Goal! Where to Take Your Family to the Soccer Pitch Near Champaign-Urbana
We know that Champaign-Urbana loves its soccer teams and soccer programs (or do you call it futbol?). There’s plenty of soccer for kids — from the park district recreational variety, to Illinois Football Club programs, to leagues at Soccer Planet.
In recent years, opportunities to watch competitive soccer at all levels has exploded — and so has its popularity. That includes Major League Soccer teams in Chicago and St. Louis. And don’t forget the international “friendlies” that often take place at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
A movement toward semi-professional soccer has taken root in Central Illinois, and we’re here for it. We take a look at various places across Central Illinois and the region — including Peoria, Springfield and Indianapolis — to see high-quality soccer that won’t break our budgets, either.
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Illini Soccer (Urbana)
The Illinois soccer team plays its season in the fall. New coach Katie Hultin will make her Illini debut, becoming only the third leader in the program’s history, in August. Generally, the season starts with an exhibition in early August and goes through October.
All games are free and open to the public; games are at the beautiful new Demirjian Park. Promotions and kids activities are common at most Illini home games.
We add Illini soccer games to our calendar. However, beware of weather that can result in schedule changes at the last minute. (Parkland College men’s and women’s soccer teams also play in the fall season.)
USL and WPSL — semi-professional leagues
The USL League Two, formerly the Premier Development League, is a semi-professional soccer league sponsored by United Soccer Leagues in the United States and Canada. It is considered comparable to minor league baseball. USL League Two play formally kicks off the 2025 season on May 3, although some teams may have exhibition games earlier. Currently, men’s teams play in Springfield, Peoria and Decatur.
WPSL is the Women’s Professional Soccer League, and as of 2025, it has 150 teams across first and second divisions. Currently there are WPSL teams in Urbana (Junction FC) and Peoria, launching in 2025.
Junction FC, Urbana (WPSL)
What Is It: Root, root, root for the home team! Junction FC is the closest thing Champaign-Urbana has to a semi-pro or minor league organization, and it will enter its second year in the WPSL. Many Junction FC players have roots in Champaign-Urbana, either at local clubs and/or high schools. Most of them now play in college, and return home for the summer season to train and practice. Last year, Junction FC finished 5-3-2.
Why You Should Go: Tickets are available on the Junction FC website and also at the gate. Admission is $15 for adult, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Follow the club on social media for ticket discount offers and promotions. Concessions include food trucks. Soccer Planet has had activities on site.
Other factors: Free parking at Urbana High School, which hosts these games.
Springfield FC (USL Two)
What Is It: The Springfield FC team is a mix of former high school standouts as well as international players that descend on Springfield for the summer season. Known as the Stags, they will play in the Great Plains Division with six home dates starting on May 21. Visit its website for up-to-date information on tickets.
Distance from C-U: About 80 minutes depending where you leave from. Games are held at Sacred Heart Griffin Stadium.
Peoria City (USL Two and WPSL)
What Is It: Based at Bradley University’s Shea Stadium, Peoria City has ranked among US League Two attendance leaders in each of its first three seasons, drawing more than 1,700 fans per game in 2024. There are plenty of other fun things to do in Peoria to make a day/weekend out of a game. The men’s team starts its season in May; the roster includes a mix of collegiate athletes, many of whom hail from the Peoria area; others are from around the world.
What’s also exciting: Peoria City is launching an expansion team for the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) in 2025, although details remain scarce. The WPSL team will boast several Illini on its squad, including AJ Mayock, Lauren Seppi, and incoming freshman Sosi Dedeckian. The team will play in the same division as Junction FC, at this current date the schedule is not out.
Deals to Be Had: With just seven home games (and two exhibitions), tickets are currently only available as season passes, which start at $45 per person. A combined season pass for the men’s and women’s teams costs $65 per person. Single game tickets may be available; stay tuned. Concessions are available, typically food trucks.
Distance from C-U: About 90 minutes depending where you leave from. Get directions here.
United Soccer League
Indy Eleven (Men)
For the complete lowdown on Indy Eleven, visit our friends at IndywithKids.com: they have all the info you need for a great outing.
Why You Should Go: Indy Eleven is the official professional soccer team of Indianapolis and it plays in the United Soccer League, which is a step above USL Two. Opponents include teams from Louisville, Detroit, and Phoenix. When the gates open an hour before gameday, there is a kids zone with activities. Games are fast-paced, with a short halftime. The season starts at the end of March and continues into mid-October, but there’s only 17 matches.
How Much: Individual game tickets start at $16 per seat a game.
Promotions and Special Events: Star Wars Night, Pride Night, Hispanic Heritage Night are among the promotions available.
Distance from C-U: About two hours. Most of the Indy Eleven home games are played at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium. Be aware you have to pay to park – $15. Tailgating is a thing.
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