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Des Moines Menace
In the United States’ ever-changing soccer landscape, few teams have enjoyed as much success as our Des Moines Menace. With a proud history dating back to 1994, we have established ourselves as one of the country’s most accomplished soccer organizations. Our team provides its passionate and loyal fanbase with fun, family-friendly entertainment, offering Iowa’s highest level of soccer. Through our youth programs, Des Moines Menace serves thousands of families in the community, spreading the joy and excitement of the sport.
We take pride in its tradition of developing winning teams and top-level talent. Since our inaugural season in 1994, we have reached the Premier Development League (renamed USL League Two before the 2019 season) playoffs 17 times, advancing to the final four on five occasions. Des Moines Menace boasts an impressive list of alumni, with more than 175 former players having signed professional contracts, including over 30 who have played for Major League Soccer teams.
The Menace Soccer Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, encourages youth soccer participation and interest. Our foundation encompasses the Junior Menace program, youth tournaments, and camps/clinics. For beginners ages 3-9, the Junior Menace develops fundamental skills and a love for soccer. Also, we host three annual youth tournaments for boys and girls, as well as camps and clinics led by Menace first team members.
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2023 in Review
For nearly three decades, the Des Moines Menace had united players from diverse backgrounds, transcending mere competition to foster a sense of community. Players, coaches, and fans set aside differences upon entering the gates, channeling their passion into building an inclusive environment where everyone was embraced.
In 2023, we had the privilege of hosting Briana Scurry in Des Moines. Scurry’s achievements on the field underscored the importance of holistic player support. She candidly shared her journey as an African American openly gay player, including the challenges of a career-ending injury that led to mental health struggles. Scurry participated in Mental Health Awareness night, engaging with the team and the community throughout her visit.
The Des Moines Menace remained dedicated to promoting inclusive soccer across all genders, exemplified by a memorable evening on Pride Night. As we celebrated a 6-0 victory, the team proudly sported jerseys sold to benefit Iowa Safe Schools, sharing the joy of soccer with all Krause Group Associates.
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Community
Throughout the season, the Des Moines Menace made meaningful connections with diverse community organizations. This proactive involvement included volunteering and collaborative efforts with esteemed partners such as Iowa Safe Schools for Pride Night, the Food Bank of Iowa for Kick Out Hunger initiatives, and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for Paws on the Pitch events.
In 2023, we volunteered with Oakridge Neighborhood Services and stood in solidarity with Unravel Iowa in aiding pediatric cancer fighters and survivors. We also honored our U.S. military and first responders on nights dedicated to recognizing their service. These community partnerships reflect our conscious intention to make a positive impact beyond soccer, to foster unity, and enrich Des Moines’ social fabric. Through our proactive involvement, we reinforced our reputation as a socially responsible organization, embodying values of inclusivity, compassion, and civic duty.
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Future Vision
At Des Moines Menace, our foundation is our ability to cultivate successful teams. Whether in the stands, on the pitch, or at local gatherings supporting the U.S. national teams, we strive to express our values through soccer. This year, our coach, Troy McKerrell, was selected to participate in the Inaugural USL DEI Program, USL Forward. We are privileged that Coach McKerrell has chosen our team and is fully committed to the necessary work of integrating inclusivity into the coaching profession. We believe that Troy’s insights from this experience, coupled with his previous history of playing for us in 2015, are crucial as we continue to establish and cultivate a program that excels both on and off the pitch.
“I look forward to serving as a role model for other Black coaches and representing the Des Moines Menace through my participation in the USL Pro Preseason Residency program. I have a passion to inspire others, and this is a great opportunity for me to do that, as well as illustrate the diversity of the locker rooms in the USL leagues. I’m thankful the league has selected me to participate and appreciate Des Moines Menace’s willingness to invite me into their camp with open arms.”
— Coach McKerrell
The Des Moines Menace aims to advance environmental sustainability by transitioning entirely to digital ticket sales to reduce paper waste and promote eco-friendly ticketing, and by eliminating single-use plastics from our stadiums and events. We plan to build partnerships with local environmental organizations to participate in initiatives that will positively impact both the community and the planet. Additionally, we intend to engage fans in eco-friendly activities during games and events to foster sustainable behaviors like recycling and waste reduction, contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.