NORTHERN INDIANA -- The Michiana Echo Premier and Junior Irish Soccer Club have agreed to merge with the Northern Indiana Football Club to form a unified youth development platform for the 2026-2027 season.

The new organization will be known as the Northern Indiana Football Club (NIFC) Academy which will create a direct developmental connection to Northern Indiana FC's USL program and establish a clearer, more competitive pathway for players across the region.

Club leaders, Omar Gallo and Nick Swaim, said, "The creation of Northern Indiana Football Club Academy is monumental for our community. This alignment allows us to provide top-level opportunities close to home while delivering an outstanding experience for every player. Echo Premier and Junior Irish have built strong, respected programs, and by uniting as Northern Indiana FC Academy, we’re raising the standard of youth soccer in Northern Indiana, developing not just better players, but better people.”

Families will receive ongoing communication from their current clubs throughout the merger transition process.

More information can be learned here.