How did we get here?

In June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of seasoned public charity executives, professional educators, and lifelong soccer advocates came together with a shared vision : to build a new kind of youth soccer club, and a better way of doing business in youth sports. That vision became Team 402 and 402 Development Academy.

From the beginning, the organization was intentionally designed to combine the transparency, accountability, and altruistic values of the public charity sector with high-level business acumen and a deep passion for coaching young people both on the soccer field and in life. The result is a mission-driven organization focused not only on player development, but also on community impact, access, and long-term sustainability.

As a public charity, no director, officer, or individual receives any portion of the organization’s net earnings. Every dollar generated through 402 operations is reinvested directly back into programs, facilities, player financial aid, and initiatives that advance our mission to expand access to youth and amateur athletics while promoting excellence within the game.

In January 2024, Team 402 entered into a long-term lease agreement with Speedway Properties to assume management of the 100,000-square-foot Fieldhouse facility and all adjacent outdoor soccer grounds. The agreement established an initial 10-year term, with options for two additional 10-year renewals, creating a stable, long-term partnership centered on community access, facility improvement, and athletic excellence.

By August 2024, Team 402 had mobilized volunteers, families, and community supporters to tackle one of the facility’s most urgent needs : replacing the deteriorated and unsafe turf that had been in place for more than a decade. In partnership with Hellas Construction, Team 402 installed a new FIFA-approved synthetic turf system designed for safety, durability, and high-level performance.

But the project represented far more than a surface replacement. It marked a restoration of purpose. Today, 402 Development Academy continues to grow as a community-centered organization committed to developing athletes, strengthening families, improving facilities, and creating opportunities for young people across Nebraska. Our mission extends beyond soccer. We believe athletics can serve as a powerful platform for leadership, belonging, mentorship, character development, and lifelong community connection.

This is more than a club.

It's a long-term investment in kids, families, and our community.