AFC Columbia is getting ready to kick off for their 5th straight season competing in the Midwest Premier Soccer League (MWPL). Since its inauguration, the league has seen a ton of growth in both the amount of teams and the skill level.
The MWPL is a semi-professional soccer league that has 53 teams spread out over eight Midwest states: Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. While the league was founded in 2019, Covid delayed the start until 2021. The MWPL is run by its member clubs, encouraging competition and participation throughout.
A Season of High Expectations
As one of the longest-tenured squads, AFC Columbia is looking to capture a division title and punch their ticket to the conference championship for the first time. They finished 6th in the South division last season, but head coach Chris Miller knows this is only the beginning for what might be possible.
“We played in a very competitive division and battled each game with a young squad that kept getting better all the way to the final whistle,” said Miller.
His confidence in the team has not wavered. “The commitment of those players to our club in a season without many bounces going our way is a huge sign that our foundation is solid and we can continue to grow from that,” Miller stated.
New Alignment: The Gateway Conference Shake-up
A massive shake-up in the alignment of the MWPL leaves new faces in strange places for the upcoming season. The league features three conferences split into seven divisions.
AFC Columbia returns to the Gateway Conference, which has expanded from 10 teams to 17. The conference is now split into East and West divisions:
- Gateway – West: 6 teams (Home and away schedule)
- Gateway – East: 11 teams (Play each team once)
Gateway Conference – West Division Preview
First City FC
Located in Leavenworth, Kansas, First City FC joins the MWPL from the Select League. Named after the “first city” founded in Kansas in 1854, head coach Justin Seever leads the squad into their league debut.
Southside Football Club
Founded in 2023 in Grandview, MO, Southside FC is making the leap to semi-pro status after two flourishing seasons in the Select League.
Woodland FC
The first-ever Kansas team to join the MWPL, Woodland FC were the 2024 Select League champions, earning a berth to the U.S. Open Cup in their first year.
Great Plains FC
Formerly known as Olathe United FC, this squad didn’t lose a single match last year (21 games). Rebranded as Great Plains FC, they enter the MWPL as defending Select League and Kansas State Cup champions.
Union KC Soccer Club
The fourth Kansas inductee, Union KC has a massive club structure with teams in the WPSL. They focus heavily on player development and maintaining a competitive edge across all levels.
Gateway Conference – East Division Preview
BOHFS
Based in St. Louis, MO, BOHFS nearly won the South Division in their debut year. They are one of the favorites to take the East Division and will compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup starting this March.
Ehtar Belleville FC
The reigning South Division champions, Ehtar finished last season 7-1-2. They enter their second year in the league having shed their underdog status after a narrow loss in the Conference Championship.
FC Kirkwood
Established in December 2025, FC Kirkwood is one of 11 Missouri-based teams in the league. This is their inaugural season as an organization.
314 Soccer Club
Joining the MWPL in January 2026 from the UPSL, 314 SC comes off a dominant 6-1-1 season and a division title. They bring significant veteran experience to the East.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG)
One of the most prominent names in youth soccer, SLSG returns to the semi-pro circuit. With a history that includes 26 national titles and a previous six-year run in the USL, they are a massive addition to the MWPL.
The Rest of the East:
- Pearl City Soccer Club: Returning for their third year, moving from the North to the East.
- St. Louis Stars FC: A youth-development-based club entering their third MWPL season.
- St. Louis Development Academy: Focused on providing a pro-pathway for St. Louis youth talent.
- United Capital City: A new squad from Missouri’s capital with a brand-new soccer complex.
- SESA (Southeast Soccer Academy): One of the most experienced clubs, now in their fourth season.
- St. Louis Fusion: Joining from the UPSL, the Fusion looks to find a fresh start in the MWPL.