General Information
Philosophy & Goals
EAFC believes in a player-centered philosophy that focuses on long-term development of a player’s ability and character. EAFC uses a qualitative, process-driven approach to long-term player development, as opposed to a quantitative, results-oriented approach for limited short-term gains. EAFC strives to serve the player as opposed to the player serving EAFC.
The goal of EAFC is to provide the appropriate level of advanced training and competition to facilitate player development for those willing to commit to select soccer. EAFC strives to honor these philosophies and goals by providing a competitive environment facilitated by accomplished, reputable, licensed career professional staff.
Select Tryouts & Player Selection
D1 & D2 players are selected through a tryout process. All players must attend at least one scheduled tryout, and are encouraged to attend multiple tryouts. Those who cannot attend a regularly scheduled tryout date must make arrangements with the Director of Coaching (DOC) for an alternate tryout time.
The EAFC coaching staff, DOC, and other professional soccer coaches will evaluate players to determine the current and potential levels of technical ability, tactical understanding, athleticism, and psychological/emotional maturity. The DOC and team coach will determine if the player is to be offered a spot on a Storm or Tornado Squad. Offers can be made anytime during the tryout process, including in person at a tryout session, or by phone/email after a tryout session. Players who sign a D1 or D2 letter of commitment are bound to the club for one year (players are released for school-related soccer activities).
If a player is not offered a spot on a Storm or Tornado Squad, EAFC will provide the player with information on alternate opportunities that may be more appropriate for the player’s current and potential level of development in the D3 developmental program or the D4 recreational program.
Team Formations & Placement
EAFC prefers to form true age group teams when possible. Team formation & placement is based on but not limited to the following: player pool vs roster size, group ability and potential, team personality and chemistry, and general work ethic and competitiveness. Roster sizes for u11 & u12 will be 11-14 players (8v8); for u13, u14, u15 roster size will be 14-18 players (11v11); and for u16, u17, u18, u19, rosters will be 14-22 players (11v11).
Playing Time, Expectations of Player, Training Schedule
EAFC coaches are the sole determiners of team selection, formations, starting positions, substitutions and playing time. Coaches will provide players with the opportunity to earn playing time over the course of a season through effort, performance, and attitude at training and matches. At the select level, coaches are charged with balancing playing time with collective competitive achievement. Players are committed to and expected to attend all team functions (camps, matches, tourneys, state cup) unless absence is pre-approved or in extenuating circumstances.
A player may play on a higher age group team determined to be an “impact player” by the DOC and the coaching staff. The DOC will take into account the player’s technical and physical abilities, tactical knowledge and emotional maturity and will make a final decision by the end of tryouts after consultation with staff, player, and family. It is preferred to use the Club Player Pass System as opposed to playing up where possible. Coaches will use the player pass system as a reward and developmental tool as appropriate. Double-rostering is not allowed on Storm & Tornado Squads.
Teams will train 2x weekly with a possible additional skills/conditioning day. Training locations will be split between Anniston & Gadsden as player population, field and coach availability dictates. For D1 & D2, 8 League matches will be split with 4 home and away. Home matches will occur at the McClellan Soccer Complex @ 745 Summerall Anniston, Alabama.
EAFC believes in a player-centered philosophy that focuses on long-term development of a player’s ability and character. EAFC uses a qualitative, process-driven approach to long-term player development, as opposed to a quantitative, results-oriented approach for limited short-term gains. EAFC strives to serve the player as opposed to the player serving EAFC.
The goal of EAFC is to provide the appropriate level of advanced training and competition to facilitate player development for those willing to commit to select soccer. EAFC strives to honor these philosophies and goals by providing a competitive environment facilitated by accomplished, reputable, licensed career professional staff.
Select Tryouts & Player Selection
D1 & D2 players are selected through a tryout process. All players must attend at least one scheduled tryout, and are encouraged to attend multiple tryouts. Those who cannot attend a regularly scheduled tryout date must make arrangements with the Director of Coaching (DOC) for an alternate tryout time.
The EAFC coaching staff, DOC, and other professional soccer coaches will evaluate players to determine the current and potential levels of technical ability, tactical understanding, athleticism, and psychological/emotional maturity. The DOC and team coach will determine if the player is to be offered a spot on a Storm or Tornado Squad. Offers can be made anytime during the tryout process, including in person at a tryout session, or by phone/email after a tryout session. Players who sign a D1 or D2 letter of commitment are bound to the club for one year (players are released for school-related soccer activities).
If a player is not offered a spot on a Storm or Tornado Squad, EAFC will provide the player with information on alternate opportunities that may be more appropriate for the player’s current and potential level of development in the D3 developmental program or the D4 recreational program.
Team Formations & Placement
EAFC prefers to form true age group teams when possible. Team formation & placement is based on but not limited to the following: player pool vs roster size, group ability and potential, team personality and chemistry, and general work ethic and competitiveness. Roster sizes for u11 & u12 will be 11-14 players (8v8); for u13, u14, u15 roster size will be 14-18 players (11v11); and for u16, u17, u18, u19, rosters will be 14-22 players (11v11).
Playing Time, Expectations of Player, Training Schedule
EAFC coaches are the sole determiners of team selection, formations, starting positions, substitutions and playing time. Coaches will provide players with the opportunity to earn playing time over the course of a season through effort, performance, and attitude at training and matches. At the select level, coaches are charged with balancing playing time with collective competitive achievement. Players are committed to and expected to attend all team functions (camps, matches, tourneys, state cup) unless absence is pre-approved or in extenuating circumstances.
A player may play on a higher age group team determined to be an “impact player” by the DOC and the coaching staff. The DOC will take into account the player’s technical and physical abilities, tactical knowledge and emotional maturity and will make a final decision by the end of tryouts after consultation with staff, player, and family. It is preferred to use the Club Player Pass System as opposed to playing up where possible. Coaches will use the player pass system as a reward and developmental tool as appropriate. Double-rostering is not allowed on Storm & Tornado Squads.
Teams will train 2x weekly with a possible additional skills/conditioning day. Training locations will be split between Anniston & Gadsden as player population, field and coach availability dictates. For D1 & D2, 8 League matches will be split with 4 home and away. Home matches will occur at the McClellan Soccer Complex @ 745 Summerall Anniston, Alabama.
FAQ's
Why does EAFC promote quality over quantity?EAFC strives to be the best club, not the biggest. We believe in developing players and teams to their fullest potential to succeed as players and people over the long haul. EAFC manages growth versus coach capacity, so players receive copious amounts of individual attention from highly licensed and reputable coaches.
What is a nationally licensed coach?
A nationally licensed coach holds a 'C' license or higher ('B', 'A' ) from the United States Soccer Federation. EAFC is the only club in Northeast Alabama that has multiple national licensed coaches. The top coaches at EAFC have held a national license for over 10 years, as opposed to other area clubs, whose DOC's have held a state D license for less than a year. License levels are verifiable through EAFC and AYSA. EAFC places their top coaches with their youngest players and their most experienced players.
What other qualifications does EAFC look for in their select coaches?
EAFC strives to find professional coaches with collegel level playing backgrounds to instill those skills in the club's players. EAFC only uses professional coaches, never amateur parent coaches.
Do board members decide on player selection or team placement?
No. EAFC board members are vested with the management of the club's business affairs. EAFC Directors of Coaching make all decisions on player selection and team placement.
How is team placement determined?
Teams are placed according to where they will be challenged and develop the most. At the older ages, EAFC places teams at the highest level possible. EAFC does not sandbag team placement in order to win trophies.
Do coaches stay with teams for that teams duration from u11-u18?
No, this is not accepted modern day player development practice. EAFC rotates coaches every 1-2 seasons, so that players are exposed to multiple styles, personalities, and systems during their playing career. This allows a player to be exposed to many coaches different strengths. This helps prepare them for higher levels of soccer that are more demanding, as well as prepare them for like situations with multiple teachers, bosses, and relationships they will encounter as adults.
How long has the Storm program been in existance? The Tornado program?
Storm was founded in 1988 and Tornado in 2005. See the "Club History" below for more information.
Why are there multiple clubs in Northeast Alabama?
Different clubs have different models, different objectives, and different ways of achieving them. It is good for the player and the game to have a choice, as any club is not always a one-size-fits-all situation. Choice and competition are for the good of the kids and the good of the game. If there was just 1 area club, proper development does not occur as teams don't compete against each other to raise the level of local area soccer. Less clubs mean less opportunites.
Why choose EAFC?
EAFC is the new home of the 2 most successful soccer programs in Northeast Alabama, boasting the only staff with multiple nationally licensed coaches, including the highest licensed and longest serving club coaches in Northeast Alabama.
Since 1988 the Storm boys program has 8 state titles, 1 Southeast Regional Finalist, and has the same coaches since 1993. In 5 short years, the Tornado girls program has 4 state titles and highest winning percentage since its inception.
EAFC Storm and Tornado soccer believes in quality approach. EAFC is the only program in Northeast Alabama run by nationally licensed career soccer professionals focused on long-term player and team development. EAFC believes the club is to serve the player, not for the player to serve the team or club.
History
Storm History
Founded in 1988 by Ken
McIntosh & Mike Hoots, Storm was founded to provide soccer players in
Northeast Alabama the opportunity to play beyond the recreational level. The
inaugural team played at u13 in the Birmingham competitive league, playing under
the colors of grey and maroon, and travelled all over the Southeast to get
games.
Initially, the team struggled to be competitive, as Coach Hoots reminded the boys that these were character building games. By the time the team reached their u15 year, they had become competitive with the best teams in the state, led by future college players Taylor Flannagan, Daniel Sherman, and Rusty McIntosh.
After the inaugural team aged out, Raymond Stokes, Stan Albright, and Dr. Mike Parker built the Storm into a force to be reckoned with in Alabama soccer. For the first time, Storm brought in coaches who had grown up playing the game at competitive levels, including Scott Martin, Darren Spruill, and Brian Rohrer in 1993. The Storm's 1st state title in the 90's was won in 1994, led by players such as John Flannigan, Josh Albright, Norn Non, Nouen Non, and Joel Hawbaker. The club colors during this time were forest green.
The Storm continued to excel in the 90's, winning a total of 4 Alabama state titles in the 90's. Led by Spruill and Rohrer, the teams continued to play a very technical, attacking brand of soccer, led by players such as Chad Elliott, Andrew Hill, Evan Dick, Kevin Wilhoite, Jeremy "Booger" Shealy, Teddy Tyler, Chad McCorkle, Bryce McCorkle, Brad Bennett, Fernando Del Valle, and Martin Harner. These players formed the core of the team that finished with 5 state cup final appearances, culminating with a State Cup at u18 with only 11 players.
In 2007, Rohrer and Spruill authored the document "A Vision for the Future" which became the template for the Coosa Soccer Association. Rohrer and Spruill brought the Storm name and style to Coosa Soccer Association, winning 2 state titles and a regional finalist, in addition to hiring and retaining the staff that won and additional 2 state titles.
In 2010, Rohrer and Spruill diverged from the Coosa Soccer Association, taking the Storm name and developmental model to the East Alabama Futbol Club, where they merged with Tornado Soccer Club.
Storm would like to gratefully acknowledge the "First Fan" of the club, the late Mrs. McIntosh, who happily and tirelessly supported and followed the early Storm teams all over the Southeast and was the life of the dream. Mrs. McIntosh passed away in 2009. Storm also fondly remembers Norn Non, the only known Storm player to pass away, who lost his battle with cancer on May 26th, 2006 at the age of 25. Non was known for his incredible skills, his deft touch and tricks, his devotion to the game, kids, and club. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten and will forever be missed. Storm also wishes Mike Parker a full recovery from his cliff-diving accident.
Tornado History
Founded in 2005 by Paul Muratta and Mike Maddox with Ken Lewis, the Tornado Soccer Club has grown steadily each year into the premier girls soccer program in East Alabama, drawing players from Etowah, Marshall, DeKalb, Calhoun, and St. Clair counties..
In this short time, Tornado has won 4 State Championships, several division championships and placed 2nd five times in the state tournament. Tornado has represented Alabama in three President’s Cup Regional Tournaments.
Tornado began with a commitment to building the best all-girls soccer club. Today the Tornado name is recognized around the state. At the end of last year, Tornado had the highest winning percentage of any club in Alabama with more than one team.
In 2010 Tornado formed an alliance with Storm to form East Alabama FC.
Initially, the team struggled to be competitive, as Coach Hoots reminded the boys that these were character building games. By the time the team reached their u15 year, they had become competitive with the best teams in the state, led by future college players Taylor Flannagan, Daniel Sherman, and Rusty McIntosh.
After the inaugural team aged out, Raymond Stokes, Stan Albright, and Dr. Mike Parker built the Storm into a force to be reckoned with in Alabama soccer. For the first time, Storm brought in coaches who had grown up playing the game at competitive levels, including Scott Martin, Darren Spruill, and Brian Rohrer in 1993. The Storm's 1st state title in the 90's was won in 1994, led by players such as John Flannigan, Josh Albright, Norn Non, Nouen Non, and Joel Hawbaker. The club colors during this time were forest green.
The Storm continued to excel in the 90's, winning a total of 4 Alabama state titles in the 90's. Led by Spruill and Rohrer, the teams continued to play a very technical, attacking brand of soccer, led by players such as Chad Elliott, Andrew Hill, Evan Dick, Kevin Wilhoite, Jeremy "Booger" Shealy, Teddy Tyler, Chad McCorkle, Bryce McCorkle, Brad Bennett, Fernando Del Valle, and Martin Harner. These players formed the core of the team that finished with 5 state cup final appearances, culminating with a State Cup at u18 with only 11 players.
In 2007, Rohrer and Spruill authored the document "A Vision for the Future" which became the template for the Coosa Soccer Association. Rohrer and Spruill brought the Storm name and style to Coosa Soccer Association, winning 2 state titles and a regional finalist, in addition to hiring and retaining the staff that won and additional 2 state titles.
In 2010, Rohrer and Spruill diverged from the Coosa Soccer Association, taking the Storm name and developmental model to the East Alabama Futbol Club, where they merged with Tornado Soccer Club.
Storm would like to gratefully acknowledge the "First Fan" of the club, the late Mrs. McIntosh, who happily and tirelessly supported and followed the early Storm teams all over the Southeast and was the life of the dream. Mrs. McIntosh passed away in 2009. Storm also fondly remembers Norn Non, the only known Storm player to pass away, who lost his battle with cancer on May 26th, 2006 at the age of 25. Non was known for his incredible skills, his deft touch and tricks, his devotion to the game, kids, and club. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten and will forever be missed. Storm also wishes Mike Parker a full recovery from his cliff-diving accident.
Tornado History
Founded in 2005 by Paul Muratta and Mike Maddox with Ken Lewis, the Tornado Soccer Club has grown steadily each year into the premier girls soccer program in East Alabama, drawing players from Etowah, Marshall, DeKalb, Calhoun, and St. Clair counties..
In this short time, Tornado has won 4 State Championships, several division championships and placed 2nd five times in the state tournament. Tornado has represented Alabama in three President’s Cup Regional Tournaments.
Tornado began with a commitment to building the best all-girls soccer club. Today the Tornado name is recognized around the state. At the end of last year, Tornado had the highest winning percentage of any club in Alabama with more than one team.
In 2010 Tornado formed an alliance with Storm to form East Alabama FC.
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