(From the City of Springfield)Springfield City Council unanimously approved a measure Monday night to sign a letter of intent between the City and the United Soccer League (USL), committing to exclusively negotiate the potential of bringing professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Springfield.
City officials and a representative from USL will make the formal announcement at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at the proposed location for a potential new stadium at the Jordan Valley Commons (corner of Trafficway and National).
During the negotiation period, the City will evaluate the viability of supporting professional soccer teams and explore opportunities to enhance entertainment options in the City’s burgeoning sports district downtown. Council will consider sharing the cost of feasibility research with USL to consider various factors, including potential funding and the addition of a soccer stadium east of Hammons Field.
“We are incredibly excited about the potential opportunity to bring both USL men’s and women’s teams to Springfield,” says Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer. “The City has a rich soccer culture and a passionate community of sports fans that aligns with the USL’s vision of growing the sport at all levels. We are committed to working closely with the City of Springfield to explore how we can contribute to the community’s vibrant future through professional soccer.”
Director of Economic Vitality and Workforce Development Amanda Ohlensehlen said the letter of intent includes discussions and potential collaboration for a real estate development project that would result in a multi-purpose sports and entertainment district in Springfield.
“We believe this partnership could elevate Springfield’s sports landscape, provide new entertainment options, and drive significant economic and community benefits,” she said.
Springfield’s soccer community has grown into a robust ecosystem, fostering talent and achieving competitive success through player development at all ages, as well as soccer facility growth.
Over the past decade, Springfield, Missouri, has seen significant accomplishments in soccer at various levels:
1. Missouri State University (MSU) Soccer Success:
MSU’s men’s soccer team has become a powerhouse in NCAA Division I soccer, boasting the best overall win percentage since 2019 and making six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. They have consistently been regular-season champions in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), hosting several MVC Championships in Springfield.
2. Springfield Demize Achievements:
The Springfield Demize, an amateur indoor soccer team, has advanced in league play, capturing the Midwest Division crown in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League) 3 in 2022 and transitioning into the Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS). Their development pipeline has produced players for professional teams and national pools.
3. Sporting Springfield Club Development:
As an affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Springfield has excelled in youth soccer, winning numerous state and regional championships, and advancing players into collegiate, professional, and national team levels. The club also emphasizes community engagement, donating significantly to local causes.
4. Southwest MO Rush
Rush Soccer is an international sports organization focused on the development of youth soccer players.
Springfield, Missouri, has also fostered significant growth and investment in its soccer facilities recently. These initiatives aim to enhance the playability of fields, expand visitor capacity, and attract larger tournaments to Springfield, boosting local sports tourism and community engagement.
Key developments include:
1. Cooper Park and Lake Country Soccer Improvements: A $25 million renovation project is underway at Cooper Park, incorporating artificial turf for eight soccer fields and creating a new soccer stadium environment. Phase 1, set for completion in 2024, also includes new locker rooms, concessions, ADA-accessible walkways, and additional parking. Phase 2, scheduled for 2025, will expand improvements to other sports facilities within the park.
2. Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town: This facility, opened in 2022, is home to the Sporting Springfield Soccer Club and continues to support soccer growth in the area. It offers a range of soccer programs and tournaments, further establishing Springfield as a regional hub for soccer.
The first reading of the measure to consider the letter of intent and a budget adjustment to assist in the financing of feasibility research will be Dec. 3rd. The public hearing will be held over to City Council’s Dec. 16th meeting, with a vote expected at that time.
About The USL
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-toprofessional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem.
This structure includes three men’s leagues: the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading preprofessional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.
With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country
Springfield could the next in line to be part of one of the most widely accessible soccer leagues in the United States.
With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country
Springfield could the next in line to be part of one of the most widely accessible soccer leagues in the United States.
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