While Louisville’s program was growing, so was the interest in the local club and high school soccer scene around the region. A former assistant for the Cardinals prior to Lolla’s arrival, Dale Helfrich has seen that growth first-hand as the Head Coach at Trinity High School, which alongside programs like recently-crowned state champion St. Xavier has made Louisville one of the stronger areas for high school soccer in the state.

With a second generation now playing the game competitively across the city, Louisville City FC’s arrival provided something that the broader community could rally around.

“There were great youth soccer clubs, there’s been high school programs, of course not just [University of Louisville] but Bellarmine University, they made it to their conference championship this past Sunday as well and lost on penalty kicks, but as far as climbing the ladder and getting the area to the next step that looked like the logical piece,” said Helfrich. “I think a lot of it is more kids are playing now than ever before, there are more clubs now than ever before. … More kids playing means more spectators when it comes time to watch these high-level games, and a lot of guys like myself that grew up playing are now having kids and I guess it’s finally come full-circle in that regard.”

Both Helfrich and Lolla add that that groundswell of support for soccer that has emerged this decade across the country has likely played a role in the success that cities like Louisville have had in putting together a successful professional side.

“I think it was a little bit of a perfect storm, to be honest,” said Lolla. “I think with our success you could kind of see it growing, but then with the USL team starting it came at a period where at least from my perspective within the country there was a growing interest in the game and I think that generation of people who are now going out and watching soccer games have grown up with an appreciation for it and a familiarity for it.”

The central connection point that City FC has provided has to an extent helped to provide a focal point for the soccer community at large. According to Kentucky Fire Jrs. Technical Director Mike Dickey – who leads the Chicago Fire’s satellite program in the region – when you get to a Louisville City FC game, club allegiances are put aside as the city throws its full support behind the team.

“There’s always been – especially in Louisville – some strong clubs and some good players that have come out of the city, but certainly ever since Louisville City moved into town it’s kinda connected everybody a lot more in the soccer community,” said Dickey. “When you come to a game, you see everyone wearing the colors of the pro team and people are talking about the team, and they’re excited about it.”

That support has been boosted strongly by the presence of the Coopers and the other supporters’ groups that have sprung up since the club was officially introduced. For Sorrels, building a base of fans who would bring an atmosphere that would resonate on a broader scale was key to tapping into the city’s reputation as a town that loved a great show.

“Louisville knows how to throw a great event, a great party,” said Sorrels. “Great at logistics, getting a good venue and atmosphere, and I think that the reason this generation of soccer has gone the way it has gone is because there’s some innate understanding that this was what it was going to take to get people in our community’s attention. Treat it like a big deal, treat it like a big event, get people excited about it and they’ll show up. Now, it’s hard to replicate that over 17, 18, 20 games, however many there are in a season, but I think [that’s] what helps get people to the point where it is now is on the business and sports side.”