Chicago, IL – Steel City FC is proud to announce its return to United Women’s Soccer (UWS) League Two for the 2025 Summer of Soccer. After a successful 2024 campaign in the U-23 Illinois Women’s Soccer League, where they finished second place with a young and talented squad, Steel City FC is set to bring high-level women’s soccer back to Chicagoland’s south and southwest suburbs.

Steel City FC previously competed in United Women’s Soccer in 2020, producing players who have gone on to make their mark on the professional stage. Fan favorites Zoe Swift and Laura Stepniak both launched their pro careers from Steel City’s UWS squad, signing with Puerto Rico Sol and FC Skra Ladies Czestochowa (Poland), respectively. Swift further advanced her career, playing for West Ham United in the Barclays Women’s Super League, England’s top professional division.

Now, Steel City is returning to the UWS platform, continuing its mission to provide a nurturing and competitive environment where players can develop, chase their dreams, and advance their careers both within and beyond the game.

“We are thrilled to give the elite women athletes in our area a national platform to compete,” said Steel City FC Chairman Ivaldo Basso. “Our area’s women no longer need to make long drives or relocate elsewhere; they can represent their hometown team at the highest pre-professional level in the country.”

The club has seen remarkable growth in recent years, boasting 118 season ticket holders, 13 corporate partnerships, and record-breaking streaming numbers, including over 1,400 viewers tuning into a men’s match last season. Steel City FC’s commitment to growing the game was recognized when its chairman was named Soccer Person of the Year by the Illinois High School Coaches Association (Section 14) for amplifying the high school game.

“Coaches Dan Nakoneczny and Vincent Mkhwanazi have done an amazing job, with a young squad, creating a foundation for success,” Basso added, praising the team’s recent achievements and the momentum heading into 2025.

United Women’s Soccer leadership is equally excited about Steel City FC’s return.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Steel City FC back to UWS,” said League Commissioner Joe Ferrara. “Their commitment to player development, community engagement, and growing the game is exactly what UWS stands for. We’re grateful to have them back and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in 2025 and beyond.”

Steel City FC’s return to UWS League Two ensures that Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs will once again have a high-caliber women’s soccer team to support, providing local athletes with an opportunity to compete at a national level while staying connected to their roots.

About Steel City FC

Steel City FC is an organization dedicated to helping young adults in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs pursue their dreams, both in soccer and beyond, while providing family-friendly entertainment to the community. Through a commitment to player development, community engagement, and high-level competition, Steel City FC continues to grow as a force in the regional soccer landscape.

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