Edgewater Castle Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Edgewater Castle or ECFC, is a semi-professional soccer club in Edgewater, Chicago, recognized for its community focus and commitment to free player participation. Founded in 2017 with a “Soccer For All” philosophy, the club includes both men’s and women’s teams, which are set to join the national USL League Two and USL W League in 2026.
ECFC home matches are held at Loyola University Chicago‘s Hoyne Field, and the organization supports free youth programming through its Edgewater Castle Football Foundation. The women’s team secured the club’s first national title by winning the United Women’s Soccer National Championship in 2025.
History
Edgewater Castle FC was founded in 2017 by James Kitia and Andrew Swanson to provide accessible football opportunities for low-income, immigrant, and refugee communities on Chicago’s North Side.[1][2][3] The club adopted a Free to Play model from the beginning and, working through its non-profit foundation, offered camps, clinics, and pick-up sessions. Over its first eight years, more than 3,000 young people took part in these programs.
The club’s women’s team joined United Women’s Soccer in 2023.[4]
During the early to mid 2020s the club expanded its football structures and became a community-owned organization with more than 50 owners, including former United States international Kellyn Acosta. It also began producing players who went on to professional careers in England, Italy, Dubai, and Major League Soccer.[1][5]
In 2025, both senior teams recorded successes. The men’s first team won the Heartland Division II title in the Midwest Premier League and secured promotion. The women’s first team, coached by Emma Woodley, completed a 9 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses season in United Women’s Soccer and won the UWS National Championship. Over the same year, Woodley also led North Park University to a national collegiate title.[1][5]
In 2026, the club joined the United Soccer League (USL) system, with the men’s side entering USL League Two and the women’s side entering the USL W League.[5]
Stadium
Since 2026, the club plays its home venues at Winnemac Stadium in the Ravenswood area, a 4,500-seat stadium. It is one of seven stadiums operated by Chicago Public Schools, which play host to Chicago Public League sporting events.[6] As of 2022, it was holding approximately 1,000 games each year.[7]
Winnemac Stadium was constructed in the 1930s. Like the park, its takes its name from the Potawatomi chief name “Winamac”. Since 2004, its sports turf has been named “Jorndt Field”, after teacher Louis C. Jorndt.[6]
Since 2004, its sports turf has been named “Jorndt Field”, after teacher Louis C. Jorndt.[6] The stadium’s grandstand is brick-clad, and has a seating capacity of 4,500.[8]
Besides, North Park University‘s Holmgren Athletic Complex acts as an alternate venue.[5]
Club culture and identity
Logo
The club’s logo features light blue fields representing the Chicago flag along with Lake Michigan and the Chicago sky, and a maroon castle tower reflecting the color of traditional Chicago brickwork and the club’s nickname, the Rooks.
The logo was designed by Jen Dorman, a longtime friend of one of the club’s co-founders.[3]
Players
Men’s first team roster
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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References
- ^ a b c Bailey, Ryan (10 November 2025). “Edgewater Castle Fc Announces 2026 Entry Into USL League Two And USL W League”. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ Ward, Joe (4 March 2021). “Edgewater Castle Football Club, A Semi-Pro Soccer Team, Launches Contest For New Team Anthem”. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ a b Duder, Joshua (10 July 2023). “Under the Lights: Edgewater Castle”. Protagonist Soccer. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ “Edgewater Castle FC joins UWS”. United Women’s Soccer. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d “Edgewater Castle FC set to join USL W League and League Two in 2026”. United Soccer League. 11 November 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ a b c “Facilities”. Chicago Public Schools (IL). Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ Sabino, Pascal (July 27, 2022). “Knute Rockne Stadium Won’t Be Ready For Fall Sports After Renovation Delayed By Work Stoppage At Illinois Quarries”. Block Club Chicago. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
- ^ Bailey, Ryan (November 10, 2025). “Edgewater Castle FC Announces 2026 Entry Into USL League Two and USL W League”. Edgewater Castle FC. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
- ^ Staff, Edgewater Castle FC (2025-05-01). “Announcing the 2025 First Team Rosters”. Edgewater Castle FC. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ “Rosters”. Edgewater Castle FC. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
