History

The Port City Royals teams were founded in 2004. Many of the original players had participated
in ESCAL via the athletics program at Southwest Christian School in Southwest Oswego, which
allowed both full-time students as well as homeschool students who participated in their
umbrella program. During a leadership change at the school, the decision was made by the
administration to shutter the homeschool umbrella program, as well as their athletics program.
Several of the families who were involved in coaching in the SCS athletic program approached
ESCAL to ask if they would allow them to participate as a team of homeschool students.
Because of their history of participation in the program, ESCAL allowed them to join on
probation as their first all-homeschool team. Without funding from a school, the cost of the
program began to be covered by seasonal player fees per sport, and fund-raising monies, which
continues to this day.
Founding members John & Jane O’Brien, Jim & Nancy Schefcick, and Joel & Della Wood,
formed the Lake Effect Homeschool Association, and jumped right into coordinating that first
soccer season in 2004! While many families have graduated students and moved on over the
years, John O’Brien continued to serve as Athletic Director until 2021, when he was called
home by our Lord & Savior. We are very grateful for the dedication and hard work that John
devoted to our organization over the years and strive to carry forward his vision in providing this
program for our