Remembering Sergio Villanueva

This week, we remember Sergio Villanueva — one of the 343 firefighters lost on September 11, 2001. Decades later, his bravery and love for soccer are forever immortalized at the 9/11 Memorial, and his foundation continues to allow young athletes to pursue the beautiful game in New York. We also highlight our CLUBELEVEN U-12 Team, examine the 2025 Hall of Fame Ballots, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🦵 Opening KiXX

• ⚽ Our U-12 Team

• 🧑‍🚒 Remembering Sergio Villanueva

• ✉️ Hall of Fame ‘25 Final Ballots

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Opening KiXX

It’s a special anniversary. Today in 2008, the National Indoor Soccer League (later renamed MISL like its forefathers) was unveiled.

The original members included some franchises with great names. Among them were the Philadelphia KiXX, the Orlando Sharks, La Raza de Monterrey, the Baltimore Blast, and the Rockford Rampage.

The league lasted between 2008-2014, but most of the clubs — which had already been established years before the league even began — survived. Bless them and their creative monikers.

CLUBELEVEN
Our U-12 Team

This week, we’re proud to present the CLUBELEVEN U-12 Team.

The team made their season debut over the weekend in the Forest Hills Youth Athletic Association, a local NY league that’s been around all the way since 1957. For us, getting to sponsor a youth team is the definition of going full circle. It’s where our love for the sport first blossomed and grew.

Truthfully, the opener had everything you could want out of a youth game. Hard tackles, ecstatic parents, and a few young prodigies on the pitch. Midfielder Elias Jancu even bagged a hat trick for good measure.

When it was all said and done, we walked away with our hearts full. We’ll be keeping up with our team for the rest of this fall season. Stay tuned. 

COVER STORY
Remembering Sergio Villanueva

“He loved New York, loved his country, loved Queens, and he would go hoarse for three days after an Argentine soccer game.” That’s how his loved ones described Sergio.

He was born in Argentina on July 4th, 1968, but moved to the United States with his family in the early ‘70s. Despite growing up in America, he always maintained a love for Boca Juniors, and he took every opportunity he had to dive into the beautiful game.

Well into his career as a firefighter, Sergio was known for playing in local New York soccer leagues, often defending the colors of the College Point Flames (a team composed of FDNY members). On September 9th, 2001, he delivered a performance for the ages.

With the score tied at zero and with mere minutes left on the clock during that Sunday matchday, Sergio sped down the field, slotted the ball past the keeper, and gave his side an unforgettable 1-0 win. It’d be the last time Sergio would step on a soccer pitch.

Two days later, he died at the World Trade Center alongside 342 firefighters responding to the September 11 attacks.

After his passing, the FDNY soccer team retired his No. 10 jersey, and his loved ones created the Firefighter Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation. The organization emphasizes community service, promotes international goodwill through soccer, and has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to young players.

Recently, the 9/11 Memorial Museum placed Sergio’s Argentina National Team jersey on view in the museum’s memorial exhibition, immortalizing this hero’s deep love for soccer.

On the eve of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we remember Sergio and all those who lost their lives that day in 2001.

ELECTIONS
Hall of Fame ‘25 Final Ballots

This past week, the National Soccer Hall of Fame released the names of the finalists for election to the Class of 2025 — including 20 on the Player ballot and 10 each on the Veteran and Builder ballots.

It’s an impressive group, and the Voting Committee will surely have a tough time selecting the upcoming inductees.

You can check out the full list of nominees right here. Who would you choose?

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Drop your opinions and hot takes! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Farewell: One of the most important players ever in American soccer history hung up her boots on Sunday. It was an emotional affair. From this humble platform, we thank you for everything, Alex.

Olimpico: The USL Super League blessed us with a Goal of the Year contender. Take a bow Renée Guion.

Friendly Reminder: The new round of community investment for the Oakland Roots and Soul opens up this Thursday. Participate right here.

Full of Joy: We had a ton of fun working on this short piece with broadcasting legend and former NYCFC commentator Ian Joy. Check it out. 

Enjoy Illinois: It's probably one of the most unexpected partnerships ever. The Illinois Office of Tourism linked up with Crystal Palace to become the club’s “official destination partner.” Quite a curious move.

BUSINESS
Magic Spirit

Another Michelle Kang masterclass. Over the past few years, Kang has cemented herself as the biggest women’s soccer tycoon in the world, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

This past week, she announced that the legendary Magic Johnson will be joining the Washington Spirit investor group.

Kang had this to say about the move: “[Johnson’s] commitment not only reflects the strength of our club, players, fans and brand, but also sends a powerful message about the growth and impact of women’s sports globally. Together, we look forward to taking the Washington Spirit to new heights and inspiring the next generation of young women and girls worldwide.”

We can’t wait to see what’s next for the Spirit. It’s a great time to be a fan.

GRASSROOTS
Worldie 23/24 Yearbook

Eighty pages of football culture featuring Farout FC, The Ringleaders, Neighborhood Sports Club, and many more. This yearbook by Worldie FC highlights some of the most creative and impactful soccer community leaders from every corner of North America.

Grab a copy and read up on these inspiring folks from all over the footy space.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you if you had invested in a soccer club before. Here are some of your answers:

• “Yes. I own San Francisco Nighthawks shares (or bonds), and I still have the certificate somewhere.” - Toby

• “No. But it’s one of my dreams to own one someday.” - S

In the poll, “Yes” and “I’m considering it” earned 66% of the vote combined, while “No” and “I don’t think I ever will” received 44% of the vote. It was a pretty contested poll, but it’s nice to see that most of the community has already invested in a club or is at least considering it. Now is the right time to get in on the ground floor.

UP NEXT
Rising Star

We’re in the midst of setting up an Eleven Series piece with an exciting young prospect from the New York area. There are also talks of an intriguing new Grails spotlight on the horizon. Hoping to get those nailed down as soon as possible!

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo

In loving memory of Sergio.