Fort Wayne FC to ‘fort’ify USL communities

Image: USL

The United Soccer League (USL) and the USL League Two team Fort Wayne FC announced on February 24^th that professional soccer is coming to Northeast Indiana (US).

‘USL’ stated that starting in 2026 the Fort Wayne FC is set to compete in the USL League One marking a new chapter for the region’s soccer community.

Tampa (US)-based the United Soccer League (USL) is a governing body that organizes a number of professional and amateur soccer leagues in the United States league system. The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest growing professional soccer organization in North America possessing more than a decade of experience in bringing the world’s game to the communities across the United States and Canada.

The USL League One is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States that had its inaugural season in 2019. It is the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.

Tampa (US)-based the USL League Two, formerly the Premier Development League, is a semi-professional soccer league sponsored by the United Soccer League (USL) in the United States and Canada forming part of the United States soccer league system.

Image: USL

The Fort Wayne Football Club is a pre-professional soccer club in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. The club currently competes in the Valley Division of the USL League Two, the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.

The Bishop John M. D’Arcy Stadium is a 3,500-seat multipurpose stadium in Fort Wayne, Indiana (US). The facility is located on the campus of the University of Saint Francis (a private Catholic university in Fort Wayne). It serves as the home pitch of the Fort Wayne FC.

‘USL’ further stated that led by the majority Owner Mark Music and the National Soccer Hall of Famer (honors soccer achievements in the United States) DaMarcus Beasley (American former soccer player) the club is set to strengthen the local economy, create new youth development opportunities and unite the fans across the region.

Observed Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Real Estate Officer, “The Fort Wayne FC represents everything we value in our USL communities – passion, vision and a commitment to growth. This expansion isn’t just about introducing professional soccer to the region – it’s about positioning Fort Wayne as a City of opportunity, economic development and community pride. With a proven and dedicated ownership group including one of U.S. soccer’s biggest names and plans for a first-class stadium the Fort Wayne FC is well-positioned to succeed at the pro level in League One. The new stadium will serve as a catalyst for professional soccer in the region and we couldn’t be more excited to watch the Fort Wayne FC grow with our league.”

The club unveiled plans for a new 8,400-seat soccer-specific stadium with construction set to begin this year. Privately funded by Music, the stadium project will serve as a landmark for Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. It will feature covered seating, premium viewing options, a 120-foot light-emitting diode (LED) scoreboard, and a dedicated supporters’ section for a top-tier fan experience. Designed by the local firm Design Collaborative the multiuse venue will serve as the home for the Fort Wayne FC’s professional team and will become the centerpiece of regional entertainment, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events.

Fort Wayne (US)-based Design Collaborative strives to redefine architecture and engineering for a changing world. They are architects, engineers, interior designers, and graphic designers – an expert group of problem-solvers who value teamwork, guidance and originality.

Maintained Mark Music, CEO and Owner of Ruoff Mortgage and other residential-housing-related companies, “This is more than soccer – it’s about showcasing our region and creating something that will resonate for generations. We’re investing in a vision that combines world-class soccer with a state-of-the-art venue and I couldn’t be more proud to see it all come to life.”

Fort Wayne (US)-based Ruoff Mortgage is a home financing company that provides mortgages, construction loans and other home loans. At Ruoff, it is their mission to consistently provide a best-in-class residential mortgage experience for their customers and an enriching and fulfilling culture for their more than 1,000 employees through transparency, respect and the highest ethical standards.

Added Beasley, a Fort Wayne native and United States Men’s National Team icon, “For me, this is about giving back to the City that shaped my soccer journey. The excitement surrounding the stadium and this announcement is incredible and I know it will inspire our community and the fans.”

This season, the club will continue competing at the pre-professional level in the USL League Two at the Bishop John M. D’Arcy Stadium on the University of Saint Francis campus before transitioning to a March-to-October schedule in League One which currently includes 14 clubs across the United States.

Fort Wayne is the heart of Northeast Indiana and the center of a thriving metropolitan area of over 430,000 people. With a strong business climate, affordable living and access to top-notch education and healthcare Fort Wayne offers the perfect mix of opportunity and community making it an ideal home for the USL.

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