Local Michiana soccer clubs merge, an idea in the works for over two decades

This combination of the two clubs will hopefully make things easier for parents, coaches, and of course the athletes, cutting down on travel times and also making for high caliber soccer in northern Indiana.

Two teams becoming one, as the era of the Northern Indiana Football Club begins. The cost of youth sports has exploded in recent years, something that those behind this merger say was at the forefront of their minds while trying to make this happen.

"One of the benefits of merging is a combining of resources, and it will allow us to become more efficient and so cost is something that we're always aware of and cognizant of and we want to do our best to keep those costs down," said Adam Kirkpatrick, Echo Premier board president.

In recent years, for young athletes to be a part of top-notch soccer, they had to travel down to Indianapolis, or go west to Chicago. Once Northern Indiana FC gets going, the commute time will be reduced significantly, as well as the opportunity for athletes to get playing time at highest level.

"I think we'll have opportunities for more kids at more levels. Every year, Echo Premier ends up cutting some kids because we don't have enough for a team, or Junior Irish does the same, and again with combining the resources, we'll have spots for all of those kids at the right level," said Kirkpatrick.

One member of the board championing the combination tells me he's hopeful eventually, there will be a soccer version of the South Bend Cubs, meaning pro soccer in northern Indiana. It's not just athletes and coaches who are excited about this partnership. 

"It's going to be immense because now, we're going to have players that are all equally as talented at every level, to play in bigger, stronger, more competitive leagues, all the way around. Now both parents can be there no problem, and it just makes it easier all the way around," said Scott Kryder, a parent of a player.

"I'm very excited, it's a big change and in my club, and i feel like we're going to be on a very good level. I think it takes off stress for me because the traveling is just so difficult, and i feel like traveling so much less is way better," said Duke Kryder, freshman striker.

Kirkpatrick tells ABC57 academy tryouts for younger players will begin in early June, with older age groups starting the following week.