Midwest Premier League

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MWPL

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.

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.

Legends FC joins the Midwest Premier League

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is excited to welcome Legends FC as the newest addition to its Great Lakes Conference for the 2025 season. Based in Brighton, Michigan, Legends FC will play its home matches at the state-of-the-art Legacy Center Sports Complex, further expanding the league’s footprint in the region.

The club, led by Director Ryan Carriere and General Manager Carl Pierce, is committed to providing local players with a pathway to compete at a high level while fostering a vibrant soccer community. Upcoming tryouts for the team will be announced soon, offering players the chance to showcase their talent and join the roster for its inaugural MWPL season.

Carl Pierce, General Manager of Legends FC, shared his enthusiasm for the club’s entry into the MWPL: “We are very excited to join the Midwest Premier League and to bring this opportunity to players in the local area that want to continue to grow and compete at a high level. With Legends FC entering the league, we can’t wait to bring in new talent and passionate fans supporting the game. I’m eager to see how the team performs in their first season and the impact it will have on our local community and club programs.”

Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, emphasized the significance of Legends FC’s addition: “Legends FC expands the Great Lakes Conference into a new area of Michigan that includes a fantastic indoor facility. Their addition to the league provides new opportunities for players that have progressed through their youth system and are ready for a challenge at the next level.”

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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 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.

Goshen City FC Joins Midwest Premier League for 2025 Season

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) has officially announced Goshen City FC as the latest addition to its Great Lakes Conference, beginning in the 2025 season. Based in Goshen, Indiana, the club brings with it a proven track record of competition, having spent the last two seasons in the UPSL Midwest Conference.

Goshen City FC is known for its community-driven approach and commitment to developing local talent, traits that align with the MWPL’s mission of fostering competitive and accessible soccer across the Midwest. The addition of the club further strengthens the Great Lakes Conference and expands MWPL’s presence in Indiana.

Henrique Eichenberger, founder of Goshen City FC, expressed his excitement about the move: “We’re thrilled to join this league and its commitment to strong competition and community! We look forward to facing top teams in the Great Lakes Conference and to building exciting new rivalries. This is a major step for our club, and we’re excited for the future!“

MWPL Board of Directors’ President Steve Beckman had this to add “The advisory board and staff at Goshen City FC have built a well-structured club that is already firmly embedded within their local community. An organization like theirs is an example of how to grow the connections between a club and its community. I’m eager to see them perform both on and off the pitch during our 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 2024 season involved 37 clubs from 6 different states and included the league’s first-ever system of promotion and relegation.

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

Rest in peace, David Hebestreit

The Midwest Premier League is saddened to hear of the passing of David Hebestreit, a pillar in the metro Detroit soccer community and an important figure in lower league soccer in the Midwest region of the United States. David led AFC Ann Arbor as Head Coach during the club’s time in the Great Lakes Premier League and became an important figure in the league that launched in 2015, which served as predecessor to the MWPL founded later on in 2020.

We pay tribute to David Hebestreit, a great friend, and mentor to many of our current members and many people in the soccer community throughout the Midwest.

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.

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

The expansion deadline for the 2025 MWPL season is December 1st, 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 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.

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

Midwest United FC U23 set to join MWPL

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) has announced its first new club for the 2025 season: Midwest United FC U23. Headquartered in Grand Rapids (MI), Midwest United FC was established in June 2015 and has grown into an elite youth soccer organization in the state of Michigan. The club also fields teams in both the USL League Two and the USL W League.

Midwest United’s addition marks the MWPL’s return to Grand Rapids and adds depth to the Great Lakes Conference. Hector Fernandez, a staff coach and director with the club, shared, “We are very excited to field a team in the MWPL. This will give more opportunities for high-level local college players to compete at a good level in the offseason.”

Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to have the MWPL return to the Grand Rapids area with the addition of Midwest United. They are a well-established club with a large pool of players that will help them compete right away in our Great Lakes Conference.”

Midwest United FC joins the MWPL aiming to strengthen opportunities for local talent and continue the league’s mission of developing community-based soccer in the region.

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.

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

Midwest Premier League Hires Experienced, Visionary Commissioner

New leader brings perspective from English Premier League, national American soccer roles

Chicago, IL – The Midwest Premier League is excited to welcome Duncan Riddle as its League Commissioner for the upcoming 2025 season. Riddle spent nearly a decade at Aston Villa F.C. where he led community and stakeholder relations, before moving across the Atlantic to serve as Executive Director of the United States Adult Soccer Association, the national governing body for adult soccer and the MWPL.

“I am very honored to take on this role,” said Riddle. “The beautiful game continues to grow and mature in America, and this is an exciting time to be involved. I have watched the MWPL grow and evolve in my time in the States, and I am convinced that even more success can be achieved.”

At Aston Villa, Riddle got his start in the club’s community coaching and outreach programs before moving into business and administration roles, where he was most notably responsible for AVFC’s relationship with Acorns Children’s Hospice. As a result, the club was the first professional sports team to promote a charity on their jerseys.

Midwest Premier League Board President Steve Beckman had the following to say about the addition of Riddle: “Duncan’s proven himself in soccer administration at every level and that makes him a great fit for our league. He helped establish the MWPL’s affiliation with USASA and I’m excited about what he can help us accomplish in the future. His deep familiarity with the challenges of amateur soccer will be extremely helpful to us as we continue to grow our league and find new ways to support our member clubs.”

During his time with USASA, Riddle helped increase participation in the National Amateur Cup, launched the annual USASA Soccer Fest, implemented new technologies within the organization, and managed relationships with corporate partners and various soccer organizations across the country. After 12 years of service, he recently left USASA to start his own consultancy business.

The English-born Riddle holds a UEFA ‘A’ coaching license and spent time working with all age groups in the academy at Birmingham City FC before joining Aston Villa F.C. in 2002. Riddle joins a commissioners group that includes Associate Commissioners Shawn Carroll and Aaron Vnuk, who are returning for their third-straight seasons with the league.

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.

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

League Commissioner Vacancy

The Midwest Premier League seeks a new League Commissioner. This position presents a unique opportunity in American soccer that offers the right individual the ability to help grow the game while guiding a collection of member clubs through their summer seasons (May-July). The League Commissioner will report to the Board of Directors and coordinate with individual Conference Commissioners to enforce predetermined rules and regulations while adjusting to the dynamics of the sport as needed.

Interested candidates should apply by emailing a resume to info@midwestpl.com.

About the Midwest Premier League

The Midwest Premier League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional soccer league that is run by its member clubs. The goals of the league are to focus on sustainability, promote high-level competition among its clubs, encourage participation in regional and national cup competitions, and support all of its member clubs through the sharing of ideas and best practices.

Qualifications

  • Administrative experience in professional or amateur soccer at the club or league level
  • Proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely
  • No existing administrative role with a current Midwest Premier League member club

Responsibilities

  • Monitor and enforce all elements of the league’s by-laws and Operations Manual
  • Assist Conference Commissioners with their direct administration of the clubs in each individual conference
  • Coordinate with referee assignor(s) to ensure game officials are aware of the league’s expectations, requirements, and other guidelines
  • Participate as a member of the league’s Disciplinary Committee, which is responsible for determining appropriate punishments for violations of the Operations Manual
  • Coordinate the scheduling of all regular season league games as well as any league-related post-season or mid-season competitions
  • Operate as the primary point of contact for league-related inquiries from member clubs and third parties and be available for calls after normal business hours during the season
  • Attend and help organize the Annual General Meeting and other meetings as needed
  • Arrange the purchase of league-related resources (game balls, awards, services, etc.)
  • Assist with the expansion and growth of the league and its conferences in a manner that aligns with the guidelines and goals set by the Board of Directors

Compensation

A portion of each season’s league fees go toward the payment of the League Commissioner, which will be paid out in two installments during the season. Total compensation is dependent upon the number of member clubs each season.

Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC set to represent the Midwest Premier League in the 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying rounds

Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC will represent the Midwest Premier League (MWPL) in the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying rounds, as announced by US Soccer today. The two Heartland Conference clubs are among the record-high 114 non-professional teams set to compete for one of the 14 spots in the tournament proper.

Chicago House AC players and staff celebrate qualifying to the 2024 US Open Cup last year. Photo: Dylan Lewis

This is familiar territory for Chicago House AC, who have qualified for the past two years and made headlines with their 2023 Open Cup run. Chicago House stunned USL League One’s Forward Madison in the second round of the tournament that year, after defeating Bavarian United in the first, and went on to face professional teams like Chicago Fire (MLS). Last year, in the 2024 US Open Cup, they faced professional side Minnesota United 2 (MLS Next Pro).

“Chicago House is proud to enter the US Open Cup qualifying rounds for the third straight year. We are proud that we advanced to the tournament proper each of the two previous years and in 2023, along with Tulsa Athletic, we advanced further than any other amateur club in the country,” said Peter J. Wilt, Chicago House’s Managing Partner. “Under new Head Coach Shannon Seymour, we will work hard to represent Chicago well in this historic tournament.” Wilt has four US Open Cup championship rings from his days running the Chicago Fire. The Fire won the US Open Cup in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006.

Action photo from AFC Roscoe vs Edgewater Castle FC during the 2024 Midwest Premier League season. Photo: Peter Maziuk

Heartland Conference Division 2 club Edgewater Castle FC will participate in the US Open Cup qualifying rounds for a second time in a row in 2025. Last year, Edgewater Castle FC earned a 2-1 victory over fellow MWPL club Berber City FC in the first round but were later knocked out by Chicago House AC in the second qualifying round, falling 3-1. Edgewater Castle will look to build on that experience and aim for a deeper run this time around, with the hope of qualifying for the tournament for the first time in club’s history.

“We aim to create a strong team culture during this short autumn cycle, and build around a core group with some fresh faces. Ultimately, we obviously want to win as many games as possible – but we also want to enjoy the process and establish a good vibe with a reworked group of players.” commented Andrew B. Swanson, General Manager and President of Edgewater Castle FC. Swanson went on to reflect on the importance of this competition in the U.S. Soccer landscape. ““In general, the lower-league and semi-pro landscape in the United States is – to put it gently –  complicated. From the outside looking in, it’s incredibly difficult to understand where one league stacks up against, above or beneath another, and the ability for clubs to participate in truly open competition is challenging to come across in this ecosystem. That’s why the US Open Cup is so important. It has a clear format, it has a simple narrative, and (until very recently) it provides an opportunity for any club or any team, regardless of their level of play, to win their way to a matchup against a professional club, or even an MLS side. This is what the game represents to lower league clubs in other parts of the world – an immensely difficult, but possible pathway to achieve something spectacular. That’s why we now enter the US Open Cup Qualifiers every Fall – we want to be in an ecosystem where that sense of hope and challenge actually exists.”