Column by Board President Ryan Perkins
In the Pacific Northwest indoor sports is a crucial part of the sports ecosystem especially with the infamous gray months. A sort of ritual we all reside in from late fall to early spring time where gray, dark skies takes over. Not to mention the shorter daylight hours. This best encompasses our eagerness on social media Sunday that FC Olympia “Artesians” announced the Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL) will be returning to the south sound.
Today I’m sharing what WISL is, why its important to the community as well as share what local soccer legends and former artesians think about this major announcement involving indoor soccer. This is a culmination of two years worth of never giving up, sleepless nights and research which only occurred in the hopes of keeping a unique Olympia, WA tradition alive. Thank you for reading my first ever published column. -Ryan
Artesians | Born Into WISL
The Artesians are a local Thurston County based soccer club that was born into the Western Indoor Soccer League in 2014. A sports marketing and management focused college graduate Brandon Sparks founded the club with the help of principal owner Tim Smith. Sparks and Smith oversaw the pop up indoor field at the Evergreen State College for the better half of a decade running WISL and community leagues.
“The Oly Town Artesians and Brandon Sparks were the origination of WISL and the true culture of where Olympia indoor soccer began.” -John Crouch (President, WISL)
The club has since grown and changed hands with the formation of non-profit Oly Soccer Foundation and the subsequent expansion of outdoor soccer via the USL (W League & League Two) national market as well as state run pro-am leagues like EPLWA (Evergreen Premier League).
WISL was created by team operators and club owners looking to build a sustainable, regional, indoor competitive league that has featured teams from as far east as Wenatchee, north to Bellingham and as far south as Portland. In the inaugural season in 2014 the original five teams included the Oly Town Artesians.
“Artesians” | Olympia’s Official Soccer Mascot
Originally known as the Oly Town Artesians the now rebranded FC Olympia continues to honor its original mascot “Artesians.” The name Artesians was created by Sparks to recognize the storied practice of Olympia Brewing (Oly Beer) for turning “Artesian Water” into beer. Downtown Olympia and surrounding areas are known for hundreds of naturally occurring Artesian Spring Wells and therefore beer, coffee and more are made from these magical waters of Olympia, WA. And remember its pronounced here in Oly as (are-TEE-shuns).
This method also includes longtime community partner and title sponsor Well 80 Brewhouse who named their brewhouse after uncovering the 80th Artesian Well in Olympia, WA when they broke ground. Now Well 80 brews incredible “Artesian Made Brews” including utilizing 100 year-old recipes from Olympia Brewing to conjure up downtown Oly’s past with every sip.
2014-2024: WISL in Olympia
Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s the Artesians competed in the WISL Men’s Soccer then added a women’s arena soccer expansion program post-Covid.
“Indoor soccer has had a long history of providing a fun, healthy outlet for kids of all ages in our community. From the late 70’s forward, indoor soccer has been enjoyed locally.“
“Whether at the Pavilion, the Tumwater industrial area, or even a brief spell at the old Trails End Arena, folks have honed their skills playing this fast paced, technically demanding sport locally.”
-John Purtteman (Pro Arena Alum, Seattle Seadogs, Hall of Fame Collegiate Head Coach)
While the Artesians never captured a WISL title during an era dominated by regional powerhouses the Artesians consistently fielded competitive teams and built a loyal fanbase in Olympia.
Standing room only for the last few years for a night at the “Icebox” nicknamed for the no heat, open air, no parking venue that the club called home for several years.
“We’re really excited for the Artesians to be back in WISL” said foundation board member Jay Smith. “Indoor soccer has been such a big part of FC Olympia and the soccer community here. Can’t wait to hear the indoor cheers and now fans won’t be freezing while they cheer their favorite arena team on.”
WISL in 2026
After time away from consistent indoor competition the Artesians return in 2026 represents a huge victory in the clubs two-year extensive hunt for a clearspan facility. The “find” reunites the club with its original partner, WISL.
WISL is a volunteer based organization helmed by President John Crouch who is no stranger to the western Washington soccer scene and pro-am soccer.
“The loss of the space for FC Olympia was devastating, and losing the team from our league was a tough one and people always ask, when is Oly coming back?”
“That is why this should be some of the biggest news the league has had in quite some time: a WISL original is coming back, bringing both men’s and women’s programs, and playing in an arena that is a bit warmer!”
-John Crouch (President, WISL & EPLWA)
WISL Rivalries
Historically the WISL standings have been shaped by a handful of consistent contenders. Tacoma Stars in particular have built a strong pipeline which they utilize for their pro Arena team in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) that plays at the Showare Center in Kent, WA. Bellingham United has been their primary challenger including taking the WISL Cup this last February 2026.
For returning teams like the Artesians success isn’t measured solely in trophies. Indoor soccer’s condensed schedule and playoff format mixed with high scoring lines and action packed quarter system makes for a unique viewing experience. Almost like hockey and soccer mixed together. High intensity and nonstop action.
“What made indoor special was how it brought the whole local soccer community together from college kids at St. Martin’s, Evergreen, and the unbelievably talented players that call this area home. This is where I have made life long friendships and memories. I have been fortunate enough to not only play but to have coached as well I can say it’s just as fun coaching as is playing out there.” -JJ Olson (Oly Legend, WISL GK Alum & EPLWA Alum)
“Indoor just might be my favorite game to watch, play and coach. A packed venue on a Saturday night, with everyone right on the glass cheering, drums banging, and a cold Well 80 beer. It really doesn’t get better. Playing and coaching in the WISL in front my young family gave me some of my favorite memories with soccer.” -Brad Hanson (Former Arena GK, Current Boardmember)
What Does This Mean for Olympia?
-Winter entertainment!
-Affordable, family-friendly matches!
-Close-up action in an intimate venue where families, fans feel part of the game!
-New memories to make
The return of arena soccer brings back a social tradition of Saturday night arena games, local rivalries and a sense of shared community energy.
As 2026 unfolds the reunion of the Artesians and the WISL feels less like a comeback and more like a continuation of something that always belonged to Olympia; Artesian Arena Soccer!
Help Artesian Arena Links
-Western Indoor Soccer League official site – schedules, standings and news
-FC Olympia official website fcoly.com – team updates, tickets and events
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Thank you for reading and caring about the Artesians. I spent many nights worried that we wouldn’t ever be able to sort out new construction or find existing warehouse space to revive our clubs favorite pastime. So thank you for continuing to donate towards our non profit, showing up to USL games and becoming season ticket holders so the club can have financial sustainability.
It means more to us than you all may possibly ever know.
Stay tuned for more info.
Sincerely,
Ryan Perkins
Events & Camps
