Our History
At Athletic Wichita, we believe that soccer is a universal language that unites communities and nationalities. Our mission is to create a space where young people from all cultures feel welcome, discover their passion for soccer, and build a path toward their dreams.
We work to develop players with discipline, respect, and vision, supporting their growth both on and off the field. Together, we are building a club that connects hearts and transforms lives through the power of sport here in Wichita.
We work to develop players w
ith discipline, respect, and vision, supporting their growth both on and off the field. Together, we are building a club that connects hearts and transforms lives through the power of sport here in Wichita.
Contact us!We work to develop players w
ith discipline, respect, and vision, supporting their growth both on and off the field. Together, we are building a club that connects hearts and transforms lives through the power of sport here in Wichita.
About Us
Athletic Wichita proudly competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), one of the largest and most competitive pro-development soccer leagues in North America. Founded in 2011 in Santa Ana, California by Leonel Lopez with just 10 teams, the UPSL has grown tremendously and now includes nearly 400 clubs competing nationwide.
The league represents the fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, just below the three professional divisions. With an average player age of around 22.5 years, the UPSL plays a key role in bridging the gap between youth soccer and the professional game, providing thousands of aspiring players and coaches with a structured pathway to continue developing their careers.
The UPSL operates year-round with two seasons each year. The Spring season begins in March and concludes with the National Playoffs in early August, while the Fall season starts in September and ends with National Playoffs in early February. Each club in the league is independently owned and operated, creating opportunities for communities across the country to develop local soccer talent.
The league is known for its openness and diversity, with players from over 90 nations participating and more than 50% of players and coaches being of Hispanic descent. UPSL clubs are also eligible to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF).
The UPSL’s mission is to provide a strong and consistent platform that supports grassroots soccer while helping players progress to higher levels of the game. Through innovation, technology, and community engagement, the league continues to grow and bring international exposure to local talent across North America.
Contact us!Our Values
Discipline: Committing to constant effort and continuous improvement on and off the field.
Respect: Fostering an environment where all players, coaches, and families feel valued and heard.
Teamwork: Building unity and collaboration to achieve common goals and strengthen the community.
Passion: Living soccer with enthusiasm, joy, and dedication in every practice and game.