MWPL newcomers, FC Kirkwood, are building a presence in their community through passion and accessibility. The family-friendly side wanted to provide opportunity to play the sport and has reasonable plans for the future. Find out more!

Tell us the origin story of FC Kirkwood - when was it founded? By whom and what is its mission?
Football Club Kirkwood was officially founded in 2026 by a group of high school friends from Kirkwood who all shared a passion for soccer and wanted to create something meaningful for the community. The idea for the club first started in 2025 when we realized there was a gap between youth, college, and professional soccer. A lot of talented local players didn’t really have a place to continue competing at a high level after college or club soccer, and we wanted to help create that opportunity.

From the start, the goal of FC Kirkwood has been about more than just winning games. We wanted to build a club that represents the community, gives local players opportunities, and creates an environment where families, fans, and players can all feel connected. Our mission has always focused on opportunity, community, and building something sustainable for the future.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
The FC Kirkwood badge is heavily inspired by the city itself. The main feature of the crest is the train station, which is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the community. We chose the train station because it represents connection, movement, and local pride. These are all things we wanted the club to stand for.

Our colors were selected to give the club a strong identity while still reflecting the character of Kirkwood and the soccer culture of St. Louis. Since the club is still in its early stages, the badge and colors have stayed the same from the beginning because they already represent exactly what we want the club to be.

What league or leagues does your club participate in and why did you choose those to join?
FC Kirkwood competes in the Midwest Premier League (MWPL), which is one of the fastest-growing semi-professional soccer leagues in the Midwest. We chose the MWPL because it focuses on community-driven clubs, regional rivalries, and sustainable growth, which all match the vision we have for FC Kirkwood.

The league gives us the opportunity to compete at a high level while also building connections with other clubs and communities around the region. It also gives local players another pathway to continue developing and competing after high school or college soccer.

How does the club stay funded and how can our readers support you?
Like most lower-league soccer clubs, FC Kirkwood relies on different revenue streams to operate and cover league costs. Some of the main ways the club generates income are through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, concessions, and digital media content.

Supporters can help the club by attending games, purchasing merchandise like scarves, jerseys, and hats, and engaging with the club online through social media and livestreams. Local business sponsorships are also a huge part of helping the club grow and stay sustainable long term. Because FC Kirkwood is community-focused, every supporter, sponsor, and fan plays an important role in helping the club continue to grow.

How did you finish last year and what are your goals for the 2026 season?
Since FC Kirkwood is a newly established club, we are currently competing in our season. Right now, the main goal is to establish a strong foundation both on and off the field. That includes building a competitive roster, creating a strong matchday atmosphere, growing community support, and continuing to develop the club’s identity.

In the future, the club hopes to become a top-half MWPL team, compete for championships, grow attendance, and eventually participate in larger competitions like the U.S. Open Cup or U.S. Amateur Cup.

How does FC Kirkwood participate in or give back to their community?
Community involvement is one of the most important parts of FC Kirkwood’s identity. The club aims to work closely with local players, families, youth programs, and community organizations throughout the Kirkwood and St. Louis area.

Whether through youth engagement, partnerships with local businesses, community appearances, or creating affordable access to high-level soccer, the goal is to make the club accessible and visible within the community.

Kirkwood itself has a strong tradition of community-centered events and athletics, which aligns perfectly with the club’s philosophy.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
Two clubs I would love for FC Kirkwood to scrimmage against are AFC Columbia and Springfield FC, even though they are a little farther than 100 miles away.

AFC Columbia has built a strong identity and atmosphere around their club, and they represent another community-driven soccer project in the Midwest. Playing against them would be a great experience because of the competitiveness they bring and the passion surrounding their organization.

Springfield FC (Illinois) is another club I would really like to face because of the strong soccer culture in the Springfield area and the competitive environment they’ve built. A match like that would be a great test for our group, offering a different style of play and a good opportunity to measure ourselves against another growing Midwest club.

Both clubs represent the type of community-focused soccer culture we want FC Kirkwood to continue building toward.

Follow FC Kirkwood and give them a follow on Instagram HERE