Soccer in Cottage Grove had its beginning in spring of 1985. Ed O’Brien and his children had been involved with soccer in Madison and sought to introduce the sport to the community of Cottage Grove. As interest grew, Jean Gascho, set out to organize a soccer program. She recruited parents as coaches, convinced the school district to provide space for two fields at Cottage Grove School, brought in UW’s Jim Lauder to do a clinic, and ordered T-shirts for uniforms. The club started with five teams in 1985 and grew to 25 by 1995.

Dave Walhovd was instrumental in creating and marketing new fields. Jean Gascho ran the organization single-handedly, but she had much help from a large number of community members. In 1993, she turned the reins over. Before leaving, she helped develop a Constitution and By-laws for the Cottage Grove Soccer Club. A Board of Directors was appointed and Bruce Kramer became president. He initiated the K-1 soccer program in cooperation with the Monona Soccer Club. In 1997, Jim Hanson succeeded Bruce as president of the club, and the organization has continued to grow.

The Cottage Grove Soccer Club was created to promote youth soccer and to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and the participation of all interested youth in Cottage Grove. In partnering with Monona, the club, now known as Monona Grove FC, continues to carry the values of its roots. 

The Monona Grove FC (MGFC) is a non-profit organization created to better serve the soccer needs of children ages 5 to 18 in Monona, Cottage Grove, and the surrounding areas. 

MGFC uses the game to teach teamwork, commitment, and respect. 

MGFC develops players and coaches within the club through training, mentoring, and cooperation in a positive environment.

The Monona Grove FC belongs to MAYSA (the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association). We comply with all policies of MAYSA and its governing body, WYSA (the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association).