Huntsville Soccer Club and Samba FC to Merge

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 6, 2004 – Samba Futebol Clube, the fastest growing all girls soccer club in Alabama has announced an agreement to merge with Huntsville Soccer Club, Inc. (HSC). HSC has one of the premier boys programs in the state. Under the terms of the agreement, Samba FC will merge with HSC effective June 2004 and the merged organization will be known as Huntsville Soccer Club. The girls program under Huntsville Soccer Club will be known as HSC Samba. The boys program will continue to be known as HSC Strikers.

Since its creation in 1999, Huntsville Soccer Club has been the most successful boys program in Alabama, earning 12 State Championships and 14 Champion Finalist’s honors. In the last two years alone, HSC boy’s teams have won 6, Division 1 State Championships.

Richard Todd, current Director of Coaching for Samba FC, will become the new Director of Coaching Curriculum-Girls for HSC Samba. Richard will work with Marty Clark, HSC’s Director of Coaching Operations, to coordinate HSC Samba programs. John Tesema will continue in his role as Director of Coaching Curriculum-Boys for the HSC Strikers program. The merger has been approved by the HSC Board of Directors and the Samba FC leadership team. Two additional HSC board seats will be created to represent the HSC Samba program.

Commenting on the merger, Richard Todd said, “Samba FC is the fastest growing all girls soccer program in Alabama. In less than 4 years we have developed 3 Alabama State Champion and 3 State Champion Finalist girl’s teams. Our merger with HSC will allow us access to the infrastructure and top quality coaches needed to continue our rapid growth. HSC offered us an opportunity to maintain our unique identity and distinctive style of entertaining soccer dedicated to the needs of the female player. This merger is a natural fit for both clubs.”

Marty Clark added, “The combination of HSC and Samba FC will be the Premier Soccer Club in Alabama combining the resources of the best boys and girls development programs in the state under one club. Samba leadership shares our vision of long-term player development and commitment to the growth of all levels of soccer throughout the state. This merger is good for soccer and good for the state of Alabama.”

A town meeting will be scheduled for some time in April to introduce the combined staff to the public and answer any questions about the merger.