Almost two decades ago a group of soccer minded individuals wanted to raise the level of training and competitive soccer within the region. They formed, “North West Indiana United, Futbol Club”, a not for profit soccer club for Northwest Indiana soccer players. Over the years the club has seen growth, decline, ideas come and go and competition engage the limited customer base, that being, all of the youth soccer players who wish to compete on a higher level then recreational soccer.
The club has taken a serious look at its place in the market, the potential of the area and the services which historically have provided to its customers. The questions of the Spring 2009 became, “Where are we going as a premier club? How do we stack up against the other clubs? Where are we going as a premier club? How do we get there?”
The club answered those questions and United is about to explode back onto the scene with a renewed vigor, updated product offering and a determination to dominate the area as the leader in Competitive Soccer.
We started at the board level. New leadership has come to the club with an emphasis on excellence, growth and constant performance. Then we restructured the management of the training of our players, specifically, who we have chosen to acquire to provide those training services. Mis Mrak and Jeff Oleck were added to the Directors Positions to compliment an already proven Tony Cardenas. Mis is recognized from his time as head coach of Division One, Valparaiso University. He has an amazingly strong soccer background and pedigree. He brings great ideas and great direction to the club. Jeff Oleck is a former V.U. star player, as their goalkeeper, and spent time with The Wabash Soccer Program. He is an excellent communicator and champion of the sport. Tony Cardenas was a successful collegiate player and was part of the very strong Citadel Soccer Program. As an existing Director of Coaching, Tony has served United very well during his tenure.
Unparallel in pedigree for a non-profit soccer organization, these three “Soccer Leaders” bring an expertise to all three levels of the youth in our club. Tony provides instruction and direction to the boys and girls below 12, including the largest academy program in Northwest Indiana. Mis Mrak directs our transitional players, those who are moving from 8 v 8 to full size fields of 11 v 11 and he also instructs the players who are moving into the local high schools. Jeff Oleck focuses on the older players, those who are currently in high school and might be heading off to play college ball. No other club provides this level of direction and coaching within the region; no other club!
What else is United up to?
- We have a formal program for professional (club wide) injury prevention and fitness, created expressly for United and led by the doctors of “The Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute”. Every player from 8 years old to 18 receives this club service.
- We are in the process of securing a larger campus for our operations (30 - 40 acres) so that we can continue to grow and begin to host tournaments, camps, and special events.
- We have secured over $350,000.00 in funding for our own indoor facility in the Valpo / Chesterton market.
- We will have a formal 501(c)3 structure in place by the end of 2009 to expand our opportunities for funding through sponsorships and gifts.
- We hope to secure a more formal relationship with Valparaiso University (our local Division 1 Soccer Program), they have excellent leadership and a very strong pool of talented players.
- We're adding U19 and U23 teams to provide older high school players and returning collegiate players to play within the United Structure.
- We will be hosting the first of four annual qualifying soccer competitions "Kick, Pass and Shoot" at our facility in Chesterton. This sponsored event will soon be open the entire region and winners will receive awards and be recognized throughout the area. The final round will likely be displayed during the half time at one of our regional universities.
The continuing tradition, as it was started so long ago, of a “Futbol Club” which will provide the best of the best, help train the future soccer stars and be an icon of excellence in the area of soccer promotion and training……..
Welcome to the “New” NWI United Futbol Club !