News

 Indy Eleven North is excited to announce that it has qualified two of its teams for the 2026 US Youth National Championships.

“Indy Eleven North proudly represented Indiana at the National League winter event in Mesa, Arizona, where two girls’ teams topped their groups and secured spots to the USYS National Championships. The 07/08G NL and 12G NL squads both went undefeated, earning their place among the nation’s best and advancing to Nationals this July in Tennessee. Congratulations to these exceptional athletes and their coaches”.

“Indy Eleven North is one of only three clubs in the entire country to qualify two teams for Nationals this cycle—continuing a strong tradition of excellence. The club now fields seven teams in the National League and has produced State Cup Champions for three consecutive years. This past year alone, 12 players have committed to play college soccer, including six at the Division 1 level.  The success of the 07/08G NL and 12G NL teams highlights how Indy Eleven North’s soccer community continues to come together to ensure every player has the opportunity to grow, compete, and thrive through the joy of soccer.” Vincent Baltazar – Executive Director, Indy Eleven North

“Congratulations to the Indy Eleven 07/08G NL and 12G NL teams for qualifying for the 2026 US Youth National Championships. Continued success in the coming season, preparing for Nationals!” George Perry – Indiana Soccer Director of Competition.

Whiteland, IN – September 3, 2025 – St. Francis Soccer Club is excited to announce the grand opening of its 32,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility at 2171 Corporate Drive, Whiteland, Indiana, slated for November 2025. This cutting-edge facility will serve athletes of all ages, offering a variety of programs designed to promote health, fitness, and skill development. Designed with recreational and competitive athletes in mind, the facility will feature four turf game fields plus an additional technical training area, providing top-tier spaces for teams and leagues of all levels.

In addition to the turf fields, the facility will offer:

• Morning fitness classes for all ages and skill levels
• Afternoon instructional clinics led by experienced coaches
• All-season camps for youth athletes
• Youth and adult soccer and lacrosse leagues

“Our new indoor sports facility represents a major milestone for St. Francis Soccer Club and our community,” said Steve Campbell, Executive Director of St. Francis Soccer Club. “We are committed to providing a safe, fun, and professional environment where athletes can grow, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of team sports year-round.”

St. Francis Soccer Club invites families and athletes to join in celebrating the grand opening this November and experience firsthand the many opportunities the facility will provide.

“Congratulations to all the stakeholders and contributors of St. Francis. The St. Francis Club has been the recipient of many blessings — beginning with the gift of fields from the Sisters of St. Francis, continuing through the many years of leadership by A.L. Smith in the club’s early days, and now further blessed by the guidance of Steve Campbell. I particularly appreciate the spirit of collaboration reflected in the club’s decision to share this new space with neighboring clubs.” — Dave Guthrie, Executive Director, Indiana Soccer

For more information, registration details, or media inquiries, please contact: Steve Campbell at this email: scampbell@stfrancissoccer.com or visit their website at: www.StFrancisSoccer.com

The United States Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) and Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) have teamed up to launch the first-ever All-Female U.S. Soccer National B License Course for youth soccer coaches. This all-female offering demonstrates the strong collaboration between WAGS and the 16 State Association members of the USCSA to increase female participation in sports, further highlighting their dedication to empowering women in coaching.

The U.S. Soccer National B License Course is a high-level coaching program designed to challenge and elevate coaches who are dedicated to advancing their expertise and leadership in the game. This opportunity not only provides female coaches with access to top-tier education but also creates a supportive, collaborative environment where women can learn, share and grow together in their professional journeys.

“WAGS is privileged to sponsor our first-ever All-Female National B Course, advancing our mission to empower and support female coaches in their educational journey,” said Kerry Diederich, WAGS Executive Director. “We look forward to our collaboration with the USCSA and its 16 State Association members to provide this pathway to higher license for female coaches, ensuring their personal goals in soccer can be realized. Fulfilling this initiative also reflects the long-standing vision of our Chairwoman, Lula Bauer, who has long championed expanding access to the highest-level coaching education for women in the game.”

Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) is a 50-year-old charitable organization dedicated to empowering girls and women through soccer, with roots as one of the first all-girls soccer leagues in the United States, founded in the Metro DC area. Today, WAGS officially partners with the USCSA, which has a mission to maximize the potential of its member State Associations by building a highly effective network that fosters collaboration, shares resources and reduces costs. WAGS’ goal is to sponsor, develop and provide educational and character-building programs that benefit girls and women while promoting a lifelong passion for soccer. WAGS has also led from the front in female coach education initiatives, hosting the first All-Female Coach Education D License in partnership with U.S. Soccer in 2018.

The USCSA’s participation in this effort is also thanks to a Growing the Girls Game grant from U.S. Soccer’s Innovate to Grow initiative.

“Indiana Soccer is grateful for the partnership with WAGS in making the prestigious National B License course accessible through an all-female offering,” said Dave Guthrie, USCSA Secretary and Executive Director of Indiana Soccer. “This initiative builds on the momentum of our recent C License course, where ten women received scholarships as part of the USCSA’s Innovate to Grow Grant from U.S. Soccer.”

Pre-registration for this All-Female National B License Course is open now through November 14th. The program will officially kick off in early January 2026 with in-person sessions hosted in partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer. Applicants will be notified by December 8th, and once accepted, coaches will have until December 22nd to complete their registration.

The National B License Course runs for six months and follows a blended learning format. It includes two in-person meetings and, on average, one virtual meeting per week. The online portion features live webinars with guest speakers, individual meetings with assigned coach educators, and independent learning assignments. The in-person sessions emphasize small group activities and individualized field work.

The course is sponsored by WAGS and USCSA, and it guarantees placement for at least one member coach from each of the USCSA’s 16 State Associations. Coaches accepted into the course will receive a $2,400 reimbursement toward the $2,900 course registration fee upon successful completion of the program. Travel expenses, including hotel accommodations and meals for the in-person component, are the responsibility of the course candidate. A travel stipend may be made available; if so, details will be communicated to candidates.

Indiana Soccer is a founding member of the United States Consortium of Soccer Associations, which was founded in early 2024 with a vision to create a highly functioning network of state associations focused on growing soccer participation.

To learn more about the USCSA, visit ConsortiumOfSoccerAssociations.org. Also, make sure to follow our official LinkedIn page. Further, we encourage you to visit WAGS online and follow them on social media: @wagsinsoccer

About WAGS

WAGS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities to sponsor, develop, or provide educational and character-building programs for the benefit of girls and women through teaching and promoting an interest in the game of soccer. WAGS is on the web at www.womenandgirlsinsoccer.org. WAGS Tournament is on the web at www.wagstournament.com.

About the Consortium of Soccer Associations

The United States Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) is a game-changer in the soccer ecosystem, currently representing 16 USYS State Associations and more than 900,000+ players. Working in collaboration with U.S. Soccer and US Youth Soccer, the USCSA’s mission is to maximize and unlock the true potential of state associations by creating a highly functioning network of state associations.

Go on the Ultimate UK Soccer Trip This January

This January, Indiana Soccer Association is thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity to witness elite-level Premier League and Champions League soccer in England, in partnership with USCSA and their travel provider, Inspiresport.

This unforgettable 5-day experience includes prime match tickets to three games, including the Manchester Derby, visits to both London & Manchester, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in UK soccer culture.

Trip Highlights (January 15-21, 2026):

• Match tickets to Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Premier League)
• Hospitality Match tickets to Tottenham Hotspur vs. Borussia Dortmund (Champions League)
• Match tickets to Preston North End vs Derby County (EFL Championship)
• Old Trafford Stadium Tour
• Visit to the National Football Museum
• Ticket for the London Eye experience
• 3 Nights B&B Accommodation in Manchester City Center (Novotel)
• 2 Nights B&B Accommodation in Hilton Kensington, London
• Private bus transportation to all activities

Pricing:

• Shared Occupancy (30 pax): $2,395
• Shared Occupancy (20 pax): $2,595
• Single Supplement: Additional $500

Limited places available. Registration will close on 1st November 2025.

Find Out More & Register – USCSA – EPL x CL Fan Trip | London & Manchester in Manchester, England

Watch the January 2025 Fan Trip Video below

For over 13 years, Indiana Soccer has proudly offered its Specialty License Plate, a simple way for every Hoosier to help grow the game.

When you choose the Indiana Soccer Specialty Plate, $25 of your $40 purchase goes directly to Indiana Soccer’s Outreach Programs — initiatives designed to get a soccer or futsal ball in front of every child in Indiana.

Your support helps more than just the game.

By providing children access to playing soccer and futsal (a dynamic, 5-a-side form of the game), we’re helping kids across the state become more physically active, more socially and academically engaged, and more cognitively fit.

Thanks to drivers like you, Indiana Soccer has already helped more than 400,000 of Indiana’s 1.2 million school-age children experience the joy and lifelong benefits of the game. But we’re not stopping there.

Together, we can reach every child.

Choose the Indiana Soccer Specialty License Plate and help us promote a healthier, stronger Indiana — one plate, one ball, one child at a time.

Get yours today at IN.gov/BMV and enhance the life of a child!  

Coaches and parents, please remember, nobody makes 100% perfect decisions in any part of life.

Referees need our encouragement, support, respect and gratitude as many feel isolated & vulnerable in the middle of the park. So if you’re lucky enough to have one, please treat them respectfully. Speak to them how you yourself wish to be spoken to and they may just come back next week

No Ref, No game!

Thank your referees.

Indiana Soccer Director of Coaching Education Steve Franklin took the time to visit Franklin County for an evening of fun-filled soccer activities and coaching mentoring. The Franklin County Soccer League has been in existence since 1976, when Bob O’Bryan moved there after an undergraduate club career at Ball State University. He grew up playing in Lebanon and wanted to provide the same opportunity to the youth in Brookville. 

“We’ve been very fortunate in that we have drawn a very consistent group of 200-300 kids that have played in the program for decades”, stated Bob O’Bryan. “We just wanted them to enjoy the game as much as we did.” 

Volunteer coaches experienced new methodologies and ways to make learning fun for the grassroots players, focusing on the needs of who was in front of them. O’Bryan has relied on volunteers to provide the coaching, often with no experience in the sport. 

“The players experienced the “Play, Practice, Play” methodology where the kids arrive at training and immediately scrimmage using small-sided games – providing them tons of touches and decision-making opportunities, stated Franklin.  “We then give them a nugget or two of take-home knowledge to make their game a bit better (the practice part). Then they scrimmage again, trying out those new nuggets. Desert, dinner, desert if you may.” 

Coaches had a unique opportunity to learn first hand from the Director of Coaching different ways of keeping the kids engaged, offering them just a couple of coaching points to improve their game, while having fun. Coaches were provided with a seasons worth of lesson plans to assist in their volunteer efforts. 

“I just wanted to personally thank you for conducting a very special clinic for our league. 

It was apparent on the night of the clinic that the players were definitely enjoying themselves, stated Kathy O’Bryan. “However, since then, Bob and I have received several positive comments from coaches. We both thank Coach Franklin for such a positive presentation. It is now up to the coaches to take what they experienced in the clinic and put it to good use” 

Santiago Castaneda’s Unique Path To German Pro Ball Included Florida High School Soccer

by Brian Sciaretta

Floridian Santiago Castaneda’s 2023-24 play with third-tier MSV Duisburg led to a move to 2.Bundesliga club SC Paderborn 07. (Imago via ZUMA Press/ISI Photos)

Even since the proliferation of pro club youth academies in the USA, American players continue to take different pathways to the professional ranks.

The common route involves progression through MLS Academies, advancing to MLS Next, signing homegrown deals, and eventually securing first-team contracts. But some college players continue to climb the ladder. The MLS-drafted players who have earned caps for the U.S. or Canadian
national teams include Daryl Dike, Duncan McGuire, Tajon Buchanan, Alistair Johnston, Cyle Larin and Moïse Bombito.

There are also other ways.

Santiago Castaneda, 19, is now the starting defensive midfielder for SC Paderborn 07 in the 2.Bundesliga, and the club holds ambitions to be in a promotion race this year. For many who follow the development paths for American professionals, his rise has come as a surprise because
it involved making choices that went against what many top young players choose, namely MLS Next and then eventually college. When he reached high school, Castaneda was playing with Tampa Bay United in MLS Next, but he felt he needed to step away. At the time, education was becoming more and more important to Castaneda and his family. And he received a scholarship opportunity to attend Tampa Preparatory School, a top private school in the area. But MLS Next had a rule that players were not allowed to play high school ball.

“It was a very tough pathway for me,” Castaneda told Soccer America. “Growing up, all I thought about was a professional career. But when I was 15, I transferred to Florida Premier. It was sad because I’m leaving MLS Next, which they say is the best league in the American system. For my parents, education was a huge thing. It was a big decision that started my whole process of thinking differently about school and playing professionally. But honestly, that was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. If I didn’t attend that school, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”
“It was a private, top-tier school,” he continued. “With MLS Next or when it was called the DA Development Academy — at the time it was getting very serious, and I was starting to get a little bit — like the love for the game wasn’t as strong. Once I was playing high school soccer, I tell everyone
it was just fun. There’s no pressure. You’re just playing for fun and you’re playing with the guys that you have classes with. It is not the best level of soccer, but it brought joy back to the game for me.”

The results could be seen on the field. In his junior year, Tampa Prep won the state championship with a 21-0 record and Castaneda was a top player.

In 2022, he joined the Rowdies academy and kept his eligibility for college. That fall, he participated in a U.S. Open Cup game for the Rowdies and later made his USL Championship debut in a win over Pittsburgh.

From an early age, Castaneda and his older brother were involved in the sport. He is the son of two parents from Colombia. His father, Carlos Castaneda, is from Medellin and was a former professional player in the Colombian leagues. His mother is from Cali and is a big supporter of
America de Cali.

While he dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps as a professional player, by late 2022 the opportunity to get a college education was becoming a priority. His success for his club and high school saw him earn an offer to play for the University of Michigan.

Shortly after verbally accepting that offer from Michigan, he was also given the opportunity through Capelli Sport to be part of a Talent ID squad to play games in Denmark. It was there where he caught the attention of MSV Duisburg, a 1. Bundesliga regular in a bygone era that had been in
Germany’s third tier since 2019.

He was offered a week-long trial at Duisburg that led to a contract offer. With an opportunity to play for Michigan also on the table, he had to make a choice.
“It was a tough week,” Castaneda said of his Duisburg trial. “It’s the third division, but the level and the pace were completely different. But I was able to integrate myself well. The fourth day in, they brought me into the office and told me that they wanted to offer me a contract. It was something
incredible. Obviously, I had already planned for my future with Michigan, but then I get this offer. I told them I needed time to think about what I really want to do.”

Ultimately, Castaneda accepted the offer after long discussions with his family. His first professional season in the third tier was a positive experience for him on a personal level. He played 2,339 minutes in league play while making 27 starts in 31 appearances, and scoring two goals. On the negative side, the team struggled and was relegated to the Regionalliga.

But given his youth and quick adaptation to the professional game in Germany, clubs were monitoring his progress. During the first third of the season, SC Paderborn was already scouting him. By midseason, the interest became serious. Shortly after Duisburg’s season ended, Castaneda was able to make the move.

Paderborn is a smaller club in Germany’s most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite its size, the club has enjoyed some success over the past decade.

During the 2014-15 season, Paderborn earned an unlikely promotion to the Bundesliga but was eventually relegated. Having fallen to the third tier in and nearly relegated into the Regionalliga, Paderborn earned consecutive promotions and was back in the Bundesliga during 2019-20 again
for just one season.

The club is back on the front foot with a very young roster. A strong start to the 2024-25 campaign has seen Paderborn earn two wins and two draws from four games. Castaneda has started all four games of league play along with the first round of the DFB Cup where Paderborn defeated Bremen
SV and Castaneda scored the team’s second goal.

German Second Division: Top 5 Attendance Avg. Leaders

1. FC Schalke 04 61,079
2. Hamburger SV 57,000
3. FC Köln 50,000
4. Hertha BSC 45,473
5. FC Kaiserslautern 45,120

• Leaguewide: 31,000
• Paderborn: 15th (12,479) in 18-team league.

Paderborn: 15th (12,479) in 18-team league.

Castaneda is in an excellent place in his career while still shy of his 20th birthday.

“I don’t think it’s a very huge club,” Castaneda said of his first games at Paderborn. “If you look at Schalke, or Hertha Berlin or Cologne, that pulls off a little pressure on us. Those types of clubs have a little bit more pressure than us to get promoted. For us, half the team is new and we’re a very young team. The ambition to win each weekend is there -— not just the players but from the coaching staff and the club in general. Everyone is close. Every time we go out to play, we realize we’re playing for a family. We’ve grown to see each other as family and brothers. As the season goes on, things will get better, and things will start to click even more so.”

The life of a young professional player can change very quickly. Just two years ago, Castaneda was set to play college soccer in Michigan, with no set path after that.

These days he is dreaming bigger. His recent success came too late for him to get the attention of the U.S. Olympic team (and he’s six weeks too old for the current U.S. U-20 team). But he now holds out dreams of a national team call-up and hopes that the U.S. team under a South American coach
in Mauricio Pochettino could become a possibility if he continues to play well.

“My whole life I’ve also wanted to be called up for the national team and be able to represent either the USA or Colombia,” Castaneda said. “When I was in the third division my goal was to get into a better team and I was able to accomplish that.

“The next goal right now is to get called up for the national team. Obviously, we have players already playing in the MLS and some are already playing in Europe. So, that’s something I need to compete for. It’s a motivation for me.”

Written by Brian Sciaretta