adjustment period. The tone has already been set—BOHFS is here to win.

Club Atletico Saint Louis is now in its third MWPL campaign, and the time for incremental progress may be over. After back-to-back 5th-place finishes, the club—co-founded and managed by Ricardo Garza—is looking to finally break through in 2025. This year, with no NPSL squad in play for the first time since their MWPL launch, all eyes and resources are on this campaign. Though CASTL haven’t released roster details yet, the club’s experience and internal continuity give them a unique edge in this newly formed division. The club knows what works in this league—and more importantly, what does not. That kind of institutional knowledge, paired with renewed focus, could make the difference this time around.

As the only non-Missouri side in the division, Ehtar Belleville FC represents Illinois with pride—and purpose. Founded in 2022 and backed by a passionate local community, Ehtar arrives in the MWPL after gaining valuable experience in the NPSL. Now, in their debut season at the MWPL level, they are aiming to make an immediate impact and to prove they are a battle-tested organization. Unlike many first-year clubs, Ehtar has been anything but quiet during the offseason. They’ve announced a mix of returning players like Jermaine Mentoor and Jake Pollock, along with new arrivals such as Melo Mensah and Don Obare—moves that suggest both continuity and ambition. The club’s energy, fan support, and early squad-building efforts have already created a buzz. Whether they can translate that into results on the field remains to be seen—but the pieces are certainly in place for a compelling debut campaign.

After finishing fourth in their debut campaign last year, St. Louis Stars have already proven that their youth-to-pro pipeline is more than theory—it’s producing results on the field. Built from a respected youth soccer foundation in the metro St. Louis area, the Stars develop players from early ages and bring them up through the ranks, culminating in MWPL competition and beyond. 2024 gave the club a clear idea of what it takes to compete at this level, and 2025 offers a chance to take the next step. The Stars’ blend of technical polish and developmental focus makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone, especially with new teams still adjusting to the league. Their matchups with fellow development-based side STLDA promise to be intense, symbolic—and possibly decisive.

New to the MWPL but no stranger to talent, St. Louis Development Academy enters the league with an already formidable reputation. STLDA has consistently produced high-level youth talent, with players regularly invited to U.S. Soccer ID camps—a sign of both quality and potential. This season marks their first foray into pre-professional league play, bridging the gap between elite youth development and adult-level competition. While the club hasn’t announced specific roster details, expect a young, hungry, and technically gifted group ready to test themselves at a higher level. The derby clashes with St. Louis Stars should be among the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the division, both for the rivalry and what it represents: two academies, one city, and a chance to own the future.

In a division where no one’s ever been crowned, every match matters—and every win gets a club one step closer to history. The Gateway South is a fresh battleground, full of ambitious returners, confident debutants, and six paths that all lead to one goal: the first championship in the division’s young life. Only one club will reach the top. The race begins now.

Feature Interview: AFC Columbia

AFC Columbia enters its fourth MWPL season as one of the most consistent sides in the Gateway Conference, having finished in the top four each of the last three years. That consistency has been credited to both the club’s ability to recruit top local talent and the standards upheld in its internal culture.

“We have consistently rostered the top players in the Columbia / Mid-Missouri area since Day 1 of competing in the Midwest Premier League,” said Vice President Kurtis Boardsen. “Almost all of these players have competed at the national level at their highly competitive NCAA and NAIA institution and the development they received there prepared them very well for the competition that we face each night we step on the field. We have also surrounded those players with some of the top coaches and soccer minds in the area on our staff, which allows for further development as well as new perspectives to play with when adjustments are needed to be made—both in and out of matches.”

That environment has created a training ground defined by intensity and internal competition. “Our players are battle tested through highly competitive training sessions, where they are constantly on stage to prove they are worthy of the start or playing time in our next match,” Boardsen continued. “This drive pushes our team to be at its best at all times and the players respect that process.”

The mindset is set to continue into Year Four and beyond, guided by a staff that puts equal emphasis on mentality as it does on talent. “Our staff does a great job pushing this culture, but also through auditing the mental toughness of the players we select,” he added. “We have a common goal as a club and our players know what that is at tryouts, so they are well aware of the expectations before they ever pull on the AFCC Blue to represent our Club and Community.”

The Gateway Conference has undergone a major change this year with its split into North and South divisions. For Head Coach Chris Miller, the new structure brings renewed urgency. “The MWPL Gateway has been a highly competitive conference no matter where the teams are located, so we wouldn’t expect this year to be any different,” he said. “Adding two more STL area squads to our division will certainly lighten the travel but will also likely make each game even more important, as many of the games will have more of a local feel.”

Columbia’s roadmap to a title run is clear. “To stay competitive, we will need to steal a few points on the road (as Cedar Rapids Inferno did last year) and hold serve at home (something we could not do consistently last year),” said Miller. “Losing ‘22–’23 champs Ajax St. Louis makes this year seem even more open as each of us will be looking for our first divisional title.”

Even with that opportunity, no match has been taken lightly. “Every team is a challenge and we expect all three new squads (St. Louis Development Academy, as well) to be formidable opponents, just like St. Louis Stars and Club Atletico Saint Louis,” Miller added. “St. Louis is one of, if not the best, soccer cities in the States, so for us to play all 10 matches against quality sides from a much larger population area will be a challenge for us. We certainly know we have our work cut out for us and realize that we need to spend our focus on our own development in order to play at their level. We know we are the smallest fish in this pond and take pride in knowing that we have the opportunity to play against quality opponents every time out. It’s what makes this league so fun and challenging.”

While roster announcements are still pending, a solid core could return—among them Sam Appiah, Jacob Moore, Breck McGrail, and Elliot Goodwin, who helped drive the club’s goalscoring in 2024. Internal improvement and resilience are the offseason priorities. “We are still in the beginning stages of formulating our team for this season,” said Miller, “but we believe we have slowly improved not only our quality, but our depth over the past few years, which is key if you want to compete each night out over the course of the summer. Injuries, weather, vacations… each club will be impacted at some point over the summer.”

That focus has led to intentional team-building. “We have focused the last two years on developing a solid core that understands and buys into our system and beliefs and appreciates what it takes to be successful in a very difficult league,” Miller said. “If nothing else, those that are returning realize how close we were to winning the Gateway the past two seasons and are looking forward to learning from those things that held us back. One thing is for certain—if you end up top table at the end of the season in the Gateway, you will have earned it. The MWPL level of play assures that.”

With Ajax St. Louis no longer in the division, rivalries will shift, but competitive tension remains. Club President Zach Fisher sees new storylines emerging. “With our traditional rival out of the league for the first time, we look forward to continuing the tough matchups with St. Louis Stars and Club Atletico Saint Louis,” he said. “We’ve faced BOHFS in our inaugural season, but both clubs look completely different so it’s hard to gauge where we are compared to them. Personally, I am looking forward to facing Ehtar Belleville FC. That is a club that maybe most resembles our own in the conference and we’ve heard great things about their gameday environment. They are also in Illinois, which any team from that state will be natural rivals for a club from Columbia.”

Off the field, continued investment has supported the club’s growth and identity. “We’ve steadily improved each offseason in specific areas of the club,” said Fisher. “We have improved our player pool each season being the constant, and started to get more attention in the Columbia community as great examples. We don’t want to bite off more than we can chew and we’ve learned lessons along the way on how to build a club that is truly community driven.”

That growth has extended to visibility and fan engagement. “Off the field we’ve spent a lot of time and invested money on making our content better,” Fisher said. “We’ve upgraded the cameras, invested into social media content creation and I think that will help in the long run give us more visibility. Ultimately that should help get more people out to games and increase revenue, which we can reinvest back into the team.”

With culture, continuity, and a chip on their shoulder, AFC Columbia steps into a fresh division with familiar hunger. The opportunity to claim a first divisional title feels closer than ever.

2025 Season Preview: Gateway North

A new era begins in the Midwest Premier League’s Gateway Conference. After steady growth over four years, the Gateway has officially split into two divisions—North and South—signaling both a logistical evolution and a testament to the league’s record-breaking expansion this offseason. In the North, familiar powerhouses and ambitious newcomers collide, with reigning conference champions Cedar Rapids Inferno placed at the center of it all.

But this is not just the division of the defending champs. It’s also the division of possibility. With four of the seven teams making their MWPL debut, the Gateway North feels less like a reshuffled format and more like an opening chapter in an unpredictable new saga.

The torchbearers of Gateway success, Cedar Rapids Inferno are now the team everyone is chasing. Their title-winning 2024 campaign was a masterclass in resilience and attacking depth, with Beni Mubake, Boris Dimitrov, and Nico Galvez Ortiz each finishing with six goals. All eyes will be on whether Head Coach and President Kenan Malicevic can keep that core intact. The Inferno enter 2025 with the weight of expectation. Their experience will be tested weekly in a division filled with unknown quantities—but for a club that’s been a pillar of the MWPL since its inception, pressure is nothing new.

No debutant arrives with more intrigue than AFC Omaha. Having relocated from California, where they competed as AFC South Bay in NISA Nation, the club has wasted no time making a splash in the Midwest. Announcing Morrison Stadium—a 6,000-seat, soccer-specific venue—as their home field, AFC Omaha instantly raised the bar for infrastructure and ambition. On the pitch, they’ve assembled a cosmopolitan squad blending local standouts like Brian Franco-Recinos and Sam Burmeister, with international talent including Akim Soulemana (Germany), Hugo Meneguite (Brazil), and Mubashir Hilowle (Ethiopia). In a division full of unknowns, Omaha might just be the wildcard no one wants to face.

Also new to the MWPL is CB Captains FC, representing Council Bluffs, Iowa. Under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Locke and President Taylor Stanton, the Captains are crafting a roster with an emphasis on balance: seasoned additions like striker Andy Kaup, local talents such as Logan Hanigan, and internationals including Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulrahman (Sudan) and Richard Kangolo (DR Congo). Their parallel move to participate in the UPSL signals long-term commitment to year-round development. One should not be surprised if CB Captains make a name for themselves quickly with a high-energy, hard-nosed style reflective of their Midwestern roots.

One of the oldest clubs in the division, Linoma FC has been a fixture of Nebraska soccer since 1986, with deep ties to local talent development. Now, they take the leap into MWPL competition—bringing with them not just history, but ambition. The appointment of Mark Heath-Preston, a coach with nearly a decade of college experience at Bellevue University, underscores the club’s intent to compete. While their MWPL roster remains under wraps, Linoma’s track record speaks volumes: alumni like Evan Southern, now at USL1’s Portland Hearts of Pine, are proof of the pathway they provide.

MWPL year two for Pearl City SC is a chance to show staying power. Their debut season ended in a 6th place finish, but it also laid a strong foundation for growth. As a youth-driven organization from Muscatine, Iowa, Pearl City offers one of the most holistic development pipelines in the league—from kindergarten to senior team. Under the guidance of Director of Coaching Walton Ponce, they’ve earned a reputation for discipline and structure. In a division with so many new clubs, their continuity could be a valuable asset.

For SESA, 2025 feels like a make-or-break year. Finishing bottom in each of their first two seasons, the club from Burlington, Iowa, showed life late in 2024—tying Pearl City, giving title contenders Club Atletico Saint Louis a good fight, and beating Junction FC in their final outing. That late momentum could be the turning point they need. With their competitive spirit on display, all that’s missing is consistency. If they can build on that strong finish, SESA may finally shake off the underdog label.

Representing Everly, Iowa, Warrior FC is a true grassroots project. Their appointment of Tre Thomas—also the women’s coach at Northwest Iowa Community College—signifies a vision rooted in development and opportunity. Their first-ever roster already features some intriguing international names, including Australian striker Ryan Tappouras, South African forward Makwe Nkoana, and Australian goalkeeper Charlie Prtenjaca. With global flair and rural grit, Warrior FC are here to test what the MWPL truly means when it calls itself Midwest Premier.

The 2025 Gateway North may not have the glamor of long-established rivalries—yet. But in its diversity, ambition, and unpredictability, it’s a microcosm of what the MWPL is becoming: a home for the dreamers, the rebuilders, the developers, and the champions.

Feature Interview: Kenan Malicevic (Cedar Rapids Inferno)

As reigning Gateway Conference champions, Cedar Rapids Inferno are not only being viewed as the team to beat—they are being watched as the team that set the standard. Their rise in 2024 was powered by clinical finishing, team cohesion, and a deep tactical discipline instilled by longtime Head Coach and President Kenan Malicevic, who continues to lead the project with clear intention.

Reflecting on the club’s goals for the 2025 season, Malicevic made it clear: “Our main goal this season is to build on last year’s success while continuing to grow as a club. Defending our title is, of course, a priority, but we’re also focused on improving our overall performances, strengthening team chemistry, and ensuring that our players continue developing.”

A deliberate balance is being struck between ambition and evolution. Lessons from the past campaign have been internalized—most notably, the value of resilience and adaptability in a long season. As Malicevic put it, “Last season taught us a lot about resilience and the importance of depth in the squad. We had some tough games where our ability to adapt made the difference, and we want to carry that mindset into this season. Staying consistent, especially in high-pressure situations, will be key for us moving forward.”

Adjustments have been made to the roster in the offseason. Though names have yet to be officially revealed, the leadership remains confident in the changes. “We’ve had some roster changes in the offseason, with a mix of returning players and new additions,” Malicevic said. “We believe these changes will bring fresh energy and keep us competitive.”

The new-look division will bring no shortage of tests. But rather than seeing added competition as just a threat, the Inferno view it as a step forward for the league. “The league continues to get stronger, and we welcome the challenge,” said Malicevic. “With new teams joining, the competition will be even tougher, which is great for the league and for the growth of the sport at this level.”

As for matchdays circled on the calendar, Inferno’s coach didn’t single out any particular rival—but made it clear that the big games bring big opportunity: “Every game matters, but we always look forward to facing top contenders from last season. Those matchups tend to bring out the best in our team, and we know they’ll be crucial for our title defense.”

Internally, the squad is being reminded that last year’s success guarantees nothing. “Success is never guaranteed,” Malicevic emphasized, “so we remind the team that last season’s accomplishments don’t carry over into this year. We focus on maintaining a strong work ethic, setting new challenges, and keeping that hunger to improve. Our team is built on passion and commitment, and we plan to carry that mentality into every game.”

In Cedar Rapids, the mentality of a champion has been carefully cultivated—and in 2025, it will be tested again. But if Malicevic’s words are any indication, the Inferno won’t be content with simply defending their crown—they’ll be aiming to raise the bar once more.

MWPL announces 2025 Conference Alignment

The Midwest Premier League is set for its biggest season yet, with a record 45 clubs set to compete in 2025 following a year of unprecedented expansion. As the league continues to grow, the conference alignments have been adjusted to reflect the increasing number of teams, ensuring a competitive and balanced structure across the region. Here’s how the MWPL will be organized for the 2025 season.

The 2025 season marks a new era for the Midwest Premier League’s Gateway Conference, which has been split into two divisions for the first time. In the Gateway North Division, reigning conference champions Cedar Rapids Inferno will look to defend their 2024 title against familiar opponents like Pearl City SC and Southeast Soccer Academy. They’ll also face fresh competition from four expansion clubs—AFC Omaha, Linoma FC, CB Captains FC, and Warrior FC—who aim to make an immediate impact in their debut MWPL campaigns.

The 2025 season also brings a fresh look to the Gateway Conference with the introduction of the Gateway South Division. Established clubs like AFC Columbia and Club Atletico Saint Louis will lead the charge, but they’ll face a new wave of challengers, including St. Louis Development Academy, BOHFS St. Louis, and Ehtar Belleville FC—who make the jump from the NPSL. With a mix of experienced contenders and ambitious newcomers, the Gateway South Division is set to deliver a highly-competitive season. The first-place teams from each division will play against each other in the first-ever Gateway Conference Championship Game at the conclusion of the regular season.

The 2025 Great Lakes Conference will again be split into two divisions. The Great Lakes East Division brings together some of Michigan’s top amateur clubs in a highly-competitive all-Michigan lineup. Reigning Great Lakes Conference Champions Cedars FC will look to defend their 2024 title against perennial contenders like Inter Detroit and Michigan Stars U23, while familiar names such as Troy United FC, Liquid Football, Michigan Jaguars, and Futsal Factory Academy return to the fold. Adding to the excitement, newcomers FC Pontiac and Legends FC join the mix, eager to make their mark in their debut MWPL campaigns. With a strong blend of championship pedigree and fresh competition, the Great Lakes East Division promises another thrilling season of Midwest Premier League action.

The 2025 Great Lakes West Division looks to be one of the more competitive groups in the league, featuring a strong mix of returning clubs and ambitious newcomers. Holland Rovers and Tulip City United SC continue their local rivalry, while Lansing Common FC and 1927 SC from Fort Wayne, Indiana, add experience and stability to the division. Adding to the intensity, expansion clubs Goshen City FC, Midwest United FC, and Grand Rapids SC enter the fray, each bringing a high level of competition and a desire to make an immediate impact. With a deep pool of talent and a strong regional presence, the Great Lakes West Division is set for an exciting and unpredictable 2025. The first-place teams from the East and West Divisions will play each other in a Great Lakes Conference Championship Game.

The 2025 Heartland Conference is set for another highly-competitive season as the conference continues its system of promotion and relegation between its two divisions. Heartland Division 1 welcomes newly-promoted clubs AFC Roscoe and Green Bay Glory as they test themselves against some of their conference’s most established clubs. Reigning champions RWB Adria Chicago return to defend their title, while Chicago House AC, DeKalb County United, and Bavarian United SC look to challenge for the top spot. Meanwhile, Czarni Jaslo, having narrowly avoided relegation last season, will aim to solidify their place in Division 1. With every team fighting to stay at the top, Heartland Division 1 promises another season of intense competition.

The 2025 Heartland Division 2 season will be a battle for promotion as clubs vie for a spot in the top tier of their conference. Newly-relegated Steel City FC will be eager to make a swift return to Division 1, but they’ll face stiff competition from familiar opponents like Rockford FC, Berber City FC, Chicago Ghost FC, Strikers Fox Valley, and Edgewater Castle. Adding to the mix, newcomers RKC Third Coast II and Chicago City Dutch Lions enter the league looking to make an immediate impact.

With a record-breaking expansion year bringing the Midwest Premier League to an all-time high of 45 clubs, the 2025 season is set to be the league’s most competitive and dynamic yet. The introduction of new teams, the restructuring of conferences, and the continued implementation of promotion and relegation highlight the MWPL’s commitment to its long-term vision. As the league works toward its 2030 Plan, which aims to strengthen regional competition and expand opportunities for clubs, the growing depth and quality of play reflect the steady progress toward that goal. With fresh challenges, renewed rivalries, and more clubs than ever, the 2025 season promises to be a milestone moment in the evolution of the MWPL.

BOHFS St. Louis joins Midwest Premier League for 2025 Season

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is pleased to announce BOHFS St. Louis as the latest addition to its growing roster of clubs. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, BOHFS St. Louis has been a fixture in the local lower league soccer scene and is now stepping up to join the MWPL’s Gateway Conference for the 2025 season.

Alen Bradaric, President of BOHFS St. Louis, expressed enthusiasm about the club’s new venture. “We are grateful and excited to be joining the Midwest Premier League. Our goal is to provide talented players in the St. Louis Metro a platform to showcase their abilities in a competitive setting,” Bradaric said.

The addition of BOHFS St. Louis further strengthens the MWPL’s presence in the St. Louis region, a hotbed for soccer talent and development. Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, welcomed the club to the league. “We welcome BOHFS St. Louis as the final 2025 expansion club in our Gateway Conference and look forward to them contributing to the league’s growing presence in the St. Louis area,” Beckman stated.

BOHFS St. Louis’ move to the MWPL underscores the club’s ambition to compete at a higher level and provide enhanced opportunities for players in the St. Louis Metro area. Their entry marks another step forward for the MWPL as it continues to expand its footprint and offer a competitive platform for top-tier amateur soccer.

BOHFS St. Louis Social Media
Instagram
Facebook
X

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 2024 season involved 37 clubs from 6 different states and included the league’s first-ever system of promotion and relegation.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

Ehtar Belleville FC set to join the Midwest Premier League in 2025

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is excited to announce Ehtar Belleville FC as its newest member club, beginning play in the 2025 season. Based in Belleville, Illinois, the team will compete in the Gateway Conference and host home matches at Althoff Catholic High School.

Ehtar Belleville FC brings a wealth of experience to the league, led by Director of Coaching Andrew Crawford. Crawford’s extensive soccer background includes roles as Chief Operating Officer of Gateway Rush Soccer Club, Director of Coaching at Metro East Legacy, and assistant coach for McKendree University’s women’s soccer program. The club plans to announce tryout dates for early spring 2025, providing opportunities for local talent to join the squad.

“We are thrilled to join the Midwest Premier League as its newest expansion team,” said Ian Thurlow, President and Director of Operations for Ehtar Belleville FC. “This is an incredible opportunity for our players to compete at a high level and to showcase their passion and talents right here in the Heartland. We look forward to representing Belleville and making a meaningful impact both on and off the field as part of the MWPL family.“

Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, shared his enthusiasm for the league’s newest addition. “We’re happy to welcome Ehtar Belleville FC and their motivated group of administrators to the MWPL. Their community-focused efforts are a great fit with our league and will help them thrive in the Gateway Conference.”

Ehtar Belleville FC’s entry into the league reinforces the MWPL’s commitment to expanding opportunities for competitive soccer throughout the Midwest. Soccer fans in Belleville and the surrounding communities can look forward to an exciting season for the club in 2025.

Ehtar Belleville FC Social Media
Website
Instagram
X
Facebook

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

St. Louis Development Academy set to join the MWPL

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) has announced the addition of St. Louis Development Academy (STLDA) for the 2025 season. Based in Maryland Heights, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, STLDA is renowned for its robust youth soccer programs and a commitment to developing talent across all age groups.

This move marks a significant step for STLDA, providing a platform to showcase its players at a high level while aligning with its mission to foster growth through competition. The club will compete in the Gateway Conference, which features a strong lineup of teams from the region.

“St. Louis Development Academy joining the MWPL adds another pathway to high-level competition for players in the greater St. Louis area,” said MWPL President Steve Beckman. “The players available to them should help them compete right away in the Gateway Conference.“

STLDA Technical Director Dan Donigan expressed his enthusiasm about the club’s acceptance into the league. “We are always looking for platforms and leagues to further enhance our club for player development, competition, and culture. We are excited to be accepted into the MWPL. We are looking forward to a season of great competition, growth, and development for our players and coaches. This opportunity aligns with our club’s mission and vision.”

With a tradition of producing top talent, STLDA is well-positioned to make an impact in the MWPL. Their entry into the league underscores the MWPL’s dedication to expanding opportunities for player development across the Midwest.

Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

CB Captains FC joins the Midwest Premier League

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is excited to announce CB Captains Football Club from Council Bluffs (Iowa) as the latest addition to its Gateway Conference for the 2025 season. This expansion marks a significant step for soccer in western Iowa, as CB Captains FC becomes the first club of its kind in the history of Council Bluffs.

Taylor Stanton, President of CB Captains FC, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “It’s been a long time coming for this club to get an announcement as great as this one. We have been working day by day to create a great product on and off the field and couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. This club is pioneering a new youthful high-level soccer experience for Council Bluffs, being the first club of this level in this amazing city’s history.”

The addition of CB Captains FC to the Gateway Conference coincides with the recent announcement of AFC Omaha’s entry, located just a few miles away in Nebraska. MWPL President Steve Beckman sees this as a perfect setup for a budding local rivalry: “Pairing CB Captains FC with fellow expansion club AFC Omaha brings exciting opportunities for the MWPL to their area. Having two strong clubs just a few miles apart should foster a lot of camaraderie between them and encourage a derby-like atmosphere when they play each other in the league.”

With CB Captains FC joining the league, the MWPL continues its mission of expanding competitive, community-based soccer across the Midwest, now reaching into Western Iowa and fostering local soccer connections across the region.

Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Threads

The expansion deadline for the 2025 MWPL season is December 1^st, 2024. Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

MWPL welcomes AFC Omaha

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) has today announced the addition of AFC Omaha to its ranks for the 2025 season, marking a historic milestone as the first MWPL club based in Nebraska. Originally founded as AFC South Bay in California, the club has relocated to Omaha and rebranded to reflect its new home. AFC Omaha is set to compete in the league’s Gateway Conference, making Nebraska the seventh state represented in the MWPL.

The AFC front office shared their excitement for this new chapter: “It is with great excitement that we announce the beginning of a new era for the AFC organization. AFC South Bay will be moving forward as AFC Omaha, bringing our exciting style of fútbol to Omaha, Nebraska. We are thrilled to begin league play in the Midwest Premier League in May of 2025. MWPL is well known for their high-quality of competition on the pitch and their desire to maintain professional front office and game day standards. We are excited to be a part of the growth the league is experiencing and give the incredible Omaha talent a platform to display their skills. We look forward to representing the city of Omaha with honor and pride.”

Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, welcomed AFC Omaha to the league and highlighted the club’s potential impact: “AFC Omaha’s ambitious leadership group will be an asset to our league and will help cultivate a high level of competition in their area. Adding them to our Gateway Conference expands the league’s footprint into Nebraska and presents new opportunities for clubs in that state.”

With the addition of AFC Omaha, MWPL continues to grow, bringing competitive, community-based soccer to more regions and connecting fans and players alike across the USASA Region II.

The expansion deadline for the 2025 MWPL season is December 1^st, 2024. Interested clubs can follow this link for more information.

BOHFS St. Louis’ Stone Marion Joins St. Louis CITY2