09 Archives 2007- 2008 Archives 2 0 0 8 STATE CUP - DI 93 Boys Blue - CHAMPIONS 92 Boys Blue - Finalist Governor's CUP CHAMPIONS 00 Girls Everton 99 Girls Arsenal 99 Boys Manchester United FINALIST 99 Boys Barcelona 00 Boys Manchester United Nike Triumph Cup, GA CHAMPIONS 97 Boys Shockers Germantown Invitational CHAMPIONS 97 Girls Yellow -Silver Div 8v8 96 Boys Blue -Silver Div Kicks Invitational 2008 Champs 98Boys Blue 97Boys Eagles – Bronze 98Girls Yellow – Gold 97Girls Yellow – Gold 96Girls Yellow Finalist 92Boys White 94Girls Yellow – U18 Bracket 00Boys Man U 99Boys Man U 99Girls Samba 00Girls  Everton 97Girls Blue 97Boys Blue - Gold 97Boys Shockers - Silver 93Boys White  HSC 92 Blue player selected for International Tour Blair Gaines has been selected to attend an international tour to Costa Rica with the Region III ODP 1991 Region Team.  This international event will put our elite regional players against top professional clubs in Costa Rica.  The trip is scheduled for March 2009 and will have all 4 regions of the United States represented. Blair has already traveled to Mexico with the Alabama State ODP team and is a senior at Huntsville High School.  This upcoming trip as well as the State Cup will be a showcase time for Blair as he continues his search for the right college program to continue his soccer career. HSC 92 Blue player named to the ODP Regional Team Zach Clark has been selected to attend the Disney Showcase in Orlando, FL during the Christmas break with the Region III Boys ODP Regional Team.  This interregional event will put the top players in the United States in competition with each other while under the scrutiny of US National Coaches, Regional Coaches and over 75 College Coaches.  The Disney event is one of the most recruited events in the nation for the elite players. Zach has been a member of the State Championship 92 Boys Blue team for 4 years and has traveled for 3 international appearances.  He is a two time member of the select players for Alabama ODP traveling to Mexico for competition as well as participating in the Mundialito “Little World Cup” tournament hosted by the Tahuichi Academy in Bolivia, while playing for Brad Friedel’s Premier Soccer Academy. HSC 93 Boys Blue, coached by Henry Mpagi, are Finalist in the 2008 Region III Premier League – Central. The team finished with a record of 6-1-2 with 20 points and were knocked down out of first place by a team they beat during R3PL, (Knoxville FC Crush 93 Blue, TN) by 2 points.  Though they came up short, it was another very successful R3PL season for 93 Blue.  93 Blue for the past 3 years they have played R3PL, were Finalist in 2006; Champions in 2007; and now Finalist in 2008.  View Photos... Marley Dunn from our own U9 Girls 00 Everton won the 2008 Wings award for Best Performance by a Youth Female for her portrayal of Molly, the youngest orphan, in "Annie". The wings awards are the local version of the Tony awards recognizing excellence in local theatre.  Marley can be seen next in "A Christmas Carol" for Fantasy Playhouse. Coach Henry's son, Henry Jr. is pictured in this month's issue of Eurosport Magazine.  Photo was taken in NC during the Regional tournaments for the '92, '93, and '94 boys teams.      ODP Region Camp Success Stories - Alabama Region Pool Selections Congratulations to all the Alabama ODP players which attended Region Camps the past two weeks. The best and brightest players from each state within Region III were on display. Regional ODP staff and college coaches alike crowded around the fields- the University of Montevallo for girl’s region camp, and the University of Alabama for boy’s region camp- to catch a glimpse of the future stars being showcased. Alabama teams competed well throughout the week, and several North Alabama players were added to the regional pools for possible region team event selection. 2008/2009 Regional Pool Selections: Blair Gaines (1991),  Zach Clark (1992), and Bradley Boyett (1992). All 3 players from North Alabama are from the State Champion ’92 HSC Strikers Blue, Coached by Marty Clark.  These 3 players were also part of our Spring College Showcase team sponsored by the Heroes FC.  Blair, Zach, and Bradley sacrificed their High School playing opportunity to pursue higher level competition at the collegiate level.  They played in several friendly matches with top colleges as well as showcase events in St. Louis.  Congratulations to the above players for their commitment and achievements in the game of soccer! Rival Clubs come together! Yes - it is true.  HSC and Kicks have come together to offer the most promising soccer opportunities possible to the North Alabama youth soccer players.  Please review our Memorandum of Understanding outlining the merging process.  One Game! One Team! HSC '97 Samba Yellow Girls take the State Championship This talented U11 girls team recently won their State Championship at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex hosted by Alabama Youth Soccer.  The '97 Samba team coached by Henry Mpagi had an outstanding performance on their way to securing the state title.  Congratulations young ladies!   '95 HSC Samba Yellow advance to Final 4 State Championship Series The U13 HSC girls team, coached by James Ssemambo, has secured their slot in the final 4 series of the U13 Division I State Championship series to be played this weekend on May 17th and 18th.  Good Luck ladies in your pursuit of the State Championship! Premier Soccer Academy Update Here is an updated picture of our HSC players that participated in Brad Friedel's PSA camp over the summer.  YES - you'll notice international soccer stars Brad Freidel and Desmond Armstrong with our players.  Also pictured in the bottom left (yellow shirt) is Joel Nash.  Joel played with the Ambassadors in Birmingham and was selected by HSC to participate in the PSA Camp.  Since then, Joel has earned a spot at the PSA Academy and is enjoying living and playing at the Academy in Ohio.        Picture above contains futbol legends Brad Friedel, Desmond Armstrong, & John Tesema HSC players Zach Clark, Jordan Layton, Kathryn Allison, Mary Kate Groark, Becky McGuigan, Paul Drenning, Aymeric Zuurhout, Will Thomas, Bobby Copeland and Sam Witt. 2008 Premier Soccer Academy - camp opportunity We are proud to announce that once again, PSA will be coming to Huntsville.  Coach Desmond Armstrong and Coach Roy Tunks will be coming to us on May 17 - 18th.  Camp is for boys 12 - 17 years old.  Space is limited to 40 players.  For the older players, the coaches will use this camp as an evaluation to help you understand what college program may be best suited for you.  As well, they will take your player profile and it keep it on file at PSA for further recommendation opportunities.  PSA will then be a referral source for you throughout your college search.  For the younger players, this is an opportunity for you to be scouted into the PSA program.  PSA is the only free residential academy in the United States. CURRENT POSITIONS : Desmond Armstrong President and Founder of Heroes Futbol Association adidas esp Staff Coach COACHING QUALIFICATIONS US Soccer Certified “A” License; US Soccer Certified “B” License; National Director of Coaching for Soccer in the Streets; Technical Director of Blue Ridge Rapids INTERNATIONAL 1987-1994 US National Team (84 Caps); UNICEF World Eleven All-Star Gala Team 1990 US World Cup Team; US Olympic Team; World University Games Team PROFESSIONAL 1986-1996 Charlotte Eagles - Team Captain / A-League Cup runner-up; Washington Warthogs - CISL; Maryland Bays - A-League Cup runner-up; Santos FC - Brazil First Division / First American to sign professionally in Brazil; Baltimore Blast - MISL (Suffered broken leg); Cleveland Force - MISL (Scored 11 goals and had 20 assists in 50 games); MISL All-Star Team; US National Amateur Cup Championship- Fairfax Spartans (Scored Game winner in Finals and two goals in the Semi-Finals) COLLEGE 1982-1986 University of Maryland; Three-Time All ACC Selection; Two-Time All South Selection (Scored 24 goals and had 18 assists in 78 games for the Terps)  CURRENT POSITION : Roy Tunks Premier League Goalkeeping Coach COACHING QUALIFICATIONS FA Coaching Diploma - Coach Education; FA Advanced License; UEFA “A” License; UEFA “A” Goalkeeping License; Twenty-Four Years Professional Player; Eighteen Years Professional Coach INTERNATIONAL COACHING CAREER 1992-1999 Football Association - FA Staff Coach U16 - U20 England National Team Goalkeeping Coach Two UEFA European Championship Finals U18’s Two FIFA World Championships U20’s PROFESSIONAL COACHING CAREER 1997-Present Blackburn Rovers - Goalkeeping Coach 1988-1992 Preston North End - Player 1st Team Coach/Assistant Manager 1985-1988 Wigan Athletic - Player Assistant Manager/1st Team Coach PROFESSIONAL PLAYING CAREER 1966-1990 Rotherham United; York City; Ipswitch Town; Newcastle United; Preston North End; Wigan Athletic; Preston North End Professional League Games - 700 Professional Cup Games – 150   HSC Receives Public Charity Status HSC recently received public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This means the club is exempt from Federal income tax and contributions to the club are tax deductible. The club considers this a key milestone in its growth and looks forward to the opportunities for further progress this status provides. This status is a benefit to our players as contributors and sponsors take advantage of their tax deductible donations. Most donors will want a copy of the determination letter for their records. Cole Iverson - HSC '93 Striker earns top HONORS! We have two major announcements for our '93 Striker - Cole, coached by Henry Mpagi.  Cole has been named to the U15 Men's US National Team for the upcoming trip to Spain.  Cole will be playing in Spain with the National Team from 5/9 - 5/19.  This is an outstanding achievement and a honor for Huntsville Soccer Club to send its second player to the National Team.  HSC continues to gain recognition for placing players at the elite levels.   As well - Cole has been invited to the Adidas ESP camp.  The ESP camp is reserved for the absolute top players in the United States.  It has been host to players such as Josmer Altidore, Jonathon Spector, and many other top professional and collegiate soccer players.  This invitation only camp is recognized as the top developmental camp in the country.  You can find more information at Adidas ESP. Cole Iverson - '93 Striker
HSC Player receives Soccer Scholarship in Tran South Conference '90 HSC Striker - Van Santos - was recently provided an opportunity to join the ranks of the Lambuth University Eagles   Van has been a part of HSC throughout his important development years participating in multiple State Championships while being coached by Marty Clark.  Later in his career, Van joined HSC at the U18 level to be coached by John Tesema and ultimately being recruited to the Eagles.  Lambuth is a NAIA school located in Jackson, TN.  The Eagles are coached by Paul Conway.  Van will pursue a degree in EMI (Entertainment Music Industry) while at Lambuth.  Congratulations to Van and his proud parents - Leigh and Gia Santos.
96 HSC Samba Yellow secure TWO Championships Congratulations to our HSC U12 Girls for securing the Championship title in the recent Vulcan Cup and Bob Jones Great Patriot Shootout.  This talented young team is coached by Norbert Webley and will be soon representing the HSC in the upcoming State Championship series.   Samba 96 Yellow secured a championship title in the Vulcan Cup.  This Platinum rated tournament is played in Birmingham, Alabama. The '96 girls had an excellent showing. Samba was in control of the games playing against teams from GA, TN,and  LA . Samba went head to head against Hendersonville Fusion, TN in the finals. The team had a three shut outs and won their last game 2-1.   The U12 girls also secured the Championship title at the Bob Jones Indoor tournament by beating the Kicks in a tight final, resulting in penalties from the mark.  The HSC team scored 8 goals and gave up only 1 on their path to the Championship title.     Success at the Southest Challenge 2008 HSC teams come up big at the best soccer facility in the Southeast.  The recent Southeast Challenge, hosted by the Jack Allen Soccer Complex in Decatur - AL, was a hot spot for HSC success.   Several teams performed well in their brackets and secured spots in the championships.  Congratulations to the HSC teams!  Championship groups are: '94 Blue Strikers - U14 Boys Coached by Henry Mpagi - Champions beating Kicks 4-2 in the finals '96 Yellow Samba - U12 girls Coached by Norbert Webley - are Champions beating our own U11 team '97 Yellow Samba - U11 girls Coached by Henry Mpagi - are Finalists in the U12 bracket '95 Yellow Samba - U14 girls Coached by James Ssemambo - are Finalists   Huntsville Soccer Club #1 in Division I Boys and 2nd overall in TOP ALABAMA PROGRAMS HSC recently secured the U14, U15, and U16 boys State Championships for Division I in Alabama.  With 3 Division I boys titles - that makes HSC NUMBER ONE in the boys division I programs for most championships during 2007!  Overall, by securing 3 championship titles, HSC is the 2nd highest club in State Championships for both boys and girls programs combined.  All 3 Striker teams will represent Alabama in the upcoming Southeast Regional Championships in Raleigh, NC.   The development program is one of the best around for the Huntsville Soccer Club.  We have secured top spots in the Regional Leagues as well as State by adhering to a strict recipe of discipline, organization, and creative play for our young players.  HSC is a fraction of the size of competing clubs but maintains an elite position by continuing to staff our teams with the absolute best coaches available and develop players in the HSC system for many years prior to achieving such an elite level of success.   HSC also captured a Finalist position with the U16 HSC Samba girls and Semi-Finalists spots with the U17 HSC Samba girls and the U14 HSC Samba girls.            CHAMPIONS:        '93 Blue Strikers, coached by Henry Mpagi '94 Blue Strikers, coached by Eusebio Samuel	96 HSC Samba Girls Championship at Bob Jones '96 HSC Samba Girls Championship at Vulcan Cup   '92 Blue Strikers, coached by Marty Clark
FINALIST:   '92 Yellow Samba, coached by Marty Clark	SEMI-FINALISTS:   '94 Yellow Samba, coached by James Ssemambo (not pictured) '91 Yellow Samba, coached by Eusebio Samuel

Governor's Cup Champion - U9 Yellow Samba Girls

Christy Copeland's '99 Yellow Samba girls capture the Championship at the Division III Governor's Cup in Decatur, Al.  This young group of girls had an outstanding tournament while on their road to victory.

Congratulations girls and good luck for many years to come!

1st Annual HSC Community "Kick-Back" Charity Drive

The Huntsville Soccer Club hosted a charity collection event at Pete's Soccer Shop on Whitesburg Drive on December 15th, 2007. A representative from the Harris Home for Children was present to receive the donations for the "Home Team", while collections for the "Away Team", the international Ambassadors in Sports Charity based out of South Africa, will be mailed to them at the beginning of the new year.  Numerous families and members of the Board of Directors were present to provide donations for this 1st Annual "Kick Back" event, but Pete's Soccer Shop owner, Pete Needham, went beyond the call of duty and provided the majority of the donations himself. Thanks to all who came out to help during this holiday season!

Pictured above: Pete Needham of Pete's Soccer Shop,

Rachel Morris and Bob Copeland of HSC

Cole Iverson selected for U15 US National team event at Disney

'93 HSC Blue Striker, Cole Iverson, was recently selected to participate with the US National Team representing the United States in international competition at the 2007 Nike Friendlies event in Orlando, Fl.  Cole is coached by Henry Mpagi on his championship team at HSC.  This is the second calling for Cole to the US National Team.  Cole will also be joining our Heroes Spring College Team for additional exposure throughout early 2008.  Visit HERE for photos of the Nike event.

 

Huntsville Soccer Club dominates Region III Premier League

The '93 Blue Strikers, coached by Henry Mpagi, take the CHAMPIONSHIP in the recent conclusion of the U15 boys R3PL.  As well, the '92 Blue Strikers, coached by Marty Clark, take the FINALIST position in the U16 boys division.  Both teams represented Alabama well by capturing these elite honors in the central division of Region III.  Both teams will be representing Alabama in the upcoming Regional Championships as they both secured their respective State Championships.  Both teams are ranked in the top 25 Nationally for goals allowed: '93 Boys (11th with 7 shut-outs and 3 goals allowed) and '92 Boys (24th with 6 shut-outs and 4 goals allowed).

 

The elite Region III Premier League, comprised of state champions and finalists, is the toughest league available for our state teams.

 

'92 Blue Strikers - Finalist

 

The HSC 93 Blue Strikers - FINALISTS in the 2007 Germantown College Showcase PLATINUM Division.  

 The HSC 93 Strikers won their very competitive bracket by beating 2 State Champions and a Regional Finalist, in the highest division in the tournament.  Region II Ohio State Champions, COSA Express, and Reg II Kansas State Champions, KCFC Alliance Ranger, fell 1-0 and 3-0, consecutively, in their games that were clearly dominated by the Strikers.  The 3rd game paired the Strikers with the Region II Finalist, Chicago Fire Juniors Premier Red, but they, too, could not push their way through the strong defense of the Strikers, who won 2-0.   The Strikers met their match in the Championship game with the very tough Region II team, St Louise Scott Gallagher 1, ranked 15th in the nation, and fell 0-3 in the finals. In spite of that loss, it was a huge success for the HSC 93 Blue Strikers to have walked away Finalist in the highest division in one of the nations most competitive tournaments!  Congratulations HSC 93 Blue Strikers! 

 

College Spring Team offered in 2008

In an effort to help players realize their dreams of playing higher level soccer, HSC is working with the Heroes organization to provide high school aged players the opportunity to receive outstanding spring training and a compliment of games with select Colleges and Universities in the Southeast.  The Heroes organization has a US Club soccer affiliation and is directed by Desmond Armstrong, former US National Team player.  We have also merged players from Birmingham and North Alabama for this team which is coached by John Tesema, Director of Coaching for HSC.

Players will be exposed to college soccer and have an opportunity to play with Division I, II, III and NAIA programs.  With each college game, the College coaches offer campus tours and an interview with the players so that players can get answers to their academic and sport related concerns. 

 

92 Samba Yellow gets another Championship win at the SoccerElite Fall Championships in Memphis The 92 Yellow Samba, Coached by Marty Clark, take another Fall Championship.  They destroyed competition scoring 15 goals and allowing 2 on their way to the final victory.  The finals were a 2-1 match with a strong Mississippi United Fire team in the U16 girls Gold Bracket.                         96 Strikers Blue won the Superclubs tournament in Memphis The 96 Strikers Blue, Coached by Fernando Pingatore, are the Fall 2007 Superclub U-12 Champs.  They scored 15 goals and only gave up 1 one goal all weekend.           HSC Teams DOMINATE the HSC Summer Classic Tournament It was a wonderful weekend of great weather and outstanding soccer as the HSC teams march to finals in 11 of 18 opportunities.  With 6 Championship teams and 5 Finalists, HSC was the CLUB of the weekend!

 

 

Champions:

96 Samba Yellow coached by Norbert Webley

92 Samba Yellow coached by Marty Clark

99 Strikers Blue coached by Sean Cooper

96 Strikers Blue coached by Eusebio Samuel

95 Strikers Blue coached by Norbert Webley

92 Strikers Blue coached by Marty Clark

 

Finalists:

95 Samba Yellow coached by James Ssemambo

99 Samba Yellow coached by Christy Copeland

94 Strikers Blue coached by Eusebio Samuel

93 Strikers Blue coached Henry Mpagi

90 Strikers Blue coached by John Tesema

 

    

96 Samba Yellow                                                   92 Samba Yellow

96 Strikers Blue                                                       95 Strikers Blue

92 Strikers Blue

'92 Striker captures Region Player status

Zach Clark was the only player from a North Alabama Club to be named to the Southeast Regional Pool at the July Region III ODP camp at the University of Mississippi.  The 1992 Alabama ODP team had a record 6 players engage in the pool this summer.  This identification process is an honor and reserved for the top players in the southeast.  Next on the calendar will be the potential for international competition with the Region III ODP team.  The '92 Region team is coached by Trevor Adair from Clemson and Peter Fuller from the University of Mobile.  This achievement comes on the backside of Zach forfeiting his high school playing opportunities while playing for the Heroes FC spring team which spent the recent spring season competing with various southeast Universities.  The HSC has placed more players at the Regional and National levels than any other club in North Alabama.  Great job!

Zach Clark (pictured in white jersey)

'93 Striker called to U.S. National Team Camp

Cole Iverson was recently scouted into the U15 Boys National Team camp in Carson, California.  One of the U17 National team coaches was able to observe Cole during the Southern Regional Championships and immediately made arrangements for Cole to join the elite group of players in California.  This special opportunity places Cole in an elite category of players now eligible to represent the United States in International competition.  While at camp, he will be playing against the absolute best players in the nation and complimented with top professional coaches currently working with our regional and national programs.  Cole has been coached by Henry Mpagi while being a member of the '93 Strikers.  Cole is the second player in HSC history to join the National pool ranks.  '88 Striker, Bill Dworsky, was the first player and now plays for the UNC Tarheels. 

2007 HSC '93 Strikers Blue advance to Quarter-Finals at Southern Regional Championships

The HSC 93 Strikers Blue, coached by Henry Mpagi and Assisted by James Ssemambo, recently played in the Southern Regional Championship tournament in Oklahoma City.  Faced with strong opposition and inclement weather, they were able to show the region that indeed soccer is played in Alabama.  The Strikers’ first game pitted them against the Premier League’s Region Three Central Champions, TNFC 93 Blue.  After an aggressive, fast paced game, the Strikers were victorious scoring once in each half for a 2-0 win.  The first goal was headed in off a beautiful cross in front of the net.  The second goal was scored from just outside the eighteen as it was bent just out of the keepers reach into the right hand corner.  Next, the Strikers faced CESA 92 Premier, South Carolina’s State Champions.  This team brought size, speed, and an attitude that did not accept defeat to the pitch.   CESA was able to score first,  but before they were able to enjoy the elation the Strikers had evened things up with a goal of there on by bringing the ball down the left side and punching it in. 

'93 Strikers Blue at Southern Regional Championship Opening Ceremonies

Youth Academy starts in 2007!

HSC is opening a Youth Academy to serve our recreational base of players.  We have named Coach Sean Cooper as the Youth Academy Director.  Coach Cooper will conduct all club training and game supervision.  This program is for the U8 player seeking a more structured and challenging environment.  We will offer pool/combined training and players will be assigned to a single team for the season.  Players will train once per week and a game night once per week with most all sessions at Merrimack Park. 

HSC Strikers represent Alabama and the U.S. with international competition in Mexico

HSC Coach Selected to Huntsville High Girls Head Varsity Position

HSC Coach Christy Copeland has been named the new Head Varsity Coach of the Huntsville High School Lady Panthers championship soccer program.  Christy has been an Assistant Varsity and JV Coach for the Lady Panthers since 2004 and was unanimously selected to replace retiring head coach, Henry Mpagi, and HSC Coach James Ssemembo will assist her in this endeavor. Coach Christy is the head coach for the upcoming '99 HSC Samba (U9) Girls teams, and Coach James will coach both the '94 and '95 HSC Samba teams. Congratulations Coaches!

HSC Teams take all the Treasure for North Alabama at Spring State Cup 2007

Congratulations to our State Cup Champions in May 2007.  HSC was able to represent North Alabama well by capturing all available Championships in the recent tournament.  We are the only club in North Alabama that can claim this level of success at the Championship Tournament.  Our hat is off to the players and Coaches for a job well done!

Here is a list of our Champions:

• '96 U11 - Strikers Blue coached by Eusebio Samuel

• '95 U12 - Strikers Blue coached by James Ssemambo / Asst. Greg Dunn

• '94 U13 - Strikers Blue coached by John Tesema

      
'95 Strikers Blue - U12B Div. II Champion                            '94 Strikers Blue - U13 Division I Champion

'96 Strikers Blue - U11B Div. II Champion