Chattanooga Pulse

Chattanooga Football Club will kick off its off-season schedule on December 5th when it hosts the first tryout for the 2010 season. The tryouts will be open to all post-high school soccer players who would like to show off their skills in front of the Chattanooga FC coaching staff. Chattanooga FC brings semi-professional soccer to Chattanooga at an unprecedented level of quality, and participates in the Southeast Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Due to significant interest from players in Chattanooga, all over the South, and even internationally, Chattanooga FC organizers are limiting the training pool of this tryout to the first 100 registrants. “We have already been in contact with over 40 collegiate coaches this fall to spread the word about Chattanooga FC,” said Brian Crossman, Chattanooga FC’s head coach. “We are also aware of at least 40 more local players who have already contacted us about trying out, in addition to our 35 person 2009 squad,” added Ben Johnson, one of the clubs logistics managers. “We’ve even been getting emails from places as far away as Brazil, Nigeria, and the UK!”

Brian Crossman is returning for his second season as the Chattanooga FC Head Coach after an impressive first season with a record of 4-3-1. Brian coached collegiately for twenty-three years, compiling a record or 306 wins, 110 losses and 29 ties. He was voted region/area Coach of the Year six times and district/conference Coach of the Year nine times. Brian led Covenant College to the NAIA National Tournament twice. Jimmy Weekley will be returning for his second season as the club’s Assistant Coach. He holds a NSCAA Premiere Diploma and a USSF “C” license. He has coached at the collegiate level both at Covenant and at Flagler College, and is currently serving as the Head Coach of the Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team at The Baylor School in Chattanooga.

Chattanooga FC organizers have opened the tryouts to the general public. Admission will be free. The club will also be selling gear and merchandise, including the new Chattanooga FC scarves, which have just arrived.

Tryouts will be held Saturday, December 5th, at Finley Stadium from noon until late afternoon. Player registration begins at 11AM. There is a $20 tryout fee for all players, unless they have been invited by the coaching staff. All players will receive a 2010 Chattanooga FC Tryout T-Shirt and should come prepared with shin guards and their own ball. Advanced registration is required. Visit www.chattanoogafc.com for details. All questions should be directed to info@chattanoogafc.com.

About Chattanooga Football Club

Chattanooga FC provides quality soccer matches and a family friendly environment at the region’s largest sports venue, with the goal of attracting spectators from the area’s widely diverse cultural community to enjoy the world’s favorite sport. The team is comprised of high-level players holding amateur status to maintain collegiate eligibility, and will serve as an engine to develop great players and as a showcase for professional coaches.