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EXPANSION NEWS: FC Pontiac added to UWS Great Lakes Division

02/06/2025, 2:00pm EST
By Jonathan Ward

Pontiac, MI – The United Women’s Soccer (UWS) league is adding another powerhouse to its Great Lakes Division, as FC Pontiac officially joins the league for the 2025 Summer of Soccer. With a strong foundation in player development, FC Pontiac is set to bring top-tier women’s soccer to Wisner Stadium in Michigan.

FC Pontiac’s commitment to providing a player pathway and community engagement makes it a perfect fit for UWS, a national pro-am league that serves as a proven platform for aspiring professionals. The addition of FC Pontiac strengthens an already highly competitive Great Lakes Division, which continues to be a breeding ground for top talent.

“The launch of FC Pontiac will provide another option for amateur and collegiate players to excel and compete during the summer. We are excited to join UWS, for the fans and for the city of Pontiac. We are ready to make an impact,” said Andy Wagstaff, FC Pontiac Owner & President.

As FC Pontiac expands its reach into the women’s game, club leadership is focused on providing an elite summer platform for amateur and collegiate players to compete, develop, and showcase their talent at the next level.

“We are excited to announce FC Pontiac’s entry into the United Women’s Soccer league. This is a significant step forward in our mission to provide high-level playing opportunities for female athletes in our community. UWS is a proven pathway for top players, and we’re eager to bring this level of competition to Pontiac while continuing to grow the game in Michigan. Our goal is to develop and showcase talent while fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field,” said Jenn Perkins, Director of Programming.

UWS League Commissioner Joe Ferrara welcomed FC Pontiac with high energy, recognizing the club’s impact on the league and the Great Lakes Division:

“We’re thrilled to welcome FC Pontiac to the UWS family and an already strong Great Lakes Division. This region is packed with quality teams, and FC Pontiac’s addition only raises the level of competition. Their commitment to player development and community engagement aligns perfectly with the UWS mission. We can’t wait to see them take the field in 2025 and beyond.”

With Wisner Stadium set to host high-level UWS action, fans in Pontiac and the surrounding area can expect a thrilling summer of soccer as FC Pontiac gears up for its debut season.

For more information and updates, follow FC Pontiac at fcpontiac.com and on social media:

Facebook: @fcpontiac

Instagram: @fcpontiac

X (Twitter): @fc_pontiac

United Women’s Soccer is proud to announce the launch of the first independent pre-professional women’s soccer team in Connecticut! The Connecticut Royals will compete in United Women’s Soccer (UWS), beginning play this spring/summer season.

The Royals are set to bring high-level competition, with a roster comprised of aspiring professionals, former and current college players, and prospective student-athletes. The team will compete in the Eastern Conference of UWS in 2025, which features the defending conference champion and national finalist the New England Mutiny.

"Bringing a new level of competition to women's soccer in Connecticut will only elevate the game and its players. We welcome both local and regional athletes who aspire to compete at the highest level—whether they are continuing their journey in college or have graduated and want to keep playing. Our goal is to grow and strengthen women’s soccer in Connecticut, providing more opportunities for players to develop and thrive,” stated President Everson Maciel.

Home games will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in West Haven, CT. – a beautiful and newly-renovated venue that promises to provide a professional and exciting atmosphere for players, families and fans alike.

“We are excited to welcome the Royals to Connecticut. With the organization being fully-funded, it will  allow for a professional environment for the players and an excellent atmosphere for the fans on game day,” states League Commissioner Joe Ferrara.

The CT Royals are dedicated to creating a pathway for female athletes to shine, both on and off the field. With a mission to inspire and empower, they are building a platform for women’s soccer to thrive in Connecticut. 

Details about tryouts and coaching staff will be announced soon. In addition, they will share opportunities to support the Royals through youth clinics and sponsorships in the coming weeks. 

Stay tuned as the CT Royals embark on this exciting journey to make history in Connecticut women’s soccer! 
 

United Women's Soccer (UWS) is excited to announce the addition of Dekalb County United FC to the Central Conference for 2025.

"In 2025, our women's program takes a significant step forward by joining the United Women's Soccer (UWS) league. This move recognizes our team's exceptional growth over the past four years and their unwavering dedication to both on-field success and our club's values," states Club President John Hall.

As a proven entity in the pre-professional landscape, Dekalb County United will add its women's team to UWS with an eye on a National Championship. DKCU provides its players and fans a one-of-a-kind sporting experience. Its highly successful women's team has won championships in the Illinois Women's Soccer League and the Illinois State Cup.

The organization demonstrated its professionalism by hosting the 100th anniversary of the USASA National Amateur Cup in 2024 at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois.

"To further support this exciting transition, we're establishing a women's reserve team that will continue to compete in the Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL). We extend our deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors for their unwavering support and to Director of Women's Soccer and Head Coach, Dan Carl, for his tireless efforts in cultivating this thriving program. We eagerly anticipate our UWS journey," added Hall.

"Dekalb County United FC checks all the boxes for UWS. John Hall and his staff have done a tremendous job on and off the field in the region and understand the dynamics in operating a club in the pre-professional space," stated League Commissioner Joe Ferrara.