ABOUT NORFOLK EXPRESS SOCCER CLUB

Norfolk Express Soccer Club was founded in 1986 with the aim of providing soccer opportunities for kids and young adults of all age groups. With a rich history and a passion for the game, the club has grown to host 15 age divisions, supported by over 20 dedicated coaches.

Most Norfolk Express teams form in early spring, March and April, and then play in weekend tournaments from mid May through the end of June. Team formation starts at the annual parent meeting, usually held in March.

OUR HISTORY

OUR NAME

The name Express came about from a meeting at the conference room at Godfather’s Pizza. Several names were suggested but a foreign exchange student from Germany who had played soccer suggested the name Express and the name met with approval by all and won the popular vote.

OUR START

The Norfolk Soccer Club was formed in the fall of 1986. The first season of games were scheduled in Lincoln, Sioux City and Columbus. In 1987, the club joined the Siouxland Conference and played all Sioux City high school teams. The Norfolk Soccer Club was formed because the local recreational programs ended play in the eighth grade and there was a desire for youth to continue playing soccer beyond this age level.

THE FIRST TEAMS

Ralph Verrone was the first boys coach, with Paul Holley as assistant coach. The first team mom was Phyllis Ames. Early players included Kevin Verrone, Mike Holley, Mike Dickes, Craig Ames, Mike Holloway and Toby and Shawn Tillotson. These teams also played several seasons on an indoor league in Omaha, which required travel from Norfolk on weekends. The first girls’ team was formed in 1988 by the late Gary McLaurin. They were known as the Nomads. Original team colors were red and black.

TEAM COLORS

In 1992, the Norfolk Soccer Club settled on its official Kelly green and white uniform, which it still has today.

NON-PROFIT

In 1995, the Norfolk Soccer Club was incorporated as an IRC 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

OFFICIAL COMPLEX

Over the years, the Norfolk Soccer Club has endeavored to develop various sites for a complex in Norfolk. In 2003, Paul and LaNeta Abler donated land located three miles south of Norfolk to the Norfolk Soccer Club. The complex was played on for the first time when the 1st annual Norfolk tournament was held there in June 2006. Go here for more information on the location of the Norfolk Airpark Soccer Complex.