Aurora Lands Pre-Professional Soccer Franchise With River Light FC

AURORA, IL — For more than three years now, Chad Swieca has wanted to bring a new level of soccer to the Aurora and Fox Valley Area.

Swieca, a former Kaneland High School soccer standout who went on to play college soccer at Wheaton College, wanted to bring something to the region where local players could begin a possible path to professional soccer.

On Monday, USL 2, a pre-professional soccer league with teams around the country, announced that River Light FC, an Aurora-based club, will debut in the league for the 2024 season. The club will have entries into the USL 2 and USL W, the league’s women’s division, the league announced in a news release.

"We are excited to join the premier pre-professional soccer leagues in the United States,” Charles Latshaw III, sporting director for River Light FC, said in a news release. “Our intention is to provide the best environment at the level for both players and fans within Chicagoland. We expect to compete from day one and look forward to showcasing the talent we have in this community.”

The league showcases young talent and allows players to train and compete at an elite level while still maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The club’s mission is to create a culture of excellence with a professional environment for players to reach their dreams in, the team officials said in a news release.

The aim is to be competitive within the leagues to give players the chance to play against the highest-level competition possible.

“Ever since moving back to Kane County three years ago, I have wanted to bring something to this area for soccer,” Swieca, the team’s president said in a statement released by the club. “Now that is finally happening, having the best possible coaches, operations staff, and recruiters at this level ensures we are going to compete. This is going to be a really exciting club to be around, and I fully expect the fans and the people of Kane County to feel our presence.”

The team will hold three sets of tryouts for area players with the first coming on Nov. 20. Future tryouts, for both of the club’s teams, will be held on Dec. 29 and Jan. 6, as the team looks to build out its roster for the first year in the league.

“We want to build a winning culture, both on and off the field, representing our community with pride,” River Light FC General Manager Heather Bickerton said. “With a commitment to excellence, we aim to unite fans, inspire the next generation of soccer players, and make a lasting impact in the Fox Valley area.”