Wake FC was founded in 2012 by a group of local soccer leaders in Wake County, North Carolina, with the goal of providing a community- and character-driven development pathway from youth to competitive soccer. [3]
Expansion into Semi-Professional Play
In April 2018, the club announced the launch of semi-professional teams in both men’s and women’s divisions. Their aim was to integrate the youth academy into higher-level competition by adding senior teams that could compete in national leagues. [4]
Men’s – USL League Two
The men’s team debuted in **USL League Two** (formerly the PDL) during the 2019 season. [5] USL League Two is a top-level pre-professional summer league for U-23 players, including college athletes. It was rebranded from the Premier Development League in 2019—the same year Wake FC joined—emphasizing elite talent and serving as a key entry point to professional ranks. [6]
According to PDL/USL2 staff coverage: > “Wake FC began its inaugural season in USL League Two in 2019 and revealed its logo ahead of their first match on May 11” against NC Fusion U‑23. [4]
Wake FC competes in the South Atlantic Division alongside other regional clubs. Their current standings (2019–2024) are available in the season-by-season section.
Women’s – USL W League
Wake FC added a women’s team in **August 2021**, joining the newly announced **USL W League**, and began play in its inaugural 2022 season. [7]
The USL W League is a pre-professional league for women, designed to build a pathway to NCAA and professional play. Wake FC was the second club from North Carolina to join when it launched. [8]
From the USL site: > “Wake FC was the second club to join the W League out of North Carolina and have competed … since their inaugural season in 2022.” [8]
