Forward Madison FC has signed 26-year-old fullback Carl Schneider, who becomes the club’s first-ever born-and-raised Madison native player. Schneider, who played club soccer in Madison growing up, represented the Madison 56ers, La Follette High School and UW-Madison before most recently moving to Sweden with IFK Åmål.

Forward Madison announced Schneider’s signing Tuesday at a convocation at La Follette High School, where he was named  Madison boys’ soccer Athlete of the Year in 2010 by the Wisconsin State Journal. Schneider said it was a dream-come-true to sign for his hometown team.

“Signing for Forward Madison feels almost surreal,” Schneider said. “I've been in the Madison soccer community for so long and always aspired to play professionally. I never thought my first pro contract would come in that same Madison community where I learned the game.”

According to Forward Madison Managing Director Peter Wilt, Schneider’s signing shows how the club is building connections to the Madison community.

“We’re pleased to add a player who played his high school, club and college soccer right here in Madison,” Wilt said. “Carl serves an important role as an inspiration to local youth players aspiring to play professionally in their hometown.”  

Schneider is primarily a right back, but can play anywhere on the defensive line. He impressed Head Coach Daryl Shore at FMFC’s invitation tryout in November with his work rate and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. For Schneider, this moment is the culmination of a long process.

“From club soccer tournaments to the college recruiting process to European soccer, I've always felt like an underdog,” Schneider said. “As the first Madisonian on the team, I feel like I beat the odds to some extent, and hopefully for kids growing up and playing in Madison, they can feel now that the odds aren't so stacked against them.”

Fans and media are invited to meet Schneider in person at the Madison Nomad World Pub at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

Carl’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval. Follow Carl on Twitter at @c7schneider and Instagram at @flatbuckycarl. Get tickets to see Carl in Forward Madison FC's inaugural season at https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.