History

In Fall 1978, the first travel team was created with boys born in 1969. Gary Hyatt was the team’s coach; in Spring 1979, a second team was created. The teams played under the West Chester Soccer banner (club colors were green and white).

1982: Multiple travel teams were formed for boys and girls. The girls teams played in the Tri-County Soccer League, while the boys played in the Delco Soccer League. The club grew steadily, the youth programs expanded into the middle school and high school ages. The club patch was a bit primitive by today’s standard, oblong in shape and featuring a canon.

As WCUSC continued to grow, a small but dedicated set of volunteer leaders kept the early club heading forward. Most notable were Jack Shapiro, Betty Moore, Mike Barkasy, and Tony Pizzi. The articles of incorporation were completed in 1981.

To avoid competing for the same players, and to strengthen the quality of all teams, WCS and the West Chester Suburban Soccer Club merged to form the West Chester United Soccer Club in 1985 (although the articles of incorporation weren’t completed until 1988). Jack Shapiro was elected president and Rick Silva was elected vice president. The newly formed club selected black and silver as their colors, and developed a new patch/emblem featuring a two-headed eagle (signifying the merger of WCSC and Suburban). Fred Valentino succeeded Jack Shapiro as president in 1988.

During the early 1990’s WCUSC teams started placing multiple players into college soccer programs. The WCUSC Knights were one of these teams placing 10 Division 1 college players and three professional players, including the club’s first MLS and US Men’s National Team player, Jeff Larentowicz.

WCUSC Predators ‘87 Girls team coached by Lee Martin were one of our most successful girls teams winning five state cups 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007; the majority of the roster went on to play collegiate soccer with several players progressing to the professional ranks (including Jill Hutchinson, Becky Edwards, Mallori Malachi, & Maura Ryan)

As soccer grew in West Chester, so did the space needed to meet the demand. The West Chester Area School District has been an outstanding partner for many years. However, it soon became clear that the club needed additional fields. Through the leadership and tireless efforts of Mike Hazley and Derald Hay significant progress was made. The club signed a long-term lease with Mr Delacy, owner of a multiple-acre parcel of land near the Brandywine Creek. Five beautiful game and practice fields, along with parking, were built.

A second, even larger soccer complex was developed in Thornbury Township. Under a long-term lease with the township, the soccer park along Rte 926 became a reality. The soccer complex contains five full size fields, three smaller fields for the younger age groups, ample parking lots, and a functional club house. The club owes a debt of gratitude to Mike Hazley and Derald Hay for their contributions to WCUSC, and to the township leadership of Chuck Wilson and Mahlon Rossiter.

In the 2000's, Damon Nolan was instrumental in his role as Executive Director creating a more professional player development environment - managing the organization for several years. During that time Damon and the Board of Directors led a major capital campaign to install an all-weather synthetic turf soccer field at the WCASA complex. The turf field enables year-round play for players of all ages. During the winter of 2007 both Mark Thomas and Tino Mueller were hired as Directors of Coaching & Programs. Under their leadership the club has developed into a true 'full service' soccer club with a variety of supplemtary programs and events. With a focus on coaching and programming excellence; the club has gained a reputation for professionalism and quality.