Andrew Swanson - President & General Manager at Edgewater Castle FC

Edgewater Castle FC founder Andrew Swanson shares his remarkable journey from a soccer fan inspired by Champions League to a community-driven club climbing the ranks of U.S. professional soccer.

In this in-depth conversation, explore how a grassroots approach, focused on partnerships with local schools and civic organizations, creates a sustainable model for ambitious clubs navigating the evolving U.S. soccer landscape. Andrew reveals the tactical challenges of expanding through U.S. leagues, securing investment, and building a long-term presence in Chicago, America’s third-largest market for soccer development.

You’ll discover how community values shape the identity of Edgewater Castle and why patience and local engagement are essential for sustainable growth. Learn about the strategic decisions behind league jumps, from Midwest Premier League to USL2 and USLW, and the financial realities of running a semi-professional club without charge to players. Andrew discusses the importance of grassroots partnerships, civic engagement, and community culture in establishing a resilient business model, avoiding high infrastructure costs in a dense city like Chicago.

The conversation also dives into the broader future of U.S. soccer, including the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the potential rise of pro rel, and the opportunities for clubs like Edgewater to succeed in an expanding ecosystem. Andrew’s story exemplifies the grit and authenticity needed to turn a small idea into a major community asset, with eyes set on USL League One and beyond.

Perfect for investors, operators, city officials, and soccer entrepreneurs, this conversation offers strategic insight and practical lessons for building a thriving club in America’s soccer boom.

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© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

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DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only.

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00:00 – Introduction
05:16 – The Founding Story of Edgewater Castle FC
08:43 – Joining USL League Two & USL W
10:55 – Operating Inside the USL Ecosystem
13:01 – Vermont Green, Hearts of Pine & USL Growth
14:33 – World Cup 2026 & Soccer’s Momentum in America
19:07 – What Makes a True Community Soccer Club
21:50 – Building Sustainability Through Community Partnerships
26:39 – The Current Soccer Landscape in Chicago
30:18 – Why Edgewater Castle FC’s Story Is Different
33:31 – Promotion/Relegation & US Soccer’s Future
35:00 – The Financial Reality of Running a Community Club
38:56 – The Jump From USL 2 to USL League One
41:58 – Raising Investment Capital for Professional Soccer
43:14 – Andrew’s Vision for the Next 5–10 Years
45:10 – Cities Building Soccer the Right Way
45:25 – Most Underrated Factor in Club Building
45:37 – Biggest Lesson About Sports Ownership
45:39 – Clubs Whose Culture Andrew Admires
47:29 – What Reaching USL League One Would Mean