In 1974, Englishman Peter Richardson immigrated to the United States with his wife and three young sons. As a semi-professional soccer player back in England, Peter was struck by the lack of soccer culture in America. "Growing up, soccer was everything," Richardson recalls. "We played before school, during lunch, after class—any chance we got. It was our way of life." Determined to instill the same love of the game in his children, Richardson set out to bring soccer to America. 

This passion culminated in the creation of the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL) in 1975. Initially formed to provide a handful of local athletes with a place to play, the league’s innovative approach and commitment to player development quickly set it apart. By empowering clubs to operate without excessive bureaucracy and embracing progressive methodologies from around the world, the NISL evolved into one of the largest and most prestigious soccer leagues in the United States. Today, it boasts over 12,000 players, 800 teams, and 120+ clubs. 

In 2003, the NISL launched the Premier League, revolutionizing soccer in the Midwest. By centralizing elite competition and minimizing the need for long travel and costly tournaments, it became a magnet for top-tier talent and scouts. This visionary step cemented the league’s reputation as a breeding ground for collegiate and national-level players. 

But the story of Soccer Enterprises, Inc. is not only about leagues; it's also about creating spaces where the game thrives. 

In 1984, Peter Richardson acquired Soccer City Palatine, an indoor soccer complex that redefined the sports facility experience. Soccer City wasn’t just a place to play—it was a hub for the soccer community. With three state-of-the-art indoor turf fields, a full-service bar and concessions, and corporate offices, it became a premier destination for players and fans alike. Soccer City embodied Richardson’s vision of making soccer accessible and integral to the community’s culture. 

Two years later, in 1986, Richardson took another bold step with the founding of Sockers FC Chicago, a youth soccer club with a mission to develop players of the highest caliber. Sockers FC Chicago has a proud history of producing athletes who have gone on to achieve success at every level, from playing in FIFA World Cups and representing the U.S. National Team to competing in top professional leagues worldwide, including Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). 

The club’s vision has always been to serve as a launching pad for young players, fostering both their athletic and personal growth. Through a holistic approach, Sockers FC emphasizes not just technical skills but also life lessons in commitment, discipline, perseverance, and respect. 

As Richardson often notes, soccer is a sport that connects people from all walks of life. "With so many immigrants coming to America, soccer became a common language—a game that could be played by anyone, anywhere, without much expense." Over the decades, globalization, cable television, and the Internet have propelled soccer’s popularity in the United States, though it remains most beloved among youth. 

Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, Richardson remarks, "Soccer today is more structured and organized than it was in my youth. But the heart of the game—its ability to bring people together and inspire passion—remains unchanged." 

From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its influential role today, Soccer Enterprises, Inc. continues to lead the charge in growing the beautiful game across the Midwest and beyond. With a rich legacy of innovation, community building, and player development, SEI is not just part of soccer’s history—it’s shaping its future.