TKO News Release
Thursday, August 30, 2007
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The TKO Premier Soccer Club completed its USL coaching roster by announcing that it has reached an agreement with Stu Riddle to be the Head Coach of its Premier Development League team. In 2006 Riddle began his coaching career in United Soccer Leagues when he accepted a player-coach position with the Kalamazoo Kingdom, formerly of the PDL, an elite development league.
With over 15 years of professional experience, Riddle brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to the TKO Premier Soccer Club organization.
“I am delighted to be involved in this fresh and exciting opportunity,” said Riddle. “The people of Kalamazoo have proven in the past that they will support a successful and well-run PDL team, and it is now up to me to ensure that there is a team on the field that they will enjoy watching. Kalamazoo has produced some great young soccer talent in recent years, and I hope these guys will be motivated and determined to strut their stuff in front their home crowd. The player identification process has already begun, and with eight months to plan and recruit, I feel confident that come opening night we will be ready for our first challenge."
The England-born Riddle was a member of the 1996 New Zealand National Team courtesy of his dual-nationality. His 12-year semi-to-professional playing career includes several seasons with New Zealand, Australian and Scottish clubs. He was also the team leading goal scorer for the PDL’s Des Moines Menace in 2001 and West Michigan Edge in 2004. As coach, he led the Kingdom to a 6-6-4 record in his coaching debut in 2006. Riddle holds a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Costal Carolina, and a Masters of Science in Public Service Administration from the University of Evansville.
Riddle joins Tony DiTucci as the head coaches for TKO of the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL and W-League, respectively.
“We are very excited about having two highly qualified coaches in our program,” said TKO President Doug Hammerberg. “Our intention was to get them on board early enough to help them be successful in the first season with TKO.”
Hammerberg also stated, “TKO is very optimistic about the direction of our club. By having these two coaches on board, and with the addition of Super Y-League for our youth players next summer, we have completed the top to bottom vision for our club. We couldn’t be happier with our relationship with the USL.”
