Cottleville, MO, March 8, 2024 - Cottleville United, a youth soccer club for boys and girls, is making waves in the St. Louis soccer community with its unique approach to player development and establishing its niche in this historic and competitive soccer market.

Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Neal Buschmann, had this to say: “In the talent-rich St. Louis soccer community, we recognize our unique position in developing players. Yes we compete against larger clubs on the field and thrive, but when it comes to the most competitive platforms in the United States as youth players reach the 11v11 level, our aim is to forge strategic partnerships with them. These partnerships are for our players that have aspirations to play on the most competitive youth platforms in the United States. Our goal is to help our players and their families choose the best path for them and their objectives in the game of soccer. To be clear, Cottleville United offers competitive programs for players at all ages, but we recognize certain players are seeking the pinnacle of nation-wide competition and only a few clubs in St. Louis possess the resources to meet those aspirations. We feel this is the best of both worlds to be able to offer competitive programs for all ages, while having this unique player development pathway for our top 5-10% of players. This has already proven to be successful, with Cottleville United alumni currently excelling with top Academy teams in St. Louis. Where our club truly shines is in the younger years of developement. Our unparalleled coach-to-player ratio ensures personalized attention, with genuine 1:1 training opportunities at these crucial developmental ages. Our success is evident in both our player retention rates and our achievements in local leagues like SCCYSA and SLYSA. Our overarching goal is to offer an affordable yet highly developmental curriculum, and we believe our track record speaks for itself. We view ourselves as the starting point for players that are striving to reach St. Louis CITY SC’s academy level and beyond.”

Cottleville United is led by Neal Buschmann who serves as Director of Operations, Kevin Hill, Director of Marketing & Communications, Brian Higgins, Girls Director, and JB Beckmann, Co-Founder and Boys Director. All four are lifelong residents of Cottleville/St. Charles. In addition, the club’s team coaches have extensive experience playing and coaching at every level of competitive soccer.

Cottleville United prides itself on being “Mes Que Un Club” – it's a homegrown movement dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth right here in the community. With the new state-of-the-art Cottleville City Fields being completed, we now have an unparalleled training facility to further help nurture our players' development right in our own backyard.

Key Points:

Community-Centric Focus: At Cottleville United, we prioritize community over commerce. We're not just another soccer club; we're your neighbors, your friends, and your local supporters. We believe in investing in our community and providing a nurturing environment for young players to thrive.

Quality Over Quantity: Cottleville United is committed to quality player development. We understand that success isn't measured by the size of our roster but by the growth and progress of each individual player. Every member of our club receives personalized attention and support to help them reach their full potential.

Local Roots, Global Vision: While we may be a smaller club in terms of resources, our aspirations are anything but small. Cottleville United aims to make a big impact not only in our local community but also in the broader soccer landscape. We believe that by clearly defining our niche, other clubs in other markets will recognize this model as the most important step in a youth player’s journey.

Experienced Coaching Staff: Our dedicated coaching staff brings years of experience and expertise to the pitch. From grassroots development to advanced training, our coaches are passionate about helping players grow both as athletes and individuals. At Cottleville United, you're not just a player – you're part of a supportive team committed to your success.

Player-Centered Approach: At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to putting players first. Whether it's providing top-notch training facilities, organizing community events, or offering mentorship programs, Cottleville United is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every player can thrive.

Additional context from Director of Marketing & Communications, Kevin Hill: "We firmly believe that by carving out this distinctive niche in the St. Louis area, we are not only enriching the local soccer landscape but also advancing our proud tradition of nurturing talent that transcends to higher echelons of the sport. Through this focused approach, we aim to provide every aspiring player in our community with a nurturing home where they can grow and thrive, setting the stage for their journey towards elite levels of competition. At Cottleville United, we are committed to building a legacy of excellence while fostering a sense of belonging for all local players."

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Kevin Hill

Director of Marketing & Communications

E: cottlevilleunited@gmail.com

About Cottleville United:

Cottleville United is a youth soccer club based in Cottleville, St. Charles County, Missouri. With a focus on community engagement and player development, Cottleville United aims to provide a nurturing environment for young players to grow and succeed both on and off the field.