Soccer Landscape in NW Indiana Changes with Three Club Merger

three-lions-united-fc-logoThree Lions FC, Northwest Indiana United FC and Indiana Magic, three of the most prestigious soccer clubs in Northwest Indiana are pleased to announce a merge to form a new soccer club, Three Lions United.

The integration of the three clubs creates a foundation for a premier soccer club, unlike any ever seen in this area to gives soccer players of all skill levels a place to play, develop and grow in the game of soccer.

All three organizations have strong history with the development of youth soccer in Northwest Indiana. NWI United FC has been operating in the area for over 25 years, Indiana Magic for 8 years and more recently, Three Lions for the past 6 years. Together, the new club will have over 500 players and 32 teams.

The merger combines the three clubs’ access to quality facilities, network of alumni and the best coaching staff in the region. A broader reach with the new club means kids from both Lake and Porter County will have the opportunity to come together and develop.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Northwest Indiana soccer to have one program that has a complete boys and girls program as well as a youth academy, something that in my time here has not been close to happening in this area,” Director of Three Lions FC Mike Rance, stated. Rance will transition to Director of Coaching and President of the Three Lions United Club.

One of the most significant benefits of the merge is the increased competition between Northwest Indiana youth players in comparison with the rest of the state of Indiana.

“I am excited about the opportunity to further the competitive playing opportunities for the NWI United FC membership. The merger will provide additional playing opportunities while also providing additional resources to promote continued individual and team success not only for NWI United FC, but for soccer in the Region.” Northwest Indiana United FC President Stephen Anthony, stated.

With all three clubs sharing so many common goals and objectives, specifically in how to develop soccer players, the merger made sense. In the history of Northwest Indiana soccer, no club has had the resources to compete with the larger soccer clubs in and around Indianapolis and across the state.

“I am very excited not only for the future of the players and families of Indiana Magic but for soccer in Northwest Indiana, this is a great opportunity for everyone involved in soccer in our area.” Former Director of Coaching for Indiana Magic Jereme Rainwater, stated.

To avoid confusion, all three clubs will operate separately through the end of the 2014 spring season. Afterwards, all will combine under the name “Three Lions United”. Try outs for the new club will be in June following the end of the spring 2014 season. For more information and to contact the club please go to www.threelionsunited.com, contact Director of Coaching Mike Rance at 219-779-0420, or visit: http://threelionscoaching.com/index.htmlhttp://nwiunitedfc.org/, http://www.indianamagic.net/