When Jim DeRose and Tim Regan are involved, you don’t worry about a lack of soccer expertise.

Two-plus decades as men’s coach at Bradley has earned DeRose that. Six years in Major League Soccer, and Regan certainly has earned his soccer bona fides.

So when the newly minted Peoria City hits the pitch this spring at Shea Stadium in Peoria, the on-field side of the River City’s USL League Two entry appears on lock.

For DeRose and Regan and local developer Kim Blickenstaff, the trick now is about selling the community — about organically building a foundation upon which no matter the on-field outcome, the city’s newest sports team can grow.

“Most of these kids have ambitions outside soccer, too,” DeRose said of the 30-plus mostly college-aged players expected to be rostered by Peoria City. “So we’re looking to sell Peoria as a place where they can do a lot of other things.”

Things like community service, internships, job shadowing … “and if they can combine that with a great playing experience,” DeRose said, “that’s great.”

DeRose also sees Peoria City as a tourist draw, bringing families out to Shea Stadium between the venue's dormant months between May and July. He has visions of fan engagement through supporter groups, pointing those interested to the team’s landing page at peoriacitysoccer.com.

The name Peoria City is set, as are the team colors of red, black and white. Public input through the website and social media will help the team decide on the logo and shield.

DeRose and Regan’s soccer expertise appears only surpassed by their passion for this project, which despite their jobs as soccer coaches at Bradley is a separate venture. By rule, no Bradley players can play for Peoria City.

“I keep going back to that word: Organic,” DeRose said. “I want the community to help grow this team.”

Peoria has become a “soccer town,” says Blickenstaff, and he says this team is part of serving that, helping is flourish.

“The only thing amateur about this,” DeRose said, “will be the players.”

Wes Huett is Journal Star sports editor. Contact him at 686-3204 or whuett@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @WesHuett.