Celebrating Soccer Excellence: Inaugural Tampa Bay Indusions

Inaugural Class of the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame

The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame (TBSHOF) proudly announces its inaugural class of 11 inductees, honoring a distinguished group of athletes, coaches, referees, and media figures who shaped the sport's legacy in the region.

Highlights of the Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 features six iconic figures from the Tampa Bay Rowdies' North American Soccer League (NASL) era, alongside three legendary coaches, a nationally recognized referee, and a pioneering journalist.

Some of the standout inductees include Rowdies legends Mike Connell, Derek Smethurst, and Steve Wegerle. They will be joined by honored coaches like Eddie Firmani, executive Francisco Marcos, and team owner George Strawbridge. Other notable inductees include coaches Jay Miller, Jim DiNobile, and Vicky King, plus referee Mike Mekelburg and journalist Jim Henderson.

Honoring Soccer Legends

Perry Van Der Beck, a member of the Board of Directors, expressed elation about the induction: "These inductees have made incredible contributions to the history of soccer in the Tampa Bay area. We couldn't be more thrilled to honor their legacies at our inaugural induction dinner. It's going to be a can't-miss event."

Details of the Induction Ceremony

The grand induction ceremony and dinner are scheduled for Thursday, at Higgins Hall. Located on the campus of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, this special event will take place from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $90, while a table package priced at $1,000 allows seating for eight individuals. Additional perks include premium seating, table signage, and recognition within the dinner program.

For soccer enthusiasts wishing to support the TBSHOF, lifetime memberships in the Founders Club can be purchased for $250 annually over six years or at a flat rate of $1,500.

Celebrating Continued Excellence

As part of the Hall of Fame's commitment to honoring soccer excellence, the 1975 Tampa Bay Rowdies will receive the Team of Distinction Award in celebration of their NASL Soccer Bowl championship. This event also coincides with the team's 50th anniversary.

Furthermore, the inaugural champions of the USL Super League, the Tampa Bay Sun FC, will receive Special Recognition after their thrilling overtime victory against Fort Lauderdale on June 14, 2025.

Additionally, Florida Premier FC will be acknowledged for capturing the inaugural Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Super Cup National Championship by defeating Georgia United Futbol Alliance in a shootout.

Meet the TBSHOF Class of 2025

Mike Connell – Known as "Iron Mike," this Rowdies defender has made his mark with an NASL record for most starts and two All-Star selections, in addition to founding the FC Tampa Rangers.

Jim DiNobile – An accomplished player and youth coach, he also served as the head coach for Eckerd College and worked with the U.S. National Team as a goalkeeper coach.

Eddie Firmani – A monumental figure as the head coach of the Rowdies' 1975 NASL championship team and recipient of multiple accolades, including 1976 NASL Coach of the Year.

Jim Henderson – A trailblazing journalist, he chronicled the Rowdies' rise in the Tampa Tribune and played key roles in national PR efforts for major soccer events.

Vicky King – With over 591 wins, this remarkable coach at Land O'Lakes High School has greatly influenced soccer over four decades.

Francisco Marcos – A visionary in soccer executive leadership, he is known for founding the United Soccer League and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2024.

Mike Mekelburg – This nationally acclaimed referee has been a significant figure in U.S. Soccer, mentoring many who have gone on to officiate at top levels.

Jay Miller – An NCAA championship coach, he also served as a U.S. Soccer National Coaching Coordinator, contributing significantly to soccer education.

Derek Smethurst – A formidable forward for the Rowdies, he held the team's leading scoring mark for 40 years, showcasing his immense talent on the field.

George Strawbridge – As the founding owner of the Rowdies, his leadership facilitated the franchise's expansion into a national powerhouse.

Steve Wegerle – Known for his electrifying style, he amassed 32 goals while being a devoted youth coach in the community.

About the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame

The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame (TBSHOF), established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, exists to celebrate and preserve the rich history and significant impact of soccer in the Tampa Bay region. It recognizes players, coaches, referees, executives, media professionals, and teams that have made substantial contributions to the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame?

The TBSHOF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the history and impact of soccer in the Tampa Bay region.

When will the induction ceremony take place?

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday at Higgins Hall from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Who are some notable inductees in the inaugural class?

Notable inductees include Mike Connell, Eddie Firmani, Derek Smethurst, and Jim Henderson.

How can someone attend the induction ceremony?

Tickets for the ceremony are available for $90, and a table for eight can be purchased for $1,000.

What is the Founders Club membership?

The Founders Club offers lifetime membership options for soccer enthusiasts to support TBSHOF, with various payment plans available.

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