Zach Is Back: Gladieux to be Club's Equipment Manager in 2026
USL1 Fort Wayne FC

Zach Is Back: Gladieux to be Club's Equipment Manager in 2026

Published on December 31, 2025 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Fort Wayne FC News Release


Zach Gladieux, an integral part of Fort Wayne Football Club since it first took to the pitch, will return as Equipment Manager for the club's first season in USL League One.

"I am so excited for the club and the supporters to be involved in USL League One," Gladieux said. "I'm counting down the days for the stadium to be finished, and I can't wait to experience our first home match on May 2."

Gladieux, 28, began with Fort Wayne FC as an intern in 2021 and became Equipment Manager in 2022. With Gladieux in the role, Fort Wayne FC won division titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and the club reached the conference semifinals in 2024 and 2025, all in the pre-professional level of USL League Two.

In 2026, Fort Wayne will compete in the fully professional level of USL League One, which will have 18 clubs across the nation. Fort Wayne FC's 38-match schedule was unveiled earlier this month.

"While it could appear that Zach is a 'behind the scenes' worker for the club, the truth is that he is an integral part of what we do," Fort Wayne FC coach Mike Avery said. "Zach has been instrumental in helping us create an environment where the players can flourish. The attention to detail, work ethic, passion for the team - these are qualities that we have all come to really appreciate in Zach. I'm thrilled he is continuing this journey with us. It is an opportunity for him professionally that is both well-earned and well-deserved."

A native of Fort Wayne, Gladieux graduated from Bishop Dwenger and Purdue Fort Wayne. He has experience refereeing and coaching youth soccer players.

Fort Wayne FC's first season in professional soccer begins March 7 at FC Naples, in Naples, Florida, the first of five consecutive road matches. The first match at Fort Wayne FC Park, the new state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium being built at Bass Road and I-69, will be May 2 against the Charlotte Independence.

Check out the Fort Wayne FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League One Stories from December 31, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central