Firelands United is proud to announce Chris Schnell as the head coach of our men’s first team as we enter our second season as a club.
As we continue to build on the foundation laid in our inaugural year, Chris brings a strong local presence, competitive mindset, and a clear vision for what this team can become.
“Chris represents exactly what we want Firelands United to be about — energy, passion, and a willingness to build something meaningful for our players and our community,” said Andrew Chwalik, Chief Soccer Officer of Firelands United. “He understands the local game, he understands the players, and he’s ready to push this group forward as we continue to grow.”
Chris’s journey in the game started early. At just five years old, he was introduced to soccer in a way that would shape his entire career.
“My mom always tells me she’s the reason I fell in love with the game,” Chris said. “When she signed me up, there were two lines — one for rec and one for club. She picked the one with no line…and I was thrown into the fire from the start.”
After playing club soccer at Ohio Northern, Chris transitioned into coaching, starting at the JV level at Edison High School. He now serves as the head coach at Norwalk High School and is actively involved with Greater Firelands FC, working across multiple age groups while also serving as a goalkeeper coach.
His coaching philosophy has been shaped by a wide range of experiences.
“I’ve had some really good coaches… and some not so good ones. I think I draw more from the bad coaches. I’ve seen how things shouldn’t be run, and I try to avoid that.”
When asked what kind of team Firelands supporters can expect to see this season, Chris summed it up in one word:
“Chaos.”
Not reckless play, but an exciting, relentless style built on energy and effort.
“I want a team that flies around the field trying to make plays. A team that’s willing to take chances and won’t back down from anyone. At the end of the day, I want us to walk off the field knowing we gave everything we had.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Firelands United is the diversity of its roster. The team brings together players at different stages of their careers — from college athletes looking to stay sharp in the offseason to players continuing to compete simply for the love of the game.
“I think a team like Firelands United has many different layers,” Chris said. “I’m excited to help bring those layers together into one group and build something competitive.”
As the club continues to grow — including the launch of our women’s first team this season — the opportunity to make an impact on the local soccer community continues to expand.
“Soccer is growing in our community, and we need to lean into that,” Chris said. “Normally, you’d have to drive to Cleveland or Columbus to see this level of soccer. Now, you can drive up the street or to the next town over. That’s what we have a chance to build here.”
Off the field, Chris is a proud husband to his wife, Alli, and a father to their two children, Dale and Gemma.
“I’m sure you’ll hear Dale shouting ‘Dada’ and ‘Ball’ during our games,” he added.
As Firelands United prepares for its second men’s season and the first season for the women’s team, the focus remains clear — continue building something that represents the players, the supporters, and the entire community.