Anyone that knows me is well aware of how much soccer I consume in my life. They would also know that I spend A LOT (perhaps too much) time playing Football Manager. One of the tough parts of supporting a team in Lower League American Soccer is that you are usually unable to play as your team due to licensing. There are ways (including custom databases) that make this possible, though most run into issues such as the player data being unrealistic and/or unstable enough to last more than a few seasons.
For Football Manager 2021 and the new 2022, there is hope on the horizon, thanks to an American Football Manager Twitch streamer and YouTuber named Zealand. He and his team released the initial database back in September and the updated database for Football Manager 2022 was released this holiday season.
The 2022 database will have everyone’s favorite topic, promotion/relegation, but it also has every current (as of late 2021) MLS, USL, NISA, and NPSL club. It even includes clubs that no longer exist like Chivas USA, Wilmington, and Lansing. The other twist: teams of the four other pro sporting leagues in America (NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB), and quite interestingly, Native American tribes are included as well. So if you ever wondered what would happen if Jerry Jones wanted a soccer team or if the Miami Marlins ownership wanted to cheap out in another sport, FM 2022 has you covered.
There’s a promo video and a link to the database download at the bottom of this post, in case you’re interested in getting started with this save — but first let’s get to why you’re reading this. Let’s go on a journey of navigating Forward Madison Football Club through this new pyramid and try and win the top divison league, the Tesla Premiership.
FAQ
How often will you be posting?
In a perfect world, I can post weekly to keep this relevant. Realistically this will probably be an every other week column but maybe there will be two a week here and there.
Will there be any added challenges to this save?
No, attempting to navigate this pyramid will already be challenging enough so we will follow the squad registration rules.
Do we get input on player transfers, staff, contracts, and tactics?
Possibly, it’s more likely that I will handle most of that stuff at the beginning but that could change as we get further along.
Will this be available on any other forms of media (ie. YouTube, Twitch etc.)?
Probably not, but if you were interested in teaching and/or editing highlights then feel free to message me and maybe we can see what options there are.
What happens if you get fired?
Then that’s the end and it will be very awkward.
You mentioned there was a video and database, to explain more, where can I find it?
The database: Link
The video:
I hope this can be a fun adventure for you all and if you decide to try this as well, let us know and we would love to see it. Until next time, let’s go ahead and Flock the pyramid up.
Does the mod only work on FM 2021, or can you do it on FM 2020?