While top-tier soccer talent often emerges in the most unexpected of places, many young athletes face insurmountable challenges in realizing their dreams–especially those who strive to make it to the professional level. Whether they were overlooked in the traditional scouting process or could not afford elite training programs, players who seek to play professionally but face additional barriers find support and hope in Sueño FC.
Co-Founded by Matt Pearson, former Director of Scouting at Chicago Fire FC, Sueño FC’s vision is to redefine how young talent is nurtured. “I saw a lot of flaws in the way players were released,” Pearson explains. “Too many times, it’s not been the top players at youth level that go on to make it in the professional game.” In reflecting on his experiences, Pearson realized a need to develop young athletes and provide pathways for players to achieve success. Based in Joliet, Illinois, Sueño FC positions itself as a club for players of all backgrounds and provides them with the training, tools, and resources to get another chance–or, perhaps the first real chance–to achieve their dreams. Fitting, as “Sueño” translated to English means “dream.”
Sueño FC competes in the USL League Two and offers rigorous training, excellent exposure, and a path to international competition. The organization’s success stories are a testament to success and impact. Diego Velazquez earned a spot in FK Pardubice in the Czech Republic after a Sueño FC training camp. Abraham Horta landed at Puebla FC in Mexico; and Michael Flores, after being released from Chicago Fire II, found his footing at UDS Salamanca in Spain. Joel Ineh and Parker Amoo-Mensah, both released from Chicago Fire’s academy, flourished under Sueño FC’s guidance, moving on to play for FC Cincinnati and Orlando City, respectively.
In removing financial and systemic barriers, Sueño FC echoes ACCESS U’s mission–a point underscored by the presence of ACCESS U’s logo on Sueño FC jerseys, as the team’s sponsor. Together, the two organizations cultivate a generation of resilient, capable, and driven individuals who are set to succeed on both the pitch and in life. In identifying the right talent and providing the right level of support, Sueño FC is turning potential into tangible opportunities, thus investing in a brighter, more equitable future for soccer players, teams, and fans.
