About Us
Wildfire FC is a pre-professional soccer club that will play our first season in the spring of 2026. We were born from the vibrant spirit of our community—including the arts, music, University of Montana, and Griz athletics—to bring a new chapter of sports entertainment to Western Montana.
Wildfire FC is about balance and building teams that are whole and play as one. On the attack, Wildfire FC is threatening and unpredictable. On the defense, we adapt, we are resilient, and we form a wall to prevent teams from getting to our goal.
Why Wildfire
The name Wildfire was chosen with the help of our community. While some saw wildfire as destruction, many embraced it as a symbol of power and strength. It reflects our community, the people who live and work here, the environment that surrounds us, and the adaptability needed to live in a region shaped by wildfire.
Throughout Montana, wildfire is a threat nearly every summer, but it is also restorative. Fire destroys, but with destruction comes new life. Nutrients are released back into the soil, new growth emerges, and species like the Ponderosa Pine show strength and resilience against the flames.
Our crest carries these symbols proudly. Flames represent power and unpredictability. The Ponderosa Pine reflects resilience and strength. Mount Sentinel marks our home in Missoula.
Our Mission
At the heart of Wildfire FC is a simple mission and a bold vision for the future.
"Through passion and engagement, we unite soccer players and fans to elevate the game and create a lasting impact on and off the field."
Wildfire FC will build regionally dominant soccer teams that foster community pride and unwavering fan support. Through a commitment to excellence on and off the field, we aim to create an electrifying game-day experience, maximally develop top talent, and establish a sustainable financial model that ensures long-term success. By uniting our region's passion for the game, we strive to be a powerhouse club that inspires, entertains, and represents our community with pride on the regional and national stage.
Meet the Founders
Charlie Vandam
Mr. Vandam has over 40 years of coaching and soccer management experience
and 35 years of general business management. Charlie has held many roles with
Missoula Strikers FC, including coaching director, board member, coach, and
parent. He has been an innovator in developing new soccer initiatives such as
MicroStrikers, Intermountain Champion
Mr. Vandam has over 40 years of coaching and soccer management experience
and 35 years of general business management. Charlie has held many roles with
Missoula Strikers FC, including coaching director, board member, coach, and
parent. He has been an innovator in developing new soccer initiatives such as
MicroStrikers, Intermountain Champions Cup youth tournament, Missoula
Strikers Academy, Walking Soccer Club of Missoula, and Missoula’s Annual
Soccer Day celebration. Outside of soccer, Mr. Vandam was an owner and
manager of Land & Water Consulting from 1991 through 2003 and managed
environmental divisions for national and international firms from 2003 through
2020. Mr. Vandam retired from his professional career and now devotes his time
to recreating in the Montana outdoors with his wife Joanie and continues to
advance soccer in western Montana. Charlie is the General Manager for Wildfire
FC.
Shannon Flanagan
Shannon Flanagan is an avid soccer player, devoted fan of the game, and
lifelong Missoulian. Shannon played on some of Missoula’s earliest organized
youth soccer teams in the 80s and continues to play with the Peas Farm Old
Boys Soccer Club. Shannon worked in the automotive industry since 1989 as a
salesperson with the family-owned Flanagan M
Shannon Flanagan is an avid soccer player, devoted fan of the game, and
lifelong Missoulian. Shannon played on some of Missoula’s earliest organized
youth soccer teams in the 80s and continues to play with the Peas Farm Old
Boys Soccer Club. Shannon worked in the automotive industry since 1989 as a
salesperson with the family-owned Flanagan Motors and then becoming owner in
2012. He is a strong advocate for the community and arts in Missoula and has
chaired many fundraising efforts and non-profits startups. He is currently the
President of Arts Missoula, and Barebait Dance/Westside Theater, and
chairperson for the College of Arts and Music Advisory Council. Shannon is the
Chief Marketing Officer for Wildfire FC.
Eric Petersen
Eric Petersen
Eric Petersen is the president and owner of P.E.T.E.S., Inc., an electrical
contracting company in Missoula. Eric has 22 years of leadership experience in
the business and has proven ability to drive stable and consistent growth,
cultivate strong client relationships, and effectively manage a workforce of 25+
employees. He has an extensive ba
Eric Petersen is the president and owner of P.E.T.E.S., Inc., an electrical
contracting company in Missoula. Eric has 22 years of leadership experience in
the business and has proven ability to drive stable and consistent growth,
cultivate strong client relationships, and effectively manage a workforce of 25+
employees. He has an extensive background in electrical contracting, project
management, and business operations, gained through progressively
responsible roles. Eric started his soccer path at the age of 4 and led Sentinel
High School, as MVP his junior year and captain his senior year, win the
inaugural state high school championships in 1992 and 1993. Eric is the Chief
Financial Officer for Wildfire FC.
Nick Lawyer
Eric Petersen
Nick Lawyer is a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate for
rural Montana. Nick works as a Physician Assistant in Primary and Emergency
Care at Clark Fork Valley Hospital where he holds key leadership roles including
Chief of Medical Staff and Provider Informaticist. Nick is a relentless advocate for
soccer as a force for you
Nick Lawyer is a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate for
rural Montana. Nick works as a Physician Assistant in Primary and Emergency
Care at Clark Fork Valley Hospital where he holds key leadership roles including
Chief of Medical Staff and Provider Informaticist. Nick is a relentless advocate for
soccer as a force for youth development and empowerment. As a US Soccer C-
License coach, referee, and longtime leader of the Clark Fork Soccer Alliance, he
has spearheaded the club’s expansion from a small recreational program into a
year-round developmental system serving over 350 players across two rural
counties in Montana. He led the successful introduction of soccer into local
public-school athletics and has more than a decade of grassroots leadership,
including service on the Montana Youth Soccer Association board. Nick
steadfastly believes in the power of sport to unify communities, empower people,
and develop youth into healthy adults. Nick is the Chief Operations Officer and is
responsible for Player Welfare at Wildfire FC.