The Story of Vidas United FC (2015–2025)
"We are united. We are one."
What started as a group of passionate students looking for more playing time has grown into one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and community-rooted soccer clubs.
Origins: Drexel Roots (2015)
Vidas United FC was founded in 2015 by Nolan Bair and Thomas Perkins, two members of the Drexel University club soccer team. Frustrated with limited competitive opportunities, they rallied a group of fellow Drexel players to create something of their own — a team where everyone could grow, compete, and stay connected to the game they loved. The name “Vidas United” pays homage to Vidas Field, the club team’s home ground at Drexel, and reflected a deep sense of identity.
More than just a team, Vidas was built on a mission: to give passionate players a platform to keep developing — together. From day one, the club’s mantra was clear: "We are united. We are one."
Early Climb (2015–2018)
Vidas United entered Philadelphia's CASA Soccer League in Spring 2015, beginning in the Segunda Division. Within just two seasons, they earned promotion to the league’s top tier in December 2015 — a sign of the club’s quality, cohesion, and ambition.
Over the next few years, Vidas continued to build. A second team was launched in 2018–19, followed by a third team in 2019–20, expanding opportunities for more players and deepening the club’s footprint in the Philly soccer landscape.
Establishing a Culture (2019–2022)
As the club evolved, so did its competitive edge. With Nolan Bair transitioning into a player-coach role in 2019, Vidas United began pushing into higher-level leagues. In 2022, they entered the American Premier Soccer League (APSL), representing a significant step forward.
That same year, another Vidas-affiliated team also gained promotion into the APSL under the leadership of Georgi Pehlivanov — a testament to the club's growing depth and talent.
The culture remained grounded in unity and inclusivity, with a player base reflecting Philadelphia’s rich diversity. From longtime locals to recent transplants, players of all ethnicities, professions, and playing styles found a place under the Vidas banner.
Hardware and Highlights
Across its teams, Vidas United has stacked up a growing trophy cabinet:
CASA Segunda Promotion Champions: Fall 2015, Spring 2018, Spring 2022, Spring 2024 (Vidas United)
CASA Cuarto Champions: Spring 2024 (Vidas FC)
CASA Kicking Out Transphobia Champions: Summer 2020, Summer 2021 (Vidas FC)
CASA Kelly Cup Champions: Spring 2021 (Real Vidas)
CASA Contender’s Cup Champions: Spring & Fall 2022 (Vidas FC)
Icarus Cup D3 Champions: Summer 2022 (Vidas FC)
Consolidation & Growth (2023–2025)
By 2023–24, both APSL sides — one coached by Bair, the other by Pehlivanov — had earned promotion. Ahead of the 2024–25 season, the two teams merged to form a single, stronger unit competing in the APSL Delaware River Conference, under the leadership of new head coach Torin Vanin.
In 2024, the club launched a U23 program, continuing its mission to bridge opportunities for younger talent. And with plans underway for an Over-30 Premier League team debuting in 2025–26, Vidas continues to ensure the game remains open for all stages of life.
The Present Day (2025)
Vidas United FC is now a multi-team organization representing Philadelphia in both regional and local competitions:
First Team – APSL Delaware River Conference
Second Team – CASA Primera
Third Team – CASA Cuarto
U23 Summer Program – CASA U23 League
Over-30 Premier Team – launching 2025–26
The club’s main sponsor, New York Life, has supported much of this journey, along with partners like Wahoo’s, Toll Man Joe’s, and Bonchon, who have all contributed to the club’s growth.
Looking Ahead
Vidas United FC’s vision is simple but bold:
Continue to create opportunity.
Keep building. Keep rising.
With goals of climbing higher into regional and national APSL playoffs, expanding both youth and veteran programming, and deepening community ties, Vidas is more than just a club — it's a movement grounded in friendship, competition, and unity.
We are United. We are One.