The Spring Creek Sports Complex in Altoona recently hosted 140 teams representing 34 clubs for the 2025 Iowa League America Festival, an event that has long stood as a cornerstone of the recreational soccer landscape across the state. Organized by Iowa Soccer Association and hosted by Spring Creek Football Club, the festival marked another successful year of highlighting the importance of grassroots soccer.
Iowa League America Festival – Boys Championship Matches
- 9U Boys Recreation: J-Hawk SC 9UB (Champion), Newton Lightning (Finalist)
- 9U Boys Academy Blue: Apex 9UB Storm (Champion), IST Academy B9 (Finalist)
- 9U Boys Academy Green: DMSC 2016 Boys Red (Champion), Apex 9UB Palmas (Finalist)
- 10U Boys Recreation Blue: MCSC U10B Red (Champion), NISC 10U Boys (Finalist)
- 10U Boys Recreation Green: Winterset Huskies (Champion), FC United 10UB (Finalist)
- 10U Boys Academy Blue: Iowa United FC 10UB Red (Champion), Bondurant U10 Boys (Finalist)
- 10U Boys Academy Green: Gilbert U10 Black (Champion), Ames Orlando City (Finalist)
- 11U Boys Blue: Ames 11U Boys Yellow (Champion), SCFC Lightning Bolts (Finalist)
- 11U Boys Green: NISC 11U Boys (Champion), Dowling Soccer Club 11U White (Finalist)
- 12U Boys Blue: 12U Ballard (Champion), Gilbert U12 (Finalist)
- 12U Boys Green: NISC 12U Boys (Champion), Newton Blazing Warriors (Finalist)
- 13U Boys: Gilbert U13BA (Champion), Ames 13/14U Boys Yellow (Finalist)
- 14U Boys: North Central Strykers U13/U14 Boys (Champion), ADM Tigers (Finalist)
Iowa League America Festival – Girls Championship Matches
- 9U Girls Recreation: North Polk United GPS (Champion), FC United 9UG (Finalist)
- 9U Girls Academy: DMSC 2016 Girls Red (Champion), Apex 9UG Reign (Finalist)
- 10U Girls Recreation Blue: Stormin Strikers (Champion), NISC 10U Girls (Finalist)
- 10U Girls Recreation Green: ADM Tigers (Champion), Gilbert U10GC (Finalist)
- 10U Girls Academy Blue: Iowa United FC 10UG (Champion), DCG Academy U9/U10 Girls Black (Finalist)
- 10U Girls Academy Green: UFA 2015/16 Girls (Champion), FC United 10UG (Finalist)
- 11U Girls: Ames 11U Girls (Champion), Nevada FC (Finalist)
- 12U Girls Blue: Ames 12U Girls Yellow (Champion), Bondurant Soccer Club G12 Blue (Finalist)
- 12U Girls Green: Nevada 12U Girls (Champion), Winterset (Finalist)
- 14U Girls: ADM Tigers (Champion), Mahaska County Soccer Club Bolts (Finalist)
A Tradition of Purposeful Play
Since 1992, the Iowa League America Festival has offered a competitive yet accessible environment for players aged 8U to 14/15U. In addition to the exciting play on the field, a heavy emphasis is placed on creating a positive experience that reinforces teamwork, learning and an overall enjoyment of the sport. Games were structured by age group, with formats ranging from 4v4 to full-sided 11v11, ensuring an age-appropriate and developmentally supportive atmosphere throughout the weekend.
“The League America Festival is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of community and connection,” said Craig Winger, Chief Member Services Officer at Iowa Soccer Association. “With over 30 communities from across Iowa coming together, LAF provides one of the best backdrops for our members to engage with like-minded soccer enthusiasts, build relationships and create memories that last far beyond the final whistle. These connections are what move the game—and all of us—forward, year after year.”
Expanding Horizons, One Match at a Time
One of the festival’s unique values is the opportunity it provides for players and teams to meet new competition outside their regular league schedules. This year’s matchups brought together a diverse mix of teams from across the state, promoting not just friendly competition but broader connections among Iowa’s recreational soccer community.
“We took an all hands on deck approach to the League America Festival, and the entire Iowa Soccer Association staff served in a variety of capacities to facilitate a positive atmosphere,” said Mike Wilson, Member Services Program Director at Iowa Soccer Association. “We thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to serve our membership and take pride in MAKING SOCCER HAPPEN in Iowa.”
A Festival That Reflects the Game’s Spirit
The League America Festival captures the essence of youth sports, including the gathering of families, coaches and volunteers who champion the game for all the right reasons. The venue buzzed with activity, from the sidelines filled with cheering supporters to vendor booths and interactive areas that added to the community atmosphere. Importantly, all participating coaches also adhered to Iowa Soccer’s Risk Management Standards, reinforcing a commitment to safety and quality.
“The League America Festival is soccer at its best where a festive, yet safe, environment is created that puts the focus on the kids playing soccer for the smiles it creates,” said Dan Cataldi, Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Soccer Association. “Every game had referee coverage, parents were supportive and cheered loudly, and coaches let the kids have fun with positive reinforcement. It is a weekend we all look forward to because it is just so much fun to see the joy that the sport brings to so many!
A Weekend to Remember
As the League America Festival came to a close, it was clear that its impact extends far beyond the final whistle. For some players and families, it marked their introduction to competitive play in a structured setting. For others, it was a reminder of why soccer continues to be such a powerful connector. In every match, every sideline moment and every celebration, the festival reinforced its core purpose of championing recreational soccer and creating an environment where players of all backgrounds feel welcomed, encouraged and eager to return to the field.
“I can’t tell you enough how impactful it is for kids and parents alike to be around the event and experience soccer in that environment,” said Kirk Beaubien of North Central Strykers SC.
Official event apparel is currently available for the League America Festival, courtesy of Fine Designs. To learn more about the League America Festival, check out its official page on our website.
To contact the Iowa Soccer Association, please call (515) 252-6363 or email admin@iowasoccer.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!