The main essentials in every room of the Niebauer house – a light and a soccer ball. And one of the two is negotiable. 

Nick Niebauer (2008B) has always loved the game – the competition, the mastery, the scoring goals.

“I feel most like myself when I am playing soccer,” said Nick. “My dream is to play professionally and I am trying to do all I can to do that.”

With his sights set on playing at that highest level possible, the 16-year-old collaborated with his Steel City coaches on some serious considerations for the fall. 

Fall Options For U15+ Players

Within the Pittsburgh soccer area, the majority of our U15 players do not formally train and compete within the club soccer program until their high school season has concluded. For those players looking for an alternative to high school programs in the fall, the options are limited outside of training only. 

One league, MLS NEXT, is governed by Major League Soccer. Within the league, primary players are not permitted to play in outside leagues or events – that includes high school soccer. The argument for this setup provides players of a high caliber and commitment level with a fall season against players at a similar level and with similar aspirations. 

For Nick, considering a shift to playing in the MLS NEXT with the Beadling 2008 team for the fall was not one he took lightly.

“The decision to step away from my high school team was not easy. I prayed about it and thought about it for a long time, and ultimately, I feel I made the best decision for my future,” shared Nick. 

Player First

At Steel City, coaches continually encourage players to take ownership of their development from the youngest ages. We take great responsibility in preparing players for the next level and presenting them with a pathway to enhance their development, knowing not all players will, or should, take the same path.

Throughout the past year, Nick has earned and continually sought out opportunities to play at his highest level.

After training with the Steel City FC Men’s First Team for the 2024 Open Cup and the regular season, then a tryout with the NY Red Bulls, and then traveling to Northern Ireland to compete in the SuperCUP NI with Inter Connecticut (along with teammate Sean Regan) playing against top academy teams from around the world, Nick’s initiative to guide his path and future is apparent. 

“The last year has shown me that I can compete with any players,” said Nick. “If I work hard and put the effort in, it’s possible to play at these levels and higher.”

The Loan Process

Nick presented the idea to a coach for feedback as he considered that the best way to continue to challenge himself was to play with Beadling in the MLS NEXT. The conversations surrounding the step – unfortunately not one seen very often at these levels – would require Nick to wear another local club badge for the fall season. 

Working with the Beadling coaches, a loan agreement was established, aiming only to provide Nick with the best possible fall challenge he sought.

“Nick is a unique player in how he’s taken the initiative and collaborated with myself and other coaches along the way,” says coach and boys director Jonathan Velotta. “We align with the Niebauers’ in wanting the absolute best for Nick. As a player goes through our program, our ultimate goal is to prepare them for their next level, and provide and support pathways to enhance their development. By working with Beadling to secure the agreement, Nick was able to have just that.”

So far with the MLS NEXT team this fall, Nick has played in 7 games (6 starts) and scored 5 goals. 

In just a few weeks, at the conclusion of the MLS NEXT season, Nick will return to Steel City, along with his high school teammates. And, as they go into their regular season, Nick already has his sights set on earning a spot with the Men’s First Team for the Open Cup and the team for the summer season. All before the conclusion of his junior year of high school.

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