Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation Launches Free Grassroots Soccer Program for U5–U7 Players
Chattanooga, TN — The Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation today announced the launch of Red Wolves Grassroots, a free introductory soccer program open to children ages U5–U7 in the greater Chattanooga area. Supported through the Foundation's Pass It Forward initiative, the program will begin March 10 at Camp Jordan and is open to all families at no cost.
Founded in 2020, the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the financial barriers that prevent young athletes from accessing youth soccer. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported thousands of players and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid to families throughout the region.
Red Wolves Grassroots reflects the Foundation's core mission: ensuring that every child in Chattanooga has the opportunity to experience the game regardless of their family's financial circumstances. The program will provide age-appropriate, structured soccer activities led by qualified coaches in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Foundation Director Kennedy Heavrin described the initiative's purpose.
"Red Wolves Grassroots is about creating opportunity," said Heavrin. "We want every child in our community to have the chance to fall in love with the game, regardless of financial circumstances. This program reflects our commitment to serving families in Chattanooga and building a strong foundation for the next generation of players both on and off the field."
Registration is now open. For more information, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedWolvesGrassroots
The Foundation is grateful for in-kind support provided by Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
About the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation The Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020 by the Martino Family. Its mission is to eliminate financial barriers to youth soccer participation and expand access to the game for underserved families throughout the Chattanooga region. The Foundation operates independently of Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and its affiliated for-profit entities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2026
Chattanooga Red Wolves II to Host UPSL Tryouts on February 8, 2026
Chattanooga, TN — Chattanooga Red Wolves II announced today it will host open tryouts on February 8 as the club prepares for its inaugural season in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) this spring. The launch of CRWII into the UPSL marks an important step in the club’s player development pathway, serving as the organization’s top pre-professional platform and providing a direct route for players to earn opportunities with the Chattanooga Red Wolves’ USL League One first team.
Founded in 2011, the UPSL has grown into the largest pro-development league in North America, expanding from 10 teams in Santa Ana, California, to nearly 400 clubs nationwide. The league operates at the fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, directly below the three professional divisions.
Technical Director and First Team Head Coach Scott Mackenzie highlighted the significance of the club’s entry into the league. “Joining the UPSL is an important step in bridging the gap between our youth pathway and the professional and top collegiate levels,” Mackenzie said. “It provides a competitive environment that exposes players to high-level men’s soccer while reinforcing the professional standards we expect throughout our club.”
Chattanooga Red Wolves II will utilize the UPSL environment as a key component of its long-term development model. Matchday rosters will feature a mix of players on Academy Contracts, collegiate players, top local talent, and high-performing prospects from the Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy.
CRWII will be led by Greg Warden, First Team Assistant Coach and Academy Director, who will serve as head coach. “This platform gives our top young players a real understanding of the demands of first-team football,” Warden said. “Our aim is to attract the best talent in the region, create a highly competitive training environment, and provide meaningful exposure to our first team staff and college programs across the country. Players who earn opportunities here must demonstrate the same qualities we value at the professional level - work rate, competitiveness, bravery on the ball, and the ability to impact the game.”
Additional details regarding tryout registration and the upcoming UPSL season will be announced in the coming weeks.
Register for tryouts here: https://tinyurl.com/UPSLTryout-CRWII
About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Founded in 2018 by Bob Martino, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club competing in USL League One. The club is committed to building a winning culture rooted in strong values, developing elite talent, and giving back to the greater Chattanooga community. As a pillar in the region, the Red Wolves strive to inspire the next generation of players and fans by fostering excellence and integrity.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22nd, 2026
Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy Name Greg Warden Elite Boys Program Director
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy announce the appointment of Greg Warden as the 11v11 Elite Boys Program Director while also serving as Head Coach of Chattanooga Red Wolves II and an Assistant Coach with the club’s USL League One professional team. Warden brings extensive experience in elite youth development, including deep knowledge of the ECNL landscape, the Southeast region, and established relationships that position him to make an immediate impact within the Academy.
Academy Sporting Director Luke Winter welcomed the appointment, saying, “Greg is a coach I have long admired. It was clear that he was the right fit for this academy leadership role and a major addition to our club and the region. Greg is ambitious and deeply committed to player development. With the resources and opportunities we have here, he will elevate our academy environment, the coaches, and players within it.”
Warden’s experience at the highest levels of youth soccer aligns closely with the Red Wolves’ vision of building a clear and competitive pathway from the academy to the professional game, while reflecting the club’s continued commitment to investing in leadership that supports both player development and long-term growth across all levels of the organization.
“Greg is a tremendous addition and a significant step forward for our club and for soccer in Chattanooga,” added Red Wolves Technical Director Scott Mackenzie. “He brings a proven track record of success at the ECNL level, along with a strong desire to continue growing alongside our organization. That combination aligns perfectly with the culture we’ve built.”
In his new role, Warden will work closely with academy staff, CRWII players, and the first-team coaching group to ensure alignment in playing philosophy, development standards, and competitive expectations.
“I am very proud to be joining the Chattanooga Red Wolves organization. I want to thank Scott and Luke for this opportunity,” Warden expressed. “I’m excited to serve as a strong link between the academy and the first team while continuing to develop local Chattanooga players for professional contracts or college opportunities.”
Additional announcements regarding the Chattanooga Red Wolves II program will be released in the coming weeks.
About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Founded in 2018 by Bob Martino, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club competing in USL League One. The club is committed to building a winning culture rooted in strong values, developing elite talent, and giving back to the greater Chattanooga community. As a pillar in the region, the Red Wolves strive to inspire the next generation of players and fans by fostering excellence and integrity.
