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In 2001, the Thunder Soccer Club gained national recognition by producing three OSYSA Snickers State Cup Champions, one USYSA Snickers Regional Champion and one USYSA Snickers National Finalist. This would be an outstanding result for any one of the country's perennial powerhouses, but to accomplish this in an inaugural season is truly amazing.
Thunder teams literally travel all over the United States competing in some of the most prestigious leagues and tournaments in the country. In the past three years, Thunder teams and players have not only gained the respect of their opponents, but also the respect of college coaches and recruiters. It's extremely rewarding to know that over ninety percent of the players in the Thunder Soccer Club continue their educations at universities and colleges throughout the United States, as well as continuing to play the game they love.
In its brief history, the Thunder Soccer Club has had a substantial impact in the youth soccer community. However, we truly believe that the best is yet to come.
The Thunder Soccer Club has assembled one of the finest Professional Coaching Staffs in the Midwest. Each coach has been carefully selected for the unique contribution he makes to the overall program. The majority of the Thunder's Coaching Staff have experience playing soccer at the professional level, as well as coaching in club, high school and college programs. In addition, many Thunder coaches have worked in the Olympic Development Program at the district, state and regional levels.
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 Mike Thomas is the Thunder Soccer Club's Director of Coaching and was born in Swansea City, Wales. Youth coaches quickly recognized his talent and offered him an opportunity to play with the Swansea School Boys and the Boys Club of Wales. After an impressive youth career, Mike competed in the notoriously tough Welsh leagues playing for Hereford United, Pembroke Borough, Milford United and Swansea City.
Shortly after his playing career, Mike earned his Welsh FA Coaching Badge and established the first indoor soccer facility in Wales. Mike quickly developed a coaching style that has earned him the respect of both his players and competitors. Eventually, Mike followed his coaching dreams to the United States, where he has now been involved in youth soccer for over 17 years. Mike has coached in the Olympic Development Program and has been an assistant coach at The Ohio State University.
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 Mike Barry is the Thunder Soccer Club's Technical Director. Mike was born in Wales and showcased his skills at an early age, earning himself a spot on his brother's U10 team at the age of six. By the time he was in his early teens, Mike's family had moved to Hull, England where he was widely recognized as one of the most promising young soccer players in the country.
Mike's professional career was launched at the age of fifteen when he joined Huddersfield Town. Mike played at the professional level in England for twelve years and was a member of the Welsh National Team. In 1975 Mike got a taste of American soccer when he played one season with the Washington Diplomats, but it wasn't until 1979 that he came to the United States to stay. After moving to the United States, Mike played with several professional teams including the Cleveland Force, Columbus Magic and Columbus Capitals. Mike holds a USSF "A" Coaching License.
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Fred Armstrong is the newest member of the Thunder Soccer Club's coaching staff. Fred is also the head coach of the varsity soccer team at Dublin Scioto High School. Fred has extensive playing and coaching experience, and more of these details will be added to his profile here in the near future. |
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