West Des Moines Soccer Club
Iowa
Soccer Club
Established in 1986, West Des Moines Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization proudly serving the community. The club offers an integrated player pathway for players of all ability levels aged three years old to 19 years old. Operating out of two soccer facilities in West Des Moines, the club expertly serves its players, families, and communities.
WEST DES MOINES SOCCER CLUB OVERVIEW
West Des Moines Soccer Club: Person First, Player Second
"Since 1986, West Des Moines Soccer Club has been a cornerstone of the Iowa youth soccer community. We focus on relationships, character development, and high standards to ignite a love for the game and develop responsible citizens."
A Complete Player Pathway
West Des Moines Soccer Club (WDMSC) provides a seamless developmental journey for athletes in the Des Moines Metro, offering everything from first touches to elite professional pathways.
Discovery Program (4U-8U): The club's foundation, using fun and age-appropriate activities to introduce toddlers and young children to the ball while fostering an early love for the game.
Academy (9U-10U): A professional "bridge" program designed to transition players from recreational play to competitive soccer. It emphasizes advanced technical skills without the pressure of full-scale travel.
Recreational (9U-19U): A volunteer-driven program that prioritizes fun, fitness, and sportsmanship. It allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game with friends in a lower-pressure environment throughout their teenage years.
Elite Pathway (Sporting Iowa): Through a strategic partnership with Johnston/Urbandale Soccer Club, WDMSC forms Sporting Iowa. This elite tier provides 11U-19U players access to the ECNL, ECNL Regional League, and a direct link to a professional academy network.
The WDMSC Advantage
Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, WDMSC combines a deep-rooted community feel with the resources of a Major League Soccer affiliate.
MLS Professional Affiliation: As an official Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, WDMSC offers a tangible route to the professional level. Players gain access to a pro curriculum, scouting networks, and elite competition platforms.
"Person First" Philosophy: The club operates under the motto: "We develop the PERSON, and then the PLAYER." Character building, integrity, and resilience are integrated into every training session.
Premier Facilities: The club operates out of Hidden Valley and Raccoon River soccer complexes, providing some of the finest natural grass playing surfaces in the Midwest for both training and matches.
Inclusive Community: With guaranteed playing time in recreational leagues and high-performance elite teams, the club ensures that every player — regardless of their aspirations — has a home.
Mission and Values
Established in 1986, WDMSC is dedicated to accessibility and excellence. The club believes that teaching teamwork and integrity through soccer is the best way to shape responsible citizens who contribute positively to their community.
Our Commitment: To provide a professionally structured environment that encourages every player to achieve their highest potential while maintaining a lifelong passion for the game.
Connect With WDMSC
Stay updated on registration, field status, and community events through their official channels:
Website: www.wdmsc.org
Facebook: West Des Moines Soccer Club
Instagram: @wdmsoccerclub
X (Twitter): @wdmsc
WEST DES MOINES SOCCER CLUB FAST FACTS
CATEGORY | DETAILS |
Founded | 1986 |
Headquarters | West Des Moines, IA |
Service Area | West Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Metro Area |
Status | 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization |
Total Players | ~1,000 annually |
Affiliations | US Club Soccer, US Soccer Federation, Club Development League of Iowa (CDL), Sporting Kansas City Academy Affiliate |
Club Colors | 🔴 Red, 🔵 Blue, ⚪ White |
Programs | Early Development: Discovery Program (4U-8U) Youth: Academy (9U-10U), Recreational (9U-19U) Elite Pathway: Sporting Iowa Select (11U-19U), ECNL & ECNL-RL Specialized: Discovery Training, Winter/Summer Camps |
Key Distinction | An official Academy Affiliate of Sporting Kansas City (MLS), providing players with a direct professional development pathway while maintaining a robust local recreational program. |
WEST DES MOINES SOCCER CLUB TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS
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West Des Moines Soccer Club | 9U-19U Recreational Program
Fun, Learning, and Player Development
The West Des Moines Soccer Club (WDMSC) offers a comprehensive Recreational Program for players born between 2007 and 2017. Whether a child is new to the sport or has played for years, this program focuses on fun and learning in a supportive environment. Teams are formed to include all skill levels, ensuring a balanced experience where the priority is developing the person first, then the player.
Program Key Features:
Guaranteed Playing Time: Every player is guaranteed to play at least 50% of each game.
Volunteer Coaching: Teams are led by volunteer coaches who receive guidance and support from WDMSC’s professional coaching staff.
Facilities: Home games are hosted at the Raccoon River or Hidden Valley soccer complexes.
Season Structure:
Practices: Teams hold 1–2 training sessions per week (Mon-Fri) at 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM, determined by the volunteer coach.
Games: The season consists of approximately 7 league games played against other local clubs in the Des Moines metro area.
Game Format:
9U-10U: 7v7 format | Games typically Sat (Girls) or Sun (Boys/Coed)
11U-12U: 9v9 format | Games typically Sundays
13U-19U: 7v7 (Small-Sided) format | Games typically Sat (13U-14U) or Sun (15U-19U)
Note: 16U-19U age groups are typically not available in the spring season.
Registration & Pricing:
9U-10U: $140/season
11U-12U: $150/season
13U-19U: $160/season (A $25 late fee applies to registrations submitted after the deadline. All programs incur a 10% non-refundable administration fee.)
Registration Information Registration is currently open for the upcoming season. Parents can sign up their players through the WDMSC website to join a team for the Spring or Fall.