Interview with Ken Fogarty, director of training
Location: Houston.
History: Formed 1986.
Championships: 2 USYSA national champions (U-18 2001; U-16 1994); 6 USYSA Region III champions; 46 South Texas Youth Soccer Association champions; more than 50 major tournament titles, including Dallas Cup, Tampa Bay Sun Bowl, Pikes Peak Tournament and Nike Premier Cup.
Most famous players: Imad Baba (Colorado Rapids), Eric Quill (Tampa Bay), Johnny Torres (Miami).
Number of teams: 16 boys teams, ages U-11 through U-19.
Number of players: More than 250.
Number of coaches: 18.
Cost to play: $800-$1,200.
Coaching salaries: None (all volunteer parent-coaches).
Facilities: Meyer Park and Burroughs Park (rental).
Club philosophy: “Building champions for life.”
Recruiting philosophy: “We will work with anyone who wants to join us.”
Club’s greatest strength: “Our members. From the board to the youngest players to the newest parents, everyone who joins the Texans wants to be successful.”
Club’s most recent issue: “Changes in personnel – making the transitions between three directors of training.”
Why no girls teams?: “We used to have them, with the Challenge, but they split off and went their separate way. We may consider girls teams in the future.”
Keys to recent national championship: “We played with discipline. We also had a great combination: great teamwork, but we also had individuals who could open up the game.”
Biggest rivals: “Several clubs in south Texas. This is a very competitive area.”
Sponsors: “None. It’s in the pipeline.”
Fund raising: Done individually, by teams.
Contact: Texans Soccer Club, PMB 296, 4950 FM 1960 West, Suite A7, Houston, TX 77069;
e-mail: fogartyka@aol.com; home page: www.texans.org.