TFC Academy News

The Tormenta FC U14 MLS NEXT team traveled to Atlanta last weekend to face the Atlanta United Academy team. The U14s trumped the Atlanta United Academy team 7-4, picking up their second win over an MLS franchise.

Tormenta FC’s U14 team found the back of the net on seven occasions Saturday including four from Jayden Deflin, one from Sebastian Zuniga, Isaac Burford, and U13 player Jabir Watson.

Watson was joined by three other U13 players who appeared with the U14 squad, including Michael Roy, Kevin Santana, and Iker Diaz. All four players received valuable experience playing with the U14s.

“This is a fantastic achievement for this team, who struggled when first entering the MLS NEXT League and have started to become much more competitive over the last 12 months,” MLS NEXT Director Jay Peake said. “The win against Atlanta United was a crowning moment for these players, who have trusted in the process and earned a day they will not forget. It has been incredible to see the growth in these players over the last two seasons, both as individuals and as a team.” 

Anyone interested in playing for the U14 MLS NEXT team or other MLS NEXT team can contact Jay Peake, the MLS NEXT Director, at Jpeake@tormentafc.com

Tee Headman relishes a win and values her losses as learning opportunities, on and off the pitch. Headman, the captain of the U17 DPL team, is no stranger to the sound of cleats scuffling on the grass or soccer balls clanging against goal posts. The 16-year-old sets ambitious goals for herself and found that the Tormenta FC Academy in Savannah, Georgia was the organization to hoist her to the level she hopes to achieve.

Headman recently traveled with her team to the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase, where the striker scored seven goals over the duration of the tournament weekend. The team emerged victorious, becoming the champions for their age group. 

The 16-year-old striker was drawn to the Tormenta FC Academy because of the high-caliber opportunities offered and the rigorous training styles. While these assets of the academy drew her in, it was the close-knit friendships she made with the other girls and the coaching staff that has kept Headman engaged with Tormenta FC. 

“I stay with Tormenta because I love my friends and definitely because of Coach Jim (Robbins). He’s not like any other coach I have had. He makes everything fun, and we get to joke a lot. At the end of the day, though, we always get the work done,” Headman explained. “Off the field we are all best friends, but on the field we are locked in and ready to go.” 

Headman began her soccer career at the age of six, crediting the moments spent watching her older brothers playing in soccer games as her inspiration. Since then, Headman has committed to her soccer career each day, reminding herself to push beyond what she thinks possible and to keep her eyes toward the future. Her tutelage with the Tormenta FC Academy began in 2018, and her skills and technique improve with each passing day. Now, she is able to hand down her expertise and passion to the next generation of players, acting as a referee for recreation league games. 

South Georgia Tormenta FC and Coach Jim Robbins consistently challenge and encourage players to unlock their full playing potential and set up consistent expectations that enable players to thrive. 

During the summer of 2023, Headman had the opportunity to train with Tormenta FC’s USL W League team, the semi-professional women’s team. Coach Robbins felt certain she was up to the challenge and could reach new heights training with the women’s team. While training with the W League, Headman was also given the opportunity to play in USL Academy games with the U20 women. 

“Getting to train with the W League, I got to see how they play, their daily life as a soccer player, and how they juggle it all with school,” Headman said.”It really showed me that I could do this one day.” 

Headman hopes to see her name under stadium lights as she rises through the ranks of her soccer journey and is confident that the Tormenta FC Academy program has given her the tools and abilities she needs to transform her dreams into reality.

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2024 with season tickets, which now available for purchase. Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com or Noah Schroyer at (770) 871-8654 or email nschroyer@tormentafc.com.

Vice President of the Tormenta FC Academy Brad Nein had the exclusive opportunity to travel with other members of football club personnel from around the United States and Canada to Manchester, United Kingdom, home of Manchester City FC, as part of the PUMA King Club Coach’s Trip. South Georgia Tormenta FC was one of only 12 clubs in the United States invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

This exclusive opportunity allowed Nein to gain exclusive insights into the business practices that have driven Manchester City’s international success. The trip kicked off with a tour of the iconic Manchester City FC stadium. Guests on the trip then had the opportunity to hear from specialists in the field, learning about how to maximize opportunities on and off the pitch to elevate the success of their clubs back home. 

Nein described the experience as nothing short of electric. Speakers spoke with great passion and reverence on their respective topics, which included the player-first approach taken by Manchester City FC, the recruitment process for players, and how to best support player development on a day-to-day basis that Nein can bring back to the Tormenta FC teams. 

“The trip Puma put together to visit the Manchester City Football Education department was first class in each aspect. Every detail was thought of to enhance the overall experience, create learning opportunities, and insert me into the club culture. I was able to take away significant information on club advancement, player development, and mental strength training that I plan to install into our programming at Tormenta FC Academy. This trip was a first rate experience, and I am proud to have been a part of it,” Brad Nein said.

Hot topics of interest during the four-day event included player data analysis, the ever-growing presence of the women’s game, and best practices for a flourishing youth academy. Information and insights gained in these panels of discussion will help both Nein and other members of the Tormenta FC staff, as they gear up for the 2024 season. What stood out most to Nein, even more than the invaluable technical information given, was the advice to run each club with consistency, care, and thoughtfulness.

This unprecedented opportunity gives Tormenta FC a wealth of experience from industry leaders to draw upon. The club hopes to find new, exciting avenues in the 2024 season to implement the player-centric, experience-based operational practices utilized by Manchester City FC to continue developing and sharpening the club.

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

-ENDS-

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654 or Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com or (912) 667-9422.

The 10G DPL team emerged victorious, winning the U14 Girls Bronze division after defeating Jacksonville FC 2010G ECNL-RL 2-1 in the final. The team advanced to the final after winning their group on goal difference after going 2-0-1 (W-D-L) in group play.

The team scored 14 goals led by Emma Scott netting five goals, Becca Carpenter with four goals and Marisa Mora finishing the weekend on 3 goals.

The girls also had an impressive defensive record over the weekend, conceding five goals en route to their 3-0-1 record this weekend. Goalkeeper Audrey Jane Moryl kept one clean sheet this past weekend shutting out Florida Elite 2010 Girls NPL in an 8-0 victory.

“The 2010s truly played with some heart and grit this weekend. They came together as a team with very little preparation in the new year and had a great performance. Their passing, moving off the ball, and selfless defending is what won these girls their tournament,” Head Coach Miguel Lopez said.

Up next, the 10G DPL play Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Atlanta against the Roswell Santos 2010 girls team.

By: Meagan Mulvany

Jose Gabriel Garcia, U15, and Nathan Waters, U14, were selected to participate in the U.S. Soccer Talent ID Centers (IDCs) on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground hosted by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Waters also attended the U.S. Soccer IDC on October 4, 2023.

A U.S. Soccer Talent IDC is a free, single-day player identification opportunity for top talents to train and play games under the direction of U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Managers. The IDCs are designed to replicate a Youth National Team camp and play a key role in the Talent Identification Plan.

The IDC attended by Gomez and Waters was designed to identify and evaluate top talents for the Youth National Teams. The session is closed to both parents and spectators as U.S. Soccer’s objective is to create an environment free from any distractions, allowing players to take full responsibility for their personal development. 

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Noah Schroyer at (770) 871-8654 or email nschroyer@tormentafc.com or Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

By: Meagan Mulvany

South Georgia Tormenta FC is excited to announce Brian Okumu as the new U13 and U14 MLS NEXT teams coach. Okumu has 25 years of coaching experience. He coached with the Georgia Olympic Development Program and Savannah United. He currently holds a USC Premier Diploma USSF A License, and Coerver Youth Diploma.

“I am very excited about joining Tormenta FC Academy. It has been my dream to work with players of all ages,” said Okumu. “I am looking forward to seeing the growth of our young players not just technically but also for the players to understand the reason behind what we teach so that they are confident and prepared during the games.”

Okumu began his coaching career as the director of coaching at Savannah Celtic FC from 2005-2006. He was in charge of the training of 60 youth teams while also facilitating training events to help improve the skills of both players and coaches. He also worked on successfully overseeing the hiring of coaches. 

From the 2006-2011 seasons, Okumu was the academy director for the Coastal Georgia Soccer Association where he fostered a productive and innovative work environment. He also communicated with sponsors and stakeholders and helped to maintain their online marketing presence.

He spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with Savannah Soccer Academy as a staff coach, in charge of creating training programs for young players and coaches to implement a sense of pride and skill with the goal of reaching their maximum potential. 

Before his extensive experience coaching, he spent time playing at Milligan University where he was a four-time All-American athlete. He also spent time playing on the Kenya National Team. 

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (770-871-8654) or email nschroyer@tormentafc.com

By: Meagan Mulvany

The DPL Winter Showcase is a tournament where players can display their growth and talent in front of over 60 college programs. South Georgia Tormenta FC had four teams participate: 

• South Georgia Tormenta FC 05/06G 2-0-1
• South Georgia Tormenta FC 07G 2-0-0
• South Georgia Tormenta FC 08G 0-2-1
• South Georgia Tormenta FC 09G 3-0-0

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 05/06G team had an impressive showing of a total of seven goals scored and only three conceded. The top goal-scorers were Jada Gittings and Logan Young with 2 goals each. 

• MATCH 1 (H): NY Rush NY Rush Select 06G: 3-2 W
• MATCH 2 (A: Ginga FC Ginga FC Girls 2006 Elite DPL: 2-1 L
• MATCH 3 (H): Florida United Florida United SC 05/06G DPL: 3-0 W

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 07G team racked up a total of 10 goals scored and only 1 conceded. The 07G team dominated two of their matches, being rained out for their third match. Tee Headman and Selena Duncan were this squad’s top goal-scorers with 3 goals each. 

• MATCH 1 (A): NY Rush NY Rush Select 07G: 1-5 W
• MATCH 2 (H): Florida Hawks Futbol Club FHFC 2007G BLUE: 5-0 W
• MATCH 3 (H): Colorado United Colorado United 2007G: *Rained Out* 

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 08G team scored three goals and conceded four during the showcase. The team’s top goal-scorer was Kate Hunter, netting all three goals during the tournament.

• MATCH 1 (H): NY Rush NY Rush Select 08G: 1-1 D
• MATCH 2 (A): Sporting CT Sporting CT 2008 Girls: 1-0 L
• MATCH 3 (H):  ALBION SC Idaho ALBION SC IDAHO G08 DPL: 2-2 D

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 09G team scored a total of nine goals while conceding only two. The top goal-scorers were Anna Torres and Madalynn Baker with three goals each and Bailey Baroni with four goals. Emma Scott led the team as the top assister with six assists and Ayla Reynolds produced two assists.

• MATCH 1 (A):  West Florida Flames West Florida Flames 09G DPL: 1-3 W
• MATCH 2 (H): ​​BC United SA BC United 09G DPL: 4-1 W
• MATCH 3 (H): Broomfield Soccer Club Broomfield Blast SC 2009 Girls Prestige: 2-0 W

“Our Tormenta FC DPL teams were competitive all weekend and played the game at a very high level.  All the college coaches who attended our games were impressed with our style of play and the soccer IQ of the players in our program.  We continue to have strong interest in our players from college coaches from all over the country.”

Jim Robbins, USL W League Head Coach & Academy Girls Director

The 09G DPL team have won the U15 DPL Southeast Conference after finishing the season on 37 points. They won the conference over Inter Atlanta FC by one point.

The team scored 65 goals with five players reaching double digits including Emma Scott (16), Madalynn Baker (15), Hollis Melnick (13), Ayla Reynolds (11), and Ashley Brother (10).

The 09G DPL team also had an impressive defensive record over the course of the campaign allowing just 8 goals in 14 matches. Bella Grace Baker played in goal for head coach Miguel Lopez’s side and kept a clean sheet in half of the team’s matches.

Up next, the 09G DPL will compete at the DPL Winter Showcase in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 5-7. The team was placed in the top group by the DPL due to their record at the time the groups were announced. The Tormenta FC 09G DPL are joined by the West Florida Flames 09G DPL, BC United SA 09G DPL, and Broomfield Blast SC 09G Prestige DPL. They open group play against the West Florida Flames on Jan. 5 at 6:30p.m.

The girls are also looking ahead to playing in Dallas at the DPL Summit 2024 from March 7-10. The team qualified for the DPL Summit based on last year’s results, however, they would have received automatic qualification for finishing first in the Conference.

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Tormenta FC Boys 05/06 Magenta Academy squad had an impressive showing this season. The team won the South Carolina Open League with only one loss and won their pool in the Adidas Senior Cup going unbeaten.

The leading goal scorer and assist leader of the season was Carter Batts, racking up 17 goals and nine assists for the team. The team scored 40 goals in total this season, while only conceding nine. In the Adidas Senior Cup however, the boys netted eight goals with zero conceded, leaving the team with a total of 48 goals scored and nine conceded. They ended their season with 12 wins and only one loss.

Taking turns as goalkeeper were Tucker Brodnax, Thomas Hernandez and Jose Garcia from the 07 Ibis team. Hernandez played as goalkeeper in the Savannah United Cup and did an outstanding job for the team.

As for the key to their success this season, there were new strategies implemented by head coach Bert Leonard during practice in order to increase efficiency. Leonard started by removing all the grids and cones in preparation for small-sided matches, giving the boys more experience in knowing their territory on any field.

Second, the boys scrimmaged 11 v 11 to ingrain attacking and defensive principles into the playing style of the team similar to how clubs such as Ajax and Sporting CP play.

They used the matches as tests to figure out how to execute their playing styles. For the most part, the players stayed in the same position throughout the entirety of the season in the same 4-3-3 formation. Rather than fouling and double-teaming opponents on the field, Leonard’s squad found that the key to defensive success was body control. Each match the team improved and Leonard noted that he even saw the speed of play increase as the season carried on.

These tactical adjustments as well as the talent of the squad were crucial to the team’s success in both the South Carolina Open League and the Adidas Senior Cup.

By: Meagan Mulvany