 | |||
| Founded | 2019 (6 years ago) (2019) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium |
| ||
| Capacity | 3,500 | ||
| Owners | List
| ||
| Manager | Mike Avery | ||
| Coach | Mike Avery | ||
| League | USL League Two | ||
| Website | fortwaynefc | ||
Fort Wayne Football Club, often abbreviated to FWFC, is an American professionalsoccer club based inFort Wayne, Indiana, Indiana, United States, founded in 2019. The club currently competes inUSL League Two, the fourth tier of theAmerican Soccer Pyramid. Fort Wayne FC has gained significant attention since its inception, and in 2026, the club is moving toUSL League One.
This transition to the third tier of American soccer will coincide with the opening of the club's new soccer-specific stadium, which will have a seating capacity of 9,280,[1] providing a state-of-the-art venue for fans and players alike. The team's move to USL1 is part of a broader vision to elevate soccer in the region and to establish Fort Wayne FC as a central hub for the sport in the Midwest.
Fort Wayne FC was founded by a group of local businesspeople who wanted to provide a stepping stone for young, talented soccer players. In 2019, the club applied to and joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as an expansion team for the 2020 season.[2] In a public announcement on September 9, 2019, City of Fort Wayne MayorTom Henry introduced the club to the city and Fort Wayne FC's president Dr. Erik Magner introduced Greg Mauch as the club's general manager.[3][4][5] On December 19, 2019, the club announced Nick Potter and Russ Lawson as the club's assistant coaches.[6]
On January 29, 2020, the club introduced Jeff Richey as the goalkeeper coach.[7] Two weeks later, FWFC announcedMike Avery as the club's head coach.[7][8][9]
On March 26, 2020, the NPSL announced the cancellation of the 2020 summer session due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[10][11][12]
On October 28, 2020,USL League Two announced its addition of Fort Wayne FC into its league for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. It was also announced that Fort Wayne native and formerUnited States men's national soccer team and Major League Soccer (MLS) playerDaMarcus Beasley would be a co-owner of the club.[13][14][15]
Fort Wayne FC made its highly anticipated debut in 2021, marking a historic year for the club. On May 9, 2021, the team played their first-ever match, suffering a 3–0 loss toOakland County FC. Despite the defeat, it was a momentous occasion for the club, as it officially entered the competitive soccer landscape. Just two weeks later, on May 23, 2021, Fort Wayne FC played its first-ever home match in front of a crowd of over 2,700 fans at Shields Field. Although the team lost 2–1 to Toledo Villa FC, forward Noe Garcia scored the club's first goal, making the event unforgettable for fans and players.
The club's journey to success began shortly after, with their first-ever victory coming on May 23, 2021, in a 1–0 friendly win over Erie Commodores FC. Forward Max Amoako scored the historic goal, marking a significant milestone for the team. On June 11, 2021, Fort Wayne FC achieved another breakthrough, earning their first-everUSL League Two win with a 3–1 victory overToledo Villa FC in their first away match. Goals fromPep Casas, Joe Kouadio, and Breno Boccoli sealed the victory, adding to the club's growing momentum.
In late June, on June 25, 2021, the club hosted its first-ever international-friendly match, welcomingChivas Guadalajara U19 Reservas to Fort Wayne. The event was a proud moment for the club, showcasing its international ambitions. On August 31, 2021, Fort Wayne FC made important changes to its leadership structure, with Head CoachMike Avery signing a contract extension for 2022 and being appointed as the club's sporting director. Avery worked alongside part-ownerDaMarcus Beasley, who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the club. Finally, on September 22, 2021, the club announced Laurie Perolio-Bullinger would lead Club Operations, while DaMarcus Beasley would continue to guide Football Operations, further solidifying the foundation for Fort Wayne FC's growth in the years to come.
In the 2022 season, Fort Wayne FC played 14 games, finishing with 9 wins, 2 ties, and 3 losses. The club demonstrated strong performances throughout the Valley Division, ultimately securing 3rd place. Despite some tough matches, the team showed resilience and competitiveness, positioning itself as a contender for future seasons. The experience gained in this inaugural season helped lay the foundation for the team's growth and set the stage for even greater achievements in the following years.
The 2023 season was a defining moment in Fort Wayne FC's young history. With 13 games played, the club finished with 10 wins, 2 ties, and only 1 loss, remaining unbeaten throughout the league and capturing the Valley Division Championship—their first-ever title. It was a historic achievement for the club, a dream realized after years of hard work, dedication, and growth. The joy of winning the division was tempered by a heartbreaking loss in the USL League Two Playoffs Conference Quarterfinals. In a dramatic match against theFlint City Bucks, Fort Wayne FC's incredible 19-game unbeaten streak came to an end in overtime, with Lennard Fock's goal in the 116th minute sealing their 3–2 defeat. Despite the loss, goalkeeper Aurie Briscoe's incredible season earned him the USL League Two Golden Glove, a well-deserved recognition for his heroic performances in goal throughout the campaign.
Fort Wayne FC continued to dominate in the 2024 season, once again finishing as champions of the Valley Division, securing 8 wins, 3 ties, and 3 losses across 14 games. The team's strong form in the regular season allowed them to maintain their championship status for the second consecutive year. In the USL League Two Playoffs, they advanced to the Conference Semifinals after a tense 0–0 draw against Midwest United FC in the Quarterfinals. The match was decided by a penalty kick shootout, where Fort Wayne FC triumphed 5–4 to move on. However, their postseason journey came to an end after a 2–1 loss to the Flint City Bucks, who proved to be a formidable opponent once again. Despite the defeat, the season was another step forward for the club as they continued to build on their success, showing resilience and hunger for the challenges ahead.
On October 14, Scott Sproat[16] was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Fort Wayne FC, bringing over 23 years of experience with theFort Wayne Komets, where he served as President of Business Operations. Scott oversees operations in sales, marketing, ticketing, partnerships, promotions, and gameday activities, working alongside DaMarcus Beasley. Sproat also holds an ownership stake in the club.
On February 26, 2025, Fort Wayne FC was announced as an expansion team inUSL League One, the third division of theUnited States soccer league system, scheduled to begin play for the 2026 season; which is the same season that their new privately funded 9,280-seat soccer specific stadium will open.[17][18] The club made it to the Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive year, losing out to theFlint City Bucks 2–0 in OT.[19]
Fort Wayne FC's original official colors are Dark Blue (2768 U), Blue (279 U), Light Blue (657 U), White, Black, and Red. These colors were used throughout the club's branding and official materials.
Fort Wayne FC's 2021 home kit was white, away kit was blue, and the goalkeeper's kit was red. The three-wave lines on the club's uniform jersey sleeves, shorts and socks represent the three rivers,St. Mary's River,St. Joseph River andMaumee River, of Fort Wayne.[20] Symbols of the flag ofIndiana, the flaming torch and its stars, can be found in front of the Fort Wayne FC uniform jersey.[21]
In 2022, Fort Wayne FC signed a multi-year agreement with global sports company, PUMA, as their official apparel partner.
The 2022 PUMA CUP branded home kit featured a bold design that incorporated a wavy design in royal blue, and the away kit featured PUMA's Team Liga 25 red kit.
Ahead of their move to USL League One in 2026, Fort Wayne FC rebranded, adopting autumn gold and black as their primary colors, and designing a new crest.[22]
| Year | Division | League | Regular season (W–L–T) | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Great Lakes | USL2 | 8th (1–7–5) | did not qualify | Ineligible |
| 2022 | Valley | USL2 | 3rd (9–3–2) | did not qualify | Ineligible |
| 2023 | Valley | USL2 | Champions (10–0–2) | Conference Quarterfinals | did not qualify |
| 2024 | Valley | USL2 | Champions (8–2–2) | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
| 2025 | Valley | USL2 | Champions (9–2–1) | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
DaMarcus Beasley, Director of Football Operations[23]
Scott Sproat, Chief Operations Officer[16]
Garrett Martz, Director of Corporate Partnerships[24]
Justin Cohn, Director of Communications[25]
Patrick Ventura, Director of Ticketing[25]
Mike Avery, Head Coach
Keelan Barker, Assistant Coach
Jeff Richey, Goalkeeper Coach
Eliana Sommer, Sports Performance Coach
Tyler Van Camp, Trainer
Rene Sanchez, Team Administrator
Zach Gladieux, Equipment Manager
Fort Wayne Football Club is energized by the response from Northeast Indiana soccer fans less than three weeks into the club accepting season ticket deposits for the 2026 season.
Fort Wayne Football Club closed out its time in USL League Two with a terrific 2025 season, reaching the Central Conference Semifinals for the second straight year.
