Bavarian United Soccer Club: Excellence in the North Shore

Founded by Bavarian immigrants in 1929, Bavarian United Soccer Club has grown from a small ethnic club into the North Shore's premier youth soccer organization, now serving more than 1,200 young players across Glendale, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Brown Deer, and Mequon. With nine national championships, professional-level facilities, and programming for players as young as three, this 97-year-old institution offers something increasingly rare: a complete soccer pathway from first touches to college recruitment—all rooted in community values and German-American tradition.

From Lake Park to the national stage

The story begins on July 29, 1929, when German-American immigrants gathered at Milwaukee's Lake Park to establish Fussball Club Bayern—named for their home province of Bavaria. Just two months later, the fledgling club won its first match, defeating Sheboygan 3-2. What started as one piece of a multi-sports association (including bowling, fistball, and swimming) quickly became the organization's centerpiece.

The club earned its English name in 1956 when members purchased a permanent home and incorporated as Bavarian Soccer Club, Inc. The decades that followed brought remarkable success: seven consecutive Wisconsin Major League state championships from 1960-1966, a National Amateur Cup title in 1976, and an appearance in the 1994 U.S. Open Cup Final—the highest achievement in American amateur soccer. During the club's golden years, visiting German professional teams including Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt played friendlies at their Milwaukee stadium.

The modern chapter opened in 2021 when Bavarian Soccer Club merged with Inter Northshore FC (itself a combination of Arsenal, Shorewood Kickers, and Whitefish Bay Soccer Club) to form Bavarian United SC. This strategic union expanded the club's North Shore footprint while preserving nearly a century of tradition. Today, Bavarian United holds the Wisconsin record with nine national championships, including six USASA National Amateur Cup titles and a 2018 UPSL National Championship.

Programs for every player, from age 3 to adult

What makes Bavarian United particularly valuable for North Shore families is its comprehensive pathway approach—children can start playing here as toddlers and continue through college recruitment and adult leagues. This continuity means families never need to club-hop as players develop.

First Touch Soccer School introduces players ages 3-8 to soccer fundamentals through age-appropriate play. Sessions run throughout the year at the main Glendale facility, with spring and summer options priced at $140 per session.

Recreational soccer serves players U6 through U15 with a commitment-friendly structure: one practice per week plus local weekend games. Teams are organized by school and friend requests, so children play alongside classmates. The $410 annual fee (early bird pricing before July 1) includes both fall and spring seasons, a complete uniform kit, and a "Friday Night Lights" game at the main stadium—giving every rec player the experience of playing under professional lighting.

Academy programming (U8-U10) bridges recreational and competitive soccer, offering twice-weekly practices with professional coaches. This level emphasizes skill development over winning, building technical foundations in a pressure-free environment at $1,075-1,175 annually.

Premier teams (U11-U19) provide high-level competitive play with three practices weekly, tournament travel, and tactical training from professional coaches. Tryouts are required, and fees range from $1,850-2,175 plus travel costs.

The most elite pathway is MLS Next—Bavarian United is one of only two Wisconsin clubs competing in this national-level program. MLS Next players (boys U13-U19) train four times weekly, compete against clubs nationwide, and cannot play high school soccer due to the program's demands. At $2,700 annually plus significant travel expenses, this pathway suits families committed to collegiate or professional development.

Adult players aren't forgotten: men's teams compete in the UPSL and Midwest Premier League, while the women's WPSL team offers pre-professional opportunities.

Heartland Value Fund Stadium

Amateur soccer clubs rarely own their own stadiums—Bavarian United is one of only a handful in America that does. The Heartland Value Fund Stadium at 700 W Lexington Blvd in Glendale features two lighted turf fields, ensuring practices and games happen regardless of weather. A $1.1 million renovation in 2014 brought the facility to professional standards.

What truly sets this location apart is the Bavarian Bierhaus, a 70-year-old restaurant and beer garden operating on-site. Parents can enjoy dinner (kids' menu available) or work remotely while children practice just steps away. The 3.4-acre Old Heidelberg Park features murals reminiscent of Munich beer halls and hosts Milwaukee's Original Oktoberfest—the longest-running celebration of its kind in the city.

Recreational and academy practices also use neighborhood fields throughout the North Shore, including River Park (Shorewood), Klode Park (Whitefish Bay), Cumberland, Richards, and Brown Deer Park. This distributed approach means younger players rarely travel far for routine practices.

The Bavarian Way: coaching for character

The club's coaching philosophy extends well beyond soccer tactics. The "Bavarian Way" emphasizes seven core values: humble, accountable, respectful, determined, honest, ambitious, and trustworthy. The mission statement centers on developing "intelligent soccer players who have the ability to solve problems the game presents with creativity, skill, speed, vision, and awareness."

At foundational levels, coaches prioritize fun and technical development over winning. "Training over winning" isn't just a slogan—it's embedded in how Academy coaches structure sessions, building love for the game before competitive pressure enters the picture. Even recreational teams receive professional coaching support, and small touches matter: players shake coaches' hands, instilling discipline through respect.

The approach produces results. Parent testimonials consistently cite the club's "strong coaches, curriculum and leadership with structure." Youth players regularly advance to state, regional, and national championships, while numerous athletes have committed to college programs. The connection runs deep—three coaches at Concordia University also coach for Bavarian, creating seamless pathways for serious players.

Perhaps the most notable alumnus is Bob Gansler, who played for and later coached the Bavarians before leading the U.S. Men's National Team at the 1990 FIFA World Cup—America's first World Cup appearance in 40 years. He's now in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Community roots across the North Shore

The 2021 merger explicitly expanded Bavarian United's commitment to North Shore families. The club now serves Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, Mequon, Milwaukee, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay—essentially blanketing the North Shore corridor with programming and field access.

Community engagement extends beyond soccer. The club hosts Milwaukee's Original Oktoberfest with free family-friendly events, live polka music every Friday and Saturday evening, and a dedicated children's midway. These traditions connect the club to its German-American heritage while creating gathering spaces for North Shore families.

Financial accessibility matters too. The Behre Scholarship and Player Fund provides assistance for families who need it, while the Nikolai James Hanson Soccer Scholarship—established in memory of a U9 player who passed away in 2024—ensures cost never prevents a child from playing. A $100 volunteer fee is fully refundable when families contribute four or more volunteer hours, whether coaching, managing concessions, photographing games, or helping with events.

The Friday Night Lights program deserves special mention: every recreational team plays one featured game at the main stadium under the lights, giving even the youngest players a taste of the professional atmosphere their club has offered for nearly a century.

Practical information for North Shore families

Location: 700 W Lexington Blvd, Glendale, WI 53217

Contact: (414) 964-0300 | info@bavarianunited.com | www.bavarianunited.com

Registration: Opens May 1 annually through the PlayMetrics platform. Early bird discounts ($20 savings) end July 1, and registering before July guarantees team placement. Financial aid applications are also due July 1. Registration closes August 15 for recreational programs.

Tryouts: Academy offers free Open Houses in June. Premier and MLS Next require tryouts ($25 registration fee), typically held in late spring.

Season Structure: Fall season runs September through November; winter training continues January through March (reduced frequency); spring season runs April through June. Summer camps and clinics fill the gaps, with options ranging from $140-325 depending on program length and intensity.

2026 Summer Soccer Camps: The club offers First Touch Soccer School (ages 3-8), NexGen Development Camps (U8-U15), general Summer Camps with half-day and full-day options, specialized Striker and Keeper Camps (U11-U19), and a Girls Pre-Season Camp (U8-U18). Early registration before May 22 saves 20%, with an additional 10% sibling discount available.

Key Staff Contacts:

• Steve Morris, Executive Director: steve.morris@bavarianunited.com

• Tom Zaiss, General Manager: tom.zaiss@bavarianunited.com

Conclusion

Bavarian United Soccer Club represents something increasingly rare in youth sports: an organization where children can begin their soccer journey at age three and continue through college recruitment without ever changing clubs. The combination of 97 years of tradition, nine national championships, professional-grade facilities with on-site family dining, and programming across every commitment level makes this North Shore institution uniquely positioned for families seeking both soccer excellence and community connection. Whether your child wants to play casually with school friends on Saturday mornings or dreams of competing nationally, Bavarian United offers a pathway—all while preserving the German-American heritage that gave Milwaukee its first soccer clubs nearly a century ago.