Since 1956
Who We Are
Teamwork
Foster an inclusive environment in pursuit of a common goal.
Sportsmanship
Conduct ourselves in a fair and respectful manner at all times.
Dedication
Provide an atmosphere that inspires commitment and continuous improvement.
Excellence
Deliver a quality experience to all club members.
Mission & Philosophy
Run by Members, for Members
Founded in 1956, the Madison 56ers Soccer Club has been an integral part of the competitive Wisconsin soccer community for over 65 years. Our mission is to enable our members to maximize their soccer potential while promoting positive values and fostering a community centered around a passion for the game.
The club’s professional and dedicated coaching staff ensures our athletes understand the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication while achieving excellence. From developmental teams as young as U11 through U19, Madison 56ers offers programming to address players’ needs at all levels.
The Madison 56ers is a non-profit organization rooted in community. We place an emphasis on an inclusive and positive club culture, resulting in strong friendships between teammates and club members. Club operations are run by our members, for our members.
Our History
Founded in Madison,
Competing Nationally
The Madison 56ers trace their roots to 1956, when a group of soccer enthusiasts decided to stop traveling to Milwaukee and form a local club. The team finished second in the State First Division that very first season and won the state championship in 1958.
Over the decades, the 56ers helped establish youth soccer, high school soccer, and collegiate soccer throughout the Madison area. In 1985, the club was legally incorporated under its popular nickname, the 56ers.
Today, the club is among the most respected youth soccer organizations in the region, competing in national leagues and home to one of the first Girls Academy programs in Wisconsin.
1956
Club founded as Madison Soccer Club 1956. The team remained the only soccer organization in the region for eight years.
1958
Madison Soccer Club won its first Wisconsin State Championship.
1966
Klaus Feller in collaboration with Jack Heiden and Bill Reddan, early members of the Madison Soccer Club, founded the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association in 1966.
1970
56ers President Ronald Holzhueter, a teacher at Madison Memorial High School, started the Madison 4-Lakes High School Soccer Program, which later led to varsity high school soccer in Madison.
1974
First Women's team was formed. At that time only one other women’s team existed in Madison, but by 1979, a six-team league was formed in Madison.
1985
Over the years, the club had become known more by its birthday, “The 56ers,” than by its official name. In 1985, when the Club was legally incorporated, the official name of the club became the Madison 56ers Soccer Club.
A Piece of 56ers History
This original game ball, signed by Keith Binns (England), Bill Reddan (USA), Roy Sorenson (Norway), Karl Mickelson (Finland), and others who helped shape the early years of the Madison 56ers, represents an important piece of our club's history. More than just a soccer ball, it serves as a reminder of the people, passion, and commitment that helped build the foundation of the club we know today. As we celebrate 70 years of Madison 56ers soccer, we are proud to preserve and share pieces of our history like this one.
How the Club Has Evolved
From a Local Club to a Complete Development Environment
As Madison 56ers grew, so did its standards. Coaching licensing requirements rose, competitive programming expanded, and the club began fielding teams across a broader range of ages and competition levels.
That evolution also includes owning and operating an indoor training facility — a resource that lets teams train consistently through Wisconsin winters instead of pausing for the season. It's one part of a larger organization built to support players year after year, not just team by team.
Club News
The 56er Story
Explore the people, milestones, and moments that have shaped Madison 56ers and our place in the local soccer community.
Go Deeper
Explore More of the Club
Player Development
See how Madison 56ers structures technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth for every player.
Coaching Staff
Meet the licensed coaches and development staff who lead teams throughout the club.
Our Facility
Learn about the club-owned indoor facility that supports training year-round.