HISTORY

The Gladiator program was based on Dutch coaching methods with their emphasis on superior ball skills and attacking soccer. Many of the top area coaches became part of the program, and the program itself has enjoyed tremendous success.

John Hilske and Bob Glasser started the West Omaha Soccer Club in 1968 with six boys teams. Playing games at Trendwood Park, which later became the 'backyard' training ground of Jason Kreis, the club grew to over 100 teams and 1,600 players. During the 70's and early 80's West Omaha became the largest and most successful program in the state.

The Gladiator Soccer Club was founded in 1985, through the efforts of Mike Wadleigh, Ray Jansen and Doug Trenerry. It was Mike Wadleigh’s vision to provide Omaha area boys and girls with the coaching that would enable them to play in college. The original program started with 7 teams, 12,14,16,19 boys and 14, 16 19 girls.

In April of 2004, Gladiator Soccer Club and West Omaha Soccer Club formalized a long-standing relationship and merged into one club operating under a single Board of Directors and a Director of Coaching. The merged club hired John Keating as its first Director of Coaching to oversee programs, camps, training and education of its 1500 membership base. Read more about John>>

With the emphasis on player development, over a hundred girls and boys were able to reach their dream of playing college soccer. Several players went beyond the college level.

Click here for Gladiator alumni

Mission

The Gladiator Soccer Club is a family-oriented soccer club, emphasizing sportsmanship in fun and positive atmosphere. Gladiator Soccer exists to serve the recreational, accelerated and select (premier) soccer player in his or her quest for TOTAL player development. Our programs ensure that all children, no matter what level of competitiveness or financial condition, will find a safe, educational, and fun soccer experience.

 

Philosophy

The club strives to develop individual and team soccer skills, fitness, sportsmanship and character. Gladiator Soccer gives the kids of our community, ages U-4 through U-19, the finest soccer experience available. DEVELOPMENT is the key that forms the nucleus of our entire program. Combining your child’s passion for the game with licensed, certified coaches will maximize their experience and enjoyment. We feel so strongly about player development that our coaching staff goes through intensive and ongoing instruction. Gladiator Soccer has more USSF licensed/certified coaches than any other program in the state. We also have a full time, qualified Director of Coaching who oversees all of our programs, sets curriculum and focus for each age group, and identifies and mentors the next generation of coaches, The Matrix, that has given Gladiator Soccer Club the reputation for providing first-rate coaching for two decades. Our coaches help develop your child in four general areas:

• Technical Soccer Skills
• Tactical On-field Awareness
• Physical Conditioning
• Individual Character & Sportsmanship

As we develop children into complete soccer players, they naturally develop skills that help them become well-rounded individuals. They develop friendships through a positive and nurturing environment, as well as develop discipline and teamwork…qualities that will serve them well throughout their life.

Alumni

• Jason Kreis

  MLS All-Time Leading Scorer
  3 time All-American at Duke University,
  Currently plays for Real Salt Lake
  Dallas Burn, MLS MVP 1999
  US National Team
  
  Click here for bio

• Josh Bahr

  All-American Truman State, Div II

• Matt Hein

  All-American Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, Div II

• Kelly Lindsey

  Notre Dame
  US Women’s National Team
  WUSA Bay Area, San Jose

• Megan Anderson

  Nebraska
  US Women’s National Team (U20)
  WUSA Carolina

• Rebecca Hornbacher

  Nebraska
  WUSA New York, Boston
  Head coach Iowa State women

• Chris Kranjc

  Head coach Hastings men

• Aaron Champenoy

  Head coach Bellevue University men

• Rob Herringer

  Head coach Benedictine coach men

• Tim Bennett

  Head coach North Dakota University women

Even though the emphasis was on player development, the result was unparalleled success in state cup.
Gladiator soccer teams have won over a hundred state championships in twenty years.