Queen City Football Club executive director and director of coaching James Johnston moved to Helena in 2012 and saw an immediate need for indoor soccer. That dream became a reality when volunteers spent October transforming this warehouse in the Helena Indoor Soccer Arena.
Kempson Cross / SWX
“We’ve been wanting to do this so we just took a leap of faith and we leased the building for five years, we built the wall that you see behind me, and then we just started putting programs together with the belief that the community will respond and we’ll make a better playing environment for all players in Helena,” said James Johnston.
Johnston helped establish the club in 2016 and says the program grew quickly from two competitive teams to six along with recreational squads for ages 3-18.
“We started this club with the purpose of developing players and giving opportunity to players that has not been here in the past. We decided that if we wanted something better then we had to do it,” said James Johnston.
Queen City FC also offers international coaching through a partnership with Italian professional club ChievoVerona. Two club players will spend three months in Italy developing their game next spring and two others will train for 10 days overseas.
“I don’t think there’s another program in Montana that currently offers their youth players to be looked at by professional coaches,” said James Johnston.
“These professional coaches from Italy come over and do a little camp so we can see how well we can play and everything. I was surprised out of the few people that got chosen I made it,” said U19 midfielder James Johnston.
“I think the club is a really good club because it’s not just about the soccer. It’s about the community and they try to bring you together. I think it’s a really fun opportunity and a really amazing opportunity that I’ve been shown,” said U14 defender Toby Bartsch.
Queen City FC coach Chris Mast says it’s great to have increasing options for kids and adults to develop a love for the beautiful game.
“I think it’s pretty amazing. It’s a unifying force. You can talk about it and play it anywhere you go. I’ve been to Central America and I’ve joined pickup games in Central America. It’s just something that everybody anywhere you do can relate to,” said Chris Mast.
Johnston says the family-oriented club is making their new indoor space available for other organizations to rent as well.
