Our History
From Germania to Reading United A.C.
The Reading-American Soccer Club traces its roots back over a century — to a community of German immigrant players whose love of the game laid the foundation for everything that followed. From those early Germania days to today’s Reading United A.C., the story is one of community, resilience, and the steady rise of soccer in the Greater Reading area.
Early 1900s
Germania Soccer Club
A group of German immigrant players and enthusiasts establish the Germania Soccer Club, the earliest forerunner of today’s Reading United A.C.
April 26, 1926
Merger with Reading Liederkranz
Germania merges with the Reading Liederkranz — Reading’s German-American club — and the Sport Club legally becomes the Sports Division of the Reading Liederkranz.
Late 1970s – Early 1980s
Foundation for Local Youth Soccer
Under Germania and Liederkranz members Werner Kraheck and Peter Weiss, the Reading Berks Junior Soccer League is born, providing the foundation for local youth clubs to flourish. The Germania program ends and the “premier” team concept begins to take shape — evolving through Reading Berks Select, Reading Berks United (RBU), and finally Berks Soccer Academy (B.S.A. Rage).
1996
The Reading Rage Take the Field
Berks Professional Sports introduces the Reading Rage minor-league team. The dream would not have been possible without former Penn State All-American Archie Moylan — a professional player and former GM of the Philadelphia Freedom — who tirelessly recruited an ownership team and staff to make it happen.
1997
D3 Pro League Mid-Atlantic Crown
In just their second season, Archie leads the team to the playoffs and captures the D3 Pro League (precursor to today’s USL2) Mid-Atlantic Division Crown. The team is later named Franchise of the Year.
1998
Archie Takes the Helm
Archie expands his role and takes over as head coach in the team’s third season. The Rage of the late ’90s feature standout local talent including Ed Sep, Matt Wolf, Chris Arthur, Drew Kauffman, Tom Auchenbach, Steve Thomas, Keith Schlegel, and former U.S. Men’s National Team member Troy Snyder.
2000
Remembering Archie Moylan
Archie passes away after a battle with cancer. In recognition of his impact, the United Soccer Leagues establish The Archie Moylan Award to honor a member of the USL family who exhibits outstanding humanitarian qualities or has overcome extraordinary adversity to give back to the soccer community.
2004
A New Chapter — Transition to PDL
Following the loss of Archie and a string of difficult seasons, the team transitions from the Pro Soccer League (USL2) to the rapidly growing PDL — putting renewed focus on younger players and sustainable franchise operations.
2005 – 2007
The Derek Broadley Era
Under owner and GM Jerry Wojton, the team brings in Crystal Palace Academy Director Derek Broadley as head coach. Derek’s passion for player development and attractive style of play reignite local interest, and the team posts a 7-5-4 record in 2007 — the year Derek introduces a Boston College defender named Brendan Burke to the Rage.
2008
A Dream Season
Local soccer legend Troy Snyder and longtime supporter Art Auchenbach step up to reignite Archie’s dream. With Derek’s departure to coach the Bermuda national team, Brendan Burke takes over as a first-time head coach — and delivers a dream season, capturing the club’s first-ever Eastern Conference title.
2009
First National Title
No let-down. The team captures its first Regular Season National Title, claims PDL Player of the Year, and earns a USL Marketing Award.
2010
Reading United A.C. Is Born
For the team’s 15th anniversary season, Berks Professional Sports announces a major rebrand. The men’s PDL team becomes Reading United A.C., joined by a Super 20 reserve squad and the new Reading Unity A.C. women’s program. The team also announces a strategic partnership with the Philadelphia Union, YSC Academy, and Body Zone — and continues its long-running title sponsorship with Giorgio Foods, who has supported the club every year of its existence.
Our goals of club neutrality, professional-level instruction, and top-class play allow ALL local soccer fans, players, coaches, and parents to look to our organization as the leader in minor-league soccer entertainment for the Greater Reading area.
Art Auchenbach, General Manager
