Delaware’s Indoor Soccer Revolution: The Future of Arena Football
Delaware is experiencing a soccer surge, but this time, it’s indoors! Semi-pro soccer is making a comeback, aiming to carve out a niche in the First State. The establishment of Delaware City FC and its participation in Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) mark a pivotal moment in shaping the future of arena football in Delaware. Discover how this initiative plans to engage the community and foster local talent.
Delaware city FC: A New Era for Indoor Soccer
Delaware City FC is set to kick off its inaugural season this fall in Major Arena soccer League 3, which is the third tier of professional indoor soccer in the U.S.The team will call the indoor facility at the Kirkwood Soccer Club on Route 9, south of New Castle, its home. this venue has long been a hotspot for local players of all skill levels during the winter months.
Steven Matalavage, the majority owner of Delaware City FC, envisions a team deeply rooted in the community. He wants to create an atmosphere akin to a minor-league baseball game, similar to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, complete with food and beverages for fans of all ages. The aim is to offer an engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Community Engagement: The Heart of Delaware City FC
The team’s primary goal is to be highly community-oriented. Delaware City FC intends to create a family-friendly habitat where kids and travel teams can come out and enjoy the games. This approach is similar to the success seen in minor league baseball, which emphasizes local engagement and entertainment.
Pro Tip: Consider attending the Delaware City FC games with your family. It’s a great way to support local sports and enjoy a fun evening out.Check their schedule for family-friendly promotions and events!
A Look Back: delaware’s Pro Soccer History
Delaware has a history of professional outdoor soccer teams. These include:
- The Delaware Wings of the American Soccer League (1972-74), who played at Baynard Stadium in Wilmington.
- The Delaware Wizards (1993-2000), who attracted crowds of over 3,000 fans to games at Glasgow and Newark high schools.
- The Delaware Dynasty of the Premier Growth League (2006-07), who played at Kirkwood.
Additionally, ther have been women’s professional and semi-pro teams, such as the Delaware Genies and the Central Delaware SA Future.
The Rise of Indoor Soccer: Inspiration from the Soccer Tournament
Matalavage and his fellow organizers drew inspiration from The Soccer Tournament (TST), a high-stakes, seven-on-seven outdoor competition held in cary, North Carolina. La Bombonera, an indoor soccer club from New Castle featuring Middletown High graduate Chad Poarch, won the tournament. This victory propelled Poarch to the Baltimore Blast in the MASL, where he excelled, scoring a team-high 23 goals.
The success of La bombonera demonstrates the growing popularity and potential of indoor soccer.
Did You know? Chad Poarch’s success story from a local tournament to a professional MASL team highlights the opportunities available thru indoor soccer. His journey is an inspiration for aspiring players in Delaware.
MASL’s Perspective: A Promising Addition
Chris Economides, the MASL commissioner, expressed confidence in Delaware City FC’s potential, stating that the team would quickly meet the high standards of talent and management within the MASL Atlantic Division. He believes Wilmington is an ideal location for the league’s brand of soccer.
Building the Team: Tryouts and the Schedule
Tryouts are scheduled to begin later this summer to form a roster of at least 20 players. The MASL3 schedule includes 10 games, starting in late November. Indoor soccer matches feature six players per side. For context, MASL3 comprised 27 teams in the past season, while MASL had 12 and MASL2 had 16.
Leadership: The Coach and the Vision
Marlon Trejo, a former teammate of Matalavage at Neumann University and an assistant coach for La Bombonera, will lead Delaware City FC as its head coach. Trejo’s experience and local connections are expected to drive the team’s success.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Delaware city FC’s social media channels for updates on tryout dates and locations. Participating could be your chance to join the team!
The Future of Indoor Soccer in Delaware
Matalavage notes that indoor soccer is notably popular within Wilmington’s hispanic community.His experiences playing in local leagues inspired him and his friends to establish a more professional team and join MASL. The strategic location of Delaware allows access to talent from four states: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
The long-term goals include expansion to MASL2 and beyond,contingent on the initial success and growth of the team.
comparing Soccer Leagues: At a Glance
| League | Level | Number of teams (Past Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) | Professional | 12 |
| Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2) | semi-Professional | 16 |
| major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) | Semi-Professional | 27 |
The Broader Soccer Landscape in Delaware
Beyond indoor soccer,Delaware boasts a growing soccer scene.Scott Mosier, coach at Salesianum School and sporting director for Delaware FC, highlights the USL 2, which he compares to the former Delaware Wizards. This league features many top collegiate players and offers another avenue for soccer enthusiasts.
Delaware FC also operates a new USL 2 men’s team, with home games starting June 7 at Abessinio Stadium, coached by Binghamton University coach Paul Marco. These developments signify a vibrant and diverse soccer community in Delaware.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered About Delaware City FC
Delaware City FC is scheduled to begin playing in late November.
The team will play its home games at the Kirkwood Soccer Club’s indoor facility on Route 9, south of New Castle.
Tryouts will be held later this summer. Keep an eye on the team’s official announcements for dates and locations.
Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL3) is the third level of professional indoor soccer in the United States.
Marlon Trejo, a former Neumann teammate of Steven Matalavage and an assistant coach for La Bombonera, will coach Delaware City FC.
