The Story So Far
Select Dates to Explore our Story
FC Highland was founded by Jeremy Christie. With a clear mission to develop a player centered club, with a culture that players learn that no matter what they do, their character defines who they are.
Team culture, respect, discipline, hard work, honesty, and integrity are at the forefront of FC Highland. We always do what’s in the best interest of the player and their development. Girls play on boys’ teams, players play up in ages, players are pushed to MLS Next clubs even if it’s to the detriment of FC Highland teams. At FC Highland the motto is simple; Better People make Better Players.
The club started with just two 2011 teams who trained every Wednesday night at LHPS and played every Sunday in an Indoor League. The teams were coached by Jeremy Christie & Stephen McGinn.
FC Highland’s first official try-outs took place. 150 players turn up. 12 full teams are created. The excitement is unmatched. This is going to be something special.
With the rapid growth of the club, came the expansion of the ownership group. With shared values, an incredible amount of soccer knowledge & experience and belief in the program’s core mission, Giles Barnes, Toni Pressley, Kristen Edmonds & Stephen McGinn joined the club.
The club attends its first tournament – the South Orlando Labor Day Cup. The teams’ distinct playing style of keeping possession even through tough moments in games along with the positivity shown by coaches catches the eye.
The first FC Highland philanthropic event takes place with a Food Drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank and Pet Drive for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. This would be the start of several community-based projects that instilled the ‘Better People Make Better Players’ motto.
There is a huge demand for younger players to join the club. To encourage players of all ages to enjoy the game and not turn anyone away, the Development League is set up for players aged 5-7.
To further inspire, guide and motivate the players, the FC Highland Ambassador program is established, welcoming 3 phenomenal ambassadors to the club: Marta, Dom Dwyer and Shelina Zadorsky.
2021/2022 — Season 2
Tryouts see over 200 players turn out. 17 teams are created. New coaches join, including current professional soccer players. By the end of the season there are over 240 competitive players at the club.
Club founder & CEO; Jeremy Christie and Boys Director of Competitions, Giles Barnes, are invited to play in the Florida Cup Orlando Legends Game with others such as Brazilian World Cup winners Kaka and Emerson and Orlando City legend Miguel Gallardo. All the players are invited to come and support and FC Highland jerseys fill the stands.
FC Highland partners with its first charity partner, – The Orlando Union Rescue Mission, which tackles homelessness in Central Florida. The partnership grows with several camps & workshops being held with the children of OURM throughout the season. It inspires the whole club to continue doing as much as possible for the community.
The clubs first sponsors come on board; TG Lee, HostDime & Orlando Science Centre. Club parents purchase the top package and donate it to OURM. These changemakers help fund the scholarship program.
World Cup Champ, Olympian and Orlando Pride player; Ali Krieger comes to practice to inspire our girls’ program.
We start our Coach and Player of the month award, in recognition of those individuals, making outstanding contributions to the club. Coach Bridget Callaghan and player Liam Frattaroli won the first month’s prize.
Together with Pepsi; Stronger Together, we held our first parent’s vs coaches’ games. 30 parents took part in the initial round, with 15 advancing to the final to play against the coaches.
The coaches raised over $500 towards the OURM Thanksgiving Food Drive. Whilst the players collected and sorted through clothing donations, taking over 28 bags down to the mission for its guests.
To celebrate the end of Fall season, FC Highland hosts its first Fall & Awards and Christmas Party – it is a family focused, team building event, that everyone enjoys.
Toni Pressley, Giles Barnes and Jeremy Christie also completed their USSF B licenses this month.
A month of giving, the 2011 Girls organize a car wash, raising a staggering $2100. They buy gift cards and toys and donate it all to the previously homeless children at the OURM.
A HOME for FC Highland. After winning a bid with the City of Orlando, Trotters Park became the official home of FC Highland. Leveraging the club to new heights, this is the best outdoor soccer facility located centrally in #Orlando.
FC Highland join forces with Everton Football Club and their International Academy Affiliate Program. The two clubs would now work together on curriculum sharing, player development and coach education amongst other things.
FC Highland together with Pepsi Stronger Together celebrate International Women’s Day with a huge event – Here Come Our Girls! With special guest appearances and soccer drills camp from 5 Orlando Pride players, informative talks and gift bags, over 100 young women celebrated together. Pepsi also donated an incredible $10,000 to the FC Highland girls’ program.
The Children of OURM also joined us at Trotters Park this month for a special camp integrated with our own club players. The night was finished with everyone enjoying Kona Ice and making new friends.
FC Highland also collected donations to the UNICEF; Ukraine Children Caught in the Crossfire appeal this month by selling car magnets.
Jeremy Christie and Stephen McGinn head to Finch Farm with Everton to work with the club’s first team, academy, women’s team and experts in performance analysis, sports science, strength and conditioning and injury prevention. They were also joined by a very talented local player Dempsey Brown who was able to train with the U21 teams from Everton and Tottenham.
2011 boys win the Nona Gold Division Championship, the 09 Girls, 2011 boys and 2010 boys dev 1 win the Rush Cup Championship. The 2010 boy’s dev 2 also make finals.
After tryouts, FC Highland remain a growing and thriving club with 17 teams and over 200 athletes. New coaches join the club as they prep for Season 3 with summer camps.
2022/2023 — Season 3
Starting the season with a BANG! FC Highland players are invited to walkout players for the Chelsea vs Arsenal game – an exciting opportunity that creates lifelong memories for the young players.
The club secures what leagues the teams will play in for the season. Alongside EDP & GCF, the club will join the NPL and Sunshine Conference.
Season 3 and Janney Roofing, Pepsi & Gatorade join the fantastic group of sponsors for the club. Funding valuable mentorship opportunities, scholarship programs and club growth.
The school program also grows this season welcoming Lake Highland Prep, Orlando Gifted Academy and Hillcrest Elementary to its program. The school program helps us make soccer as accessible to as many in Central Florida as possible.
Jeremy Christie attends the Orlando Sports Commission; Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon and continues plans to further grow and develop the girls in soccer program.
Starting the season with a BANG! FC Highland players are invited to walkout players for the Chelsea vs Arsenal game – an exciting opportunity that creates lifelong memories for the young players.
The club secures what leagues the teams will play in for the season. Alongside EDP & GCF, the club will join the NPL and Sunshine Conference.
Season 3 and Janney Roofing, Pepsi & Gatorade join the fantastic group of sponsors for the club. Funding valuable mentorship opportunities, scholarship programs and club growth.
The school program also grows this season welcoming Lake Highland Prep, Orlando Gifted Academy and Hillcrest Elementary to its program. The school program helps us make soccer as accessible to as many in Central Florida as possible.
Jeremy Christie attends the Orlando Sports Commission; Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon and continues plans to further grow and develop the girls in soccer program.
And guess what? The best is still to come…