Founded in 1922, the Croatian Eagles Soccer Club of Milwaukee is one of the longest running amateur soccer teams in the country - while they now play in the UPSL, the club has participated in multiple competitions over their near century of existence and are the heart and soul of their rich Croatian community in Franklin, Wisconsin. To find out all that we could about this amazing organization, we spoke with club jack-of-all trades, Tommy Jarmuz, who was able to compile answers from Club President Fredy Jany - they were gracious enough to share them with us…

Your club was founded nearly 100 years ago. Why was that; what purpose did it serve and has that changed over the years?

Croatian Eagles Soccer Club (NK Hrvatski Orlovi - Croatian version of the Club name) was formed in Milwaukee in 1922 by Croatian Immigrants to embrace the culture and passion that Croatia possesses. Founded by Reverend Charles Jesih, the vision was to provide the opportunity to continue the players soccer careers in America, while celebrating the beautiful history and culture that Hrvatska (Croatia) has to offer. Over the years, Croatian Eagles built a strong and successful Adult program, when World World II put a hold on the soccer operations, as numerous members went on to serve the Country in their respective Armed Forces branches. The Club still operated during WWII, however it was after the War ended, that soccer resumed. In 1956, land was purchased in Franklin, Wisconsin as this would be the new home and playing ground for Croatian Eagles Soccer Club. With the addition of Croatian Park being the new home of the Club, came arises in the younger Croatian generations. The Club began to offer Youth Clubs (we had youth teams in the early 30s), starting with Boys teams in 1965, and forming the first Girls teams in the state in the 1970's. As the game of soccer became more popular throughout the United States, the Club grew from an Adult Soccer Club into a fully operational Soccer Club that features now over 30 Youth Teams (ages ranging from 4's through 18's), Men's Teams (U19, U23, Reserves, Majors, and Regional teams), and a Women's program (U19, U23, and Majors teams). As we approach a major milestone of 100 years, the goal of Croatian Eagles is continue the success on and off the field, represent the Croatian-American heritage with pride and passion, and create a family friendly environment, which showcases at our home of Croatian Park, or on the road with the Red and White checkered jerseys similar to the Croatian National team!

With clubs like Carpathia FC, United Serbians, and Milwaukee Bavarians nearby, there seems to be a connection between heritage and soccer we don't get in many other parts of the country. How is soccer different in your region and how is that reflective of your community?

Milwaukee Soccer was based on many immigrants coming over from many different Countries. There is something special with that being said, not only did Milwaukee offer an opportunity to play soccer, but you played with pride and passion for your Club and respective Countries colors and names, whether it be the Croatians, the Bavarians, the Serbians, the Italians, Hungarians the list goes on! With that comes amazing history, many of the Milwaukee area Clubs have been in existence for many years and continue to carry on the Heritage their host Country possesses! For Croatian Eagles Soccer Club, in 1964 the Croatian National Federation of the United States and Canada was formed. What does that mean? Every year since 1964, Croatian Eagles have participated in this Annual Tournament that rotates destinations from Canada to American soil year after year. The Tournament takes place for the Adult teams, every Labor Day Weekend, and in 1995 the Federation began a Youth Tournament which is held mid summer. This year will be the first year that no Youth or Adult Tournaments will be played due to the current pandemic. What makes this so special, year after year, teams come together for what is known as "The Greatest Weekend of the Year" to showcase their top level team in this weekend long tournament, you battle some amazing Teams, you also make amazing friendships and bonds with the people you see year after year. Croatian Eagles have hosted the Adult Tournament four times (1967, 1985, 2001, & 2017). Milwaukee has made the Finals of the Adult Tournament (4) times, however we have yet to lift the Championship trophy. Croatian Eagles Milwaukee are scheduled to host the Adult Tournament again in 2035, as it rotates from Club to Club every year. However, in 2022 the Croatian Eagles Soccer Club will be hosting the Youth Tournament while also celebrating 100 years of commitment to soccer, heritage and dedication to longevity. Croatian Eagles used the mascot Eagle, to highlight a portion of our name “Eagles” which is per stories the result of a translation error from “Sokol” or “hawk” or the pride to be part of a free country for which the eagle is an icon.

Your men's team now plays in the UPSL, but that hasn't always been the case - how did you end up in the UPSL and in what other leagues has the Croatian Eagles participated? You also have a women's side, what level and league do they play in? How long have they had a team to play on?

Croatian Eagles have always played in some form of the Wisconsin Amateur State League, whether it be Milwaukee City League, WASA, the WSL (as it is currently known), the Club has always been part of Wisconsin Soccer Adult Leagues. Throughout the years, Croatian Eagles have qualified for Regional and National Competitions. In 2012, the Croatian Eagles were crowned USASA National Amateur Open Cup Champions. After numerous Wisconsin State Titles, Regional accomplishments, and National Title success in the 2000's to present day, Croatian Eagles were approached about starting a Regional Competition which was known as the Great Lakes Premier League (GLPL) in 2015. The GLPL consisted of (5) teams in the first year, 3 teams (AFC Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids FC, and Oakland County FC) from Michigan, fellow Croatian Club, RWB Adria from Chicago, and Croatian Eagles. With the rise in Adult Amateur Soccer, the GLPL only lasted one season, before re-branding into the Premier League of America (PLA), which saw the Regional Competition expand to (12) teams from the Midwest. After two years of the PLA, the League decided to jump into the National League scene and join the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) as the Midwest Conference. Croatian Eagles also offers a Women's Team that operates solely in the Wisconsin Leagues at the current moment. The Women's program of Croatian Eagles has really begun to evolve over the past few years.

Some clubs have a youth organization, some don't - yours is very well-built and is still growing! Tell us how it got started and how it's connected to your first team.

Croatian Eagles having a Youth Program is a huge thing for our Community and Club! We are able to showcase our young players and produce them into top level players that could one day have the chance to play at the Men's or Women's Team level! We currently have (5) players on the Men's program that played their entire Youth career at Croatian Eagles and then continued their playing career with the Men's Program! It is great for the Club in general to have this in-house feeder system. Not many players can stay within one organization for their entire career, Croatian Eagles give you the chance to do so! The Clubs' Youth program began in 1965 with the system evolving into what we currently have.

Few clubs have something as special as Croatian Park - tell us about this gem, when it was built and what it means to the club, and to the community.

Croatian Park is a home away from home for many! Located in Franklin, Wisconsin the land now known as Croatian Park was purchased in 1956. Croatian Park has (5) full sized soccer fields, (4) small sided fields, and Bocce Courts. All soccer fields are currently grass fields, however Croatian Eagles are planning on a Stadium Turf field which is expected in Spring of 2021. In addition to the soccer fields, Croatian Park has an outdoor pavilion which is used for outdoor weddings, festivals, and our newest hit, Croatian Park Beer Garden which operates every Thursday during the summer months! Croatian Park has a fully operational Clubhouse that has a full kitchen, locker rooms, and fully operational bar. What Croatian Park means to the Club and the Community, is that memories are made and created here, the Legacy of Croatian Eagles can be found on the walls of the Croatian Eagles Clubhouse with photos from the early years and plenty of trophies to keep everyone at the Club proud of this rich history!

To find out more about the club or to contact them: https://www.croatianeagles.com/