Forward Madison FC Academy
Overview
Forward Madison FC Academy is the youth development arm of Forward Madison FC, a USL League One professional club based in Madison, WI. The academy joined mls-next’s new competition tier (Tier 2) in September 2025, marking a significant step in building a professional-to-youth pathway in the Madison market. In May 2025, SC Wave Madison transitioned its players, coaches, and facilities (Reindahl Park) to Forward Madison FC.
Teams & Players
MLS NEXT teams for boys. Girls program planned for launch no later than Fall 2026. Team counts and total players unknown — the program is nascent.
League Affiliations
- mls-next Tier 2 (boys, joined September 2025)
Partner Club Network
Forward Madison FC has built a strategic partner club ecosystem with six local youth organizations:
- Capital East Soccer Club
- Oregon SC
- Sun Prairie SC
- Waunakee Area SC
- Sonic SC
- McFarland SC
The partnership includes:
- Development Centers — Elite training for top players from partner clubs, led by FMFC professional coaching staff
- Coaches Training Center — FMFC staff delivers curriculum at partner club locations (2x fall, 2x winter/spring)
- Select Teams — Partner clubs form select teams for regional/national league competition
Facilities
Training at Reindahl Park (assumed from SC Wave Madison transition, pending City of Madison approval). Professional staff access through Forward Madison FC.
Leadership
Leadership names need research. Kevin Flores signed on academy contract for 2026 season (goalkeeper), demonstrating the youth-to-pro pathway is operational.
Competitive Position
The academy is the newest entrant in the Madison soccer landscape, but backed by a professional club’s resources and brand. Competes with madison-56ers for Madison-area players. The absorption of SC Wave Madison players gives it an instant base. The partner club model creates a broad feeder network across the greater Madison area.
SYNRGY Relevance
Forward Madison FC’s youth academy build-out represents an emerging platform play in Madison. The professional club affiliation, MLS NEXT membership, and six-club partner network create infrastructure that could be valuable. However, the program is very early-stage. Could be a partnership target rather than acquisition target. Worth monitoring the girls program launch (2026) and whether they pursue girls-academy or ecnl membership.
Open Questions
- What is the ownership structure of Forward Madison FC? Who are the investors?
- Revenue model for the academy — what do families pay?
- How many players transitioned from SC Wave Madison?
- Will they pursue GA or ECNL membership for girls?
- What is the long-term facility plan?