Michiana Echo Premier and Junior Irish Soccer Club have officially agreed to merge and align with Northern Indiana Football Club, forming a unified youth development platform beginning with the 2026–2027 season.

The newly formed youth organization will be known as the Northern Indiana Football Club (NIFC) Academy, creating a direct developmental connection to Northern Indiana FC’s USL program and establishing a clearer, more competitive pathway for players across the region.

Omar Gallo and Nick Swaim, club leadership, emphasized the significance of the moment. “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.”

Notre Dame Head Men’s Soccer Coach Chad Riley and Notre Dame Head Women’s Soccer Coach Nate Norman said this is a historic merger between the two clubs.

“This partnership, now aligned with Northern Indiana Football Club to launch the NIFC Academy for the 2026–27 season, has the potential to truly redefine the soccer landscape in our region. The timing feels right, largely because of the leadership involved. We believe this merger will strengthen our soccer community and provide an exceptional environment for players to grow both on and off the field.”

Families will receive ongoing communication directly from their current clubs throughout the transition process. A formal press conference will be announced in the coming weeks to update the community.