10. Chula Vista FC (SoCal Prem)

Chula Vista FC was founded in 1982, originally known as the Chula Vista Scorpions. Over the decades the club underwent multiple rebrands before becoming Chula Vista FC in 2012, which coincided with the launch of the club’s first team. Since that evolution, CVFC has provided a strong pathway anchored by its robust youth academy, whom of which will be participating in the MLS elite academy system. Not only has the club developed strong talent that has participated at higher levels of competition, it has also matched it with multiple trophies from regional tournaments to state cups and even a national championship.

CVFC’s first team may be best known for its appearances in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where the club went on to the third round after defeating two professional sides from USL. Since then the club has continued to perform on the field winning league and state titles. The club now looks forward to repeating its 2015 success in 2021.

The club has created a generational club on multiple levels: from the history of the club that has blossomed multiple generations of fans, to the various teams within the club that allow the players to promote through the ranks. The foundation of that generational success which has allowed the club to cement its mission for developing players, coaches, and fans of the game, is derived from the club’s core values of attitude, unity, respect, and passion.

Chula Vista is located in San Diego county. The county is already a hot spot of soccer activity and offers strong professional competition from not only the local Southern California sides, but also from clubs in Mexico. This competitive environment allows players to grow and gives fans entertaining experiences that lead to strong and committed supporters.

9. Ft Worth Vaqueros FC (NPSL)

The Vaqueros first strolled into the Texas soccer scene in 2014. The club has been a constant fixture (for lower league standards) in the NPSL, qualifying for the playoffs in three of the club’s six seasons. The club and its leadership has also played a pivotal role in founding the Roja League, a competition for elite amateur clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area. This heavily populated region of Texas is a hub for talented soccer players and The Vaqueros are using that to create a strong team on the field and to make connections off of it.

Community ties are important for both the immediate success of a club and for its ability to evolve in the future. The club has been able to partner with multiple local businesses which has allowed the Vaqueros to operate a free academy at multiple age groups. Those same connections and partnerships have spawned a successful 7v7 league which is played at Vaqueros field, a turf field created for small sided soccer in partnership with the City of Fort Worth.

With all the club’s community initiatives they have started to create a soccer culture in their community. The Vaqueros have also used its community outreach as a base for its social media presence. The club has a bold and attractive brand that continues to put out professional grade media and marketing efforts, including quality match streams.

The Vaqueros check all the boxes in an above-average fashion. They currently offer the quality of a professional club, while ensuring that it keeps homegrown roots that continue to benefit the Fort Worth community and soccer culture.

8. Kingston Stockade FC (NPSL)

The Stockade entered into the lower league landscape in 2015 and began its journey to become one of the most influential clubs in the amateur/ semi-professional ranks. That influence is derived from the club’s approach to community engagement from both a local and national level. Chairman Dennis Crowley has also inspired countless other clubs by showing his organization's own process and development, which has made the Stockade the leading club in promoting “open-source soccer.” That transparency of the club’s operations has helped outline steps to take to create a successful club with the potential to grow and expand.

Kingston, NY and the entire Hudson Valley county call the Stockade its club. While its approximately 90 miles away from NYC, the Stockade has created a strong soccer community that has led to respectable crowd sizes and volunteer participation. The region also offers strong competition at all levels of the US pyramid and can be an outlet to escape the distractions of the big city while providing an entertaining option for local supporters. The club plays at Dietz Stadium, a 1500 seat stadium with multiple amenities that help provide a fun and intimate experience.

Similar to most of the other top clubs on this list, the Stockade is represented by a creative branding that has helped tell the club’s story. The branding, merchandise, and transparency of the operations within the club have garnered respect from everyone in the national soccer community. As Kingston Stockade FC continues to evolve, with or without a big investment, you can bet that they will continue to be a beacon for the development of amateur soccer. Like a good leader, this club leads by example and is willing to help those who want to walk the same path as the Kingston Stockade.

7. FC Baltimore Christos (NPSL)

Given the expansion of the soccer scene in Maryland, it only makes sense to include one of the most well-known names in amateur soccer. While the incredible success of Maryland Bobcats is its own story, it is difficult to not see connections between these two genealogical trees. Of course, that isn’t the only reason to see this club as a sound investment, but it is part of it. Maryland feels like a developing hotbed of soccer talent, both on the field and off. Without a doubt, some of the credit has to be given to Maryland Majors Soccer League and their work in amateur soccer. The league has proven to be a place where players, coaches, and clubs can test themselves and grow, sometimes even beyond the league itself. FCBC isn’t the most perfect example of that (as the original club existed before adding Christos), but it certainly fits into the general framework of club development in the area.

One massive plus for the club is the addition of Larry Sancomb in 2019 as the head coach of FCBC. Sancomb is an established winner in Baltimore soccer. His name is pretty synonymous with amateur soccer on the East coast, after years of success in the Maryland soccer scene. Of course, he was at the helm of Christos during their deep Open Cup run and is a proven force in talent development and coaching in the Baltimore area. At this point, Larry is nearing the 30 year mark in experience, so what he brings to the table can really impact.

The front office staff of FC Baltimore Christos is an impressive collection of talented veterans of the soccer scene. General Manager Alex Lubyansky is a former NPSL champion who played internationally before moving into the front office post-playing career. Knowing the ins and outs of the league the club is competing in has paid off instantly, with back to back playoff appearances. Another GM is on the staff, but in a different role. Christos GM Jody Haislip is Director of Operations for FCBC and brings a tremendous amount of experience to the position, having won championships at almost every level he’s competed in. The rest of the front office is staffed and primed for a quick transition into another level of competition if the team was flush with invested cash.

6. Orange County FC (UPSL)

OCFC was founded in 2009 and competed in the SoCal Premier League until it joined the NPSL for the 2017 season. Since then the club has garnered respect throughout the soccer community for its talent on and off the pitch. The most recent notable success for OCFC was the 2019 fourth round run in the U.S. Open Cup. The quality of the player was on full display throughout that run, some of whom spent multiple seasons with the club. There is also head coach Paul Caligiuri whose coached a tenacious and balanced squad that delivered deep playoff runs and multiple Open Cup qualifications.

Southern California is a soccer community. There are a lot of talented players and highly competitive teams and because of that, you get rivalries like the Orange County Derby. The battle for Orange County happened in that impressive 2019 U.S. Open Cup run. OCFC won that round and it was a perfect way to round up the tensions between the neighboring foes. There are also lifestyle designs that need to be made when a club hits the professional rank. For any player, there is an opportunity to play year-round in a region that has close access to multiple professional leagues, both in the US and Mexico.

Media is important for any fan base, especially a lower league fan whose main source of information is from the club itself. The quality of Orange County FC’s matchday streams is among the best in the lower leagues. Complete with insightful commentary that provides not only tactical insight but player and organizational facts for both competing clubs.

Orange County FC has proven its value within the soccer landscape and more supporters will come with every trophy and successful season the club continues to have. Plus, there can never be too many professional clubs in Southern California.

5. Miami United FC (NPSL/UPSL)

Miami has always been known for its passion for soccer and in 2012 the professional landscape in South Florida changed. With the loss of professional sides, Miami United FC rose from the ashes and became a powerhouse in lower league soccer. The organization has developed relationships throughout the world that have allowed them to sign well-known players and compete in international friendlies. Those relationships have brought opportunity and experience to local talent, two qualities that have shaped this consistently competitive squad.

In the club’s seven seasons with the NPSL they have multiple conference titles, deep playoff runs and have qualified for three U.S. Open Cups, including the most recent fourth round run in 2018. MUFC has created a winning mentality that attracts fans, especially non-soccer fans, to come and support the club.

Miami United FC has combined its success on the field with a talented media department that has created professional content that has created a following of over 100,000 fans on three main social media platforms. The content ranges from player promotion to high quality match day streams and highlight packages. MUFC makes following the club easy and fun, which has translated to such a large following.

The concept of a professional squad has lingered since 2017 when the club was announced as one of eight applicants for NISA’s inaugural season, so maybe the extra investment is the belief that the club’s leadership needs to take Miami United FC pro.

4. Croatian Eagles SC (UPSL)

Founded in 1922 by the reverend Charles Jesih, NK Hrvatski Orlovi is the pride of the Croatian community in Franklin, Wisconsin. Croatian immigrants were looking for a way to express themselves and gather after working hours and the club, also known as Croatian Eagles, has given them the means to do so for nearly a century. In 1956, the club purchased land to operate independently on (Croatian Park) and began adding youth programs, first with boys in the 1960s, then with girls in the 1970s. Now the club features over 40 youth teams, ranging from from 4 year olds to U18s and also fields their competitive men’s team in the UPSL.

Suffice to say the Croatian Eagles are a historic team with a rich pedigree showing that they have already invested in themselves to become an amazing organization that promotes health and community. However, there is always room for growth. In addition to their historic foundation, the club has won the USASA Amateur Open Cup in 2012, numerous Wisconsin State Titles, and other regional successes - this is a team, not only built to last, but built for success. Additional investment could see them not only compete in the UPSL, win it, and then grow beyond the league - taking their humble beginnings and making their predecessors proud.

With a successful youth program already underway, already in possession of their own training grounds and playing facility, any funding could go directly into additional infrastructure, allowing the club to make money and pay for itself - adding onto their existing grounds to create a scenario where they host high-profile tournaments and exhibitions which help pave the way for professionalism and top-level player development. While our current system lacks the financial incentive for organizations to build up players to sell-on, if enough clubs from the bottom put pressure on the powers that be, surely there might be some change.

Lastly, and least important, historic clubs have pull and an attractive aesthetic - while loads of designers and merch hounds create new “soccer teams” just to sell scarves and kits, a club like Croatian Eagles could lean into their historic badge and cultural elements of design to create beautiful custom gear that folks would clamor for. There is a huge market potential for tying in modern day soccer fanaticism to factual historic clubs and I see nothing but for success off the field, as well as on the field, for NK Hrvatski, if they were to receive a little financial boost.

3. Milwaukee Bavarians SC (UPSL/MWPL/WPSL)

History in American soccer is so important, because few have it. The tradition of sport is what keeps fans engaged generation after generation. The Bavarians were founded in 1929 as Fussball Club Bayern and later rebranded to Milwaukee Bavarians SC in 1956. While the club had a history of winning and competing for State Championships, it wasn’t until 1976 that the club would become a National Champion (USASA National Amatuer Cup). To date the club has won eight national titles, consistent league playoff contender and Open Cup qualifier.

There once was a time where soccer was the dominant sport in the country. Attendance numbers would hit in the tens of thousands out drawing its sporting rival baseball. It was a sport that was brought by immigrants, much like the German immigrants who founded Fussball Club Bayern, but as other sports were deemed more American, soccer and the historic immigrant clubs were no longer in the spotlight. Investing in the Bavarians puts the entire culture on a pedestal. It shows a true history of our sport, one that was created through passion for the game and tradition.

In its present-day form Milwaukee Bavarians SC is a developed organization that offers soccer from the youth levels to adult, for both men and women. The expanse of the men’s side has a recent history of winning in the UPSL and now look to repeat that same success in the MWPL, an up and coming regional league that includes some of the best clubs in the country.

Milwaukee Bavarians SC is known for winning. Winning gets the best players, coaches and fans. A winning culture takes decades to build, which is why there aren’t many clubs, in any sport, that get to make a claim at being a dynasty. An investment in the Milwaukee Bavarian Dynasty brings all of the club’s history, stories and culture to the forefront of American soccer.

2. Philadelphia Lone Star FC (USLL2/NPSL/...)

Founded in 2001 as Junior Lone Star FC, in tribute to the Liberian National Team, the club would go on to rebrand in 2018. The Stars started out as a small club and over time added team after team giving more players an opportunity to play the beautiful game. It’s not just about how many leagues or teams the club has, but the planning its taken at each individual level all the while being competitive on the pitch. It’s not pro/rel, but the club was collecting trophies along its road to present day. Given the clubs current progress and ambition it’s easy to assume that other leagues aren’t out of sight for them either, whether that's up the USL chain or strictly as an independent club.

The Philadelphia soccer market, while historic, is finally starting to be seen by the broader national soccer community. Soccer in Philly dates back over a hundred years, those historic sides like the Bethlehem Steel have won Open Cups. The Stars would bring a twenty year history to a professional landscape that lacks age and the kind of experience that two decades of highs and lows brings.

The Stars have also developed a respectable brand through sporting merit, strength of brand and strength of the organization. Investments should be fuel to a burning fire and when you look at all the elements that surround the Stars you can see success in its future.

1. Minneapolis City SC (NPSL)

If there is a crown jewel in American amateur soccer, it’s MPLS City. Other clubs want to be them or simply get consumed hating them. So let me make the case for the obvious.

In the last year, MPLS City added a massive expansion of their talent development program, creating multiple teams to bridge the gap between youth soccer and their adult club. And that sounds great on paper, but every club claims to be doing something similar. MPLS City fleshed out the clubs with original names, kit designs, and unique branding. The club didn’t have to do that, but it’s the way it does everything. With flair and originality, unrivaled in amateur soccer.

The club opened a physical shop to create a physical footprint on the map in Minneapolis. When they brought artists from Amsterdam (what other club has done anything remotely like that), they decorated the city with murals connected to the club and Minnesota. The city was rocked with unrest after the murder of George Floyd and the club sprang into action, collecting donations of money, food, and clothing to help families in the area. MPLS City is a club that doesn’t forget where its name comes from. They are a club that is committed to the city they inhabit and it shows in everything they do. The most successful clubs in American soccer are the ones who recognize this connection and make it central to their approach - MPLS City has that part locked down.

Branding is often mocked as unimportant, but I’d argue it’s vital to the long-term success of any club. You need people to buy your kits, your shirts, your scarfs. And not just locals. MPLS City has murdered the kit game over the last couple of years, with multiple releases that dominate the social media news cycle. The club has an eye for design and a commitment to having the best looking kits in the league. They do it every time. In fact, the club highlighted that the sale of kits in 2020 was the primary income for the year. That successful approach shines through in their social media management, fan engagement, and everything else the club does.

Finally, something should be said for MPLS City’s open approach to club management. Every year the club releases its ledger, offering a narrative of failure and success for anyone to read. It’s a model for other clubs to see and pattern themselves after. Few clubs are that open and honest at this level of the game. And their uncorporate approach extends to the willingness of the team to offer help and constructive criticism to clubs looking to take the next step. They just do things differently in Minneapolis.

A model organization taking a unique and inspired approach to growing its club - MPLS City on top of this list for a reason.