Contact: Cindy Sorgea
Phone: 618.920.5883
Email: csorgeapr@gmail.com

Ehtar FC Crowned Gateway South Champions in Breakout Season

BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS (July 23, 2025) — Ehtar FC capped off a historic debut season in the Midwest Premier League, clinching the club’s first division championship with a 2-0 victory over Club Atletico Saint Louis. The win, in front of a packed house at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, marked a dramatic turning point for the young club. 
After two challenging inaugural years, Ehtar FC’s  2025 season was defined by sharp improvement, renewed leadership, and top talent. Under new head coach Tim Mosby and assistant coaches Felix Kinew and Brian O’Connor, the team finished with a commanding 7-1-2 record to claim the Gateway South title. 
“This is more than just a title,” said Mosby. “It’s a testament to the resilience of our players, fans, and board of directors, who have built something incredibly special in Belleville. We’re just getting started.”
Launched in 2022, Ehtar FC has grown from a scrappy startup to a rising force in regional soccer. This season’s division championship was defined by high-intensity play, tactical cohesion, and breakout performances from a mix of new and returning players, including Gibson Hunt, Anton Mosely, Jermaine Mentoor, and Gavin English. 
Off the field, Ehtar FC delivers a fun, family-friendly game-day experience that continues to grow in popularity with both soccer fans and the wider community. Each match features local food and drink vendors, club merchandise, and interactive games for all ages. The club also highlights local talent by inviting area singers and musicians to perform the National Anthem, while giving youth soccer players a chance to participate as ball kids.

“This championship is meaningful in so many ways,” said Ian Thurlow, president and founding member of Ehtar FC. “We had a vision years ago to build a first-rate semi-pro soccer club in Belleville that unified the whole community through a shared love for the beautiful game. This title represents the culmination of that hard work and belief.”
The club’s milestone was acknowledged by league officials as well:
“Ehtar FC’s emergence in their first season in the MWPL has been very impressive,” Midwest Premier League President Steve Beckman said. “They’ve shown what’s possible when a club that connects deeply with its community is able to put in the hard work that’s needed when adversity strikes. Their Gateway South Division title is well-deserved.”
With the division title secured, Ehtar FC advances to the MWPL Gateway Conference Championship in Omaha, Nebraska, where they’ll face Linoma FC for the conference crown. The match kicks off Sunday, July 27 at 10 a.m. CST at Morrison Stadium on the campus of Creighton University.
Fans can follow Ehtar FC’s journey at ehtarfc.com and on social media @EhtarFC.
About Ehtar FC 
Ehtar FC is a men's semi-professional soccer team based in Belleville, Illinois, competing in the Midwest Premier League. Founded in 2022, the club is committed to excellence on the field and engagement off it—fostering local talent, uniting the community, and promoting respect through the beautiful game.

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BELLEVILLE, IL – MARCH 6, 2025

The Midwest Premier League (MWPL) is excited to announce Ehtar Belleville FC as its newest member club, beginning play in the 2025 season. Based in Belleville, Illinois, the team will compete in the Gateway Conference and host home matches at Althoff Catholic High School.

Ehtar Belleville FC brings a wealth of experience to the league and the club plans to announce tryout dates for early spring 2025, providing opportunities for local talent to join the squad.

“We are thrilled to join the Midwest Premier League as its newest expansion team,” said Ian Thurlow, President and Director of Operations for Ehtar Belleville FC. “This is an incredible opportunity for our players to compete at a high level and to showcase their passion and talents right here in the Heartland. We look forward to representing Belleville and making a meaningful impact both on and off the field as part of the MWPL family.“

Steve Beckman, President of the MWPL, shared his enthusiasm for the league’s newest addition. “We’re happy to welcome Ehtar Belleville FC and their motivated group of administrators to the MWPL. Their community-focused efforts are a great fit with our league and will help them thrive in the Gateway Conference.”

Ehtar Belleville FC’s entry into the league reinforces the MWPL’s commitment to expanding opportunities for competitive soccer throughout the Midwest. Soccer fans in Belleville and the surrounding communities can look forward to an exciting season for the club in 2025.

Media Contact: Cindy Sorgea, Communications Representative, Ehtar Belleville FC   csorgeapr@gmail.com

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