Lake Wales Soccer Club
A rich history...and bright future!
Our History
Lake Wales Soccer Club (Lake Wales SC) is a proud member of the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), serving nearly 1,000 players annually, ages 3 through 14.
Our story began in 2004 with the formation of Ridge Soccer Association. At the time, Lake Wales players competing in the Bartow Peace River League did not have a place to host home games. A dedicated group of community leaders came together to change that — creating an opportunity for local children to play, grow, and compete right here at home.
In our very first season, more than 230 players participated. While early matches were played at East Central Park in Dundee, three hurricanes and county park closures forced games to temporarily relocate to McLaughlin Middle School and Webber International University. Despite these early challenges, the foundation of the club was strong and resilient.
The inaugural Board of Directors — Robbie Shields (President), Tony Mathewson (Vice President), Andrew Hunt (Treasurer), Robert Kirkner (Secretary), Terri Turnbull (Referee Assignor), Jack Dykxhoorn, Jerry Miller, and Butch Nichols — worked alongside city and county partners to pursue an even bigger vision: a dedicated soccer complex for Lake Wales.
Through a $200,000 FRDAP state grant, $400,000 from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, generous in-kind donations from local business leaders, and a 20-acre land donation from Feltrim Developments, that vision became reality. Groundbreaking for the complex took place on June 21, 2005, and the facility officially opened on August 16, 2008.
Since day one, the City of Lake Wales has faithfully maintained the fields, and the Breakfast Rotary of Lake Wales helped fundraise for the concession building — continued proof that this club was built by the community, for the community.
Over the years, LWSC teams have consistently placed at or near the top across multiple age groups in county-wide end-of-season tournaments — a testament to the commitment of our players, coaches, and families. While we take pride in competitive success, our greatest achievement is building confident young athletes and a strong soccer culture that represents Lake Wales with character and pride.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, our focus remains clear: strengthen our recreational foundation, elevate our competitive pathways, and expand opportunities for every player who wears the LWSC crest. With nearly 1,000 players participating annually and new program enhancements on the horizon, the future of Lake Wales Soccer Club is brighter than ever.
Facillty and programming enhancements are slated for Summer and Fall 2026. Including a $250,000 facility upgrade through the generosity of the City of Lake Wales and the State of Florida (again through the FRDAP program), as well as the inception of the Lake Wales SC Academy program which is designed to enhange the recreation experience by provideing higher level training and development opportunities for those who desire a little bit more!
