Photo Information

Service members with the U.S. Men’s Armed Forces Soccer Team huddle around one of the coaches during a practice session aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Sept. 21. The team is scheduled to play in the upcoming World Military Games in South Korea. (U.S. Marine photo by Lance Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams

US Men’s Armed Forces Soccer Team prepares for World Military Games

23 Sep 2015 | Lance Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

The U.S. Men’s Armed Forces Soccer Team practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 16-25.

The team is practicing for the upcoming World Military Games scheduled to be conducted in South Korea, Oct. 2-11.

The final line-up for the U.S. Men’s Armed Forces Soccer team was determined at a tournament in May. The team is made up of the most skilled soccer players from every branch of the U.S. military, including the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“We are all derived from the [2015 Armed Forces Soccer Championship] and from that they picked the best of each branch to represent the U.S. Armed Forces team at the World Military Games against other military units around the world,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Baker, a player on the team.

According to Florida National Guard Capt. Roye Locklear, head coach of the soccer team, the World Military Games will be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at a prestigious tournament for some of the team’s members.

The soccer team dedicated two weeks of training in preparation for their trip to South Korea. The team practiced three times a day and competed in scrimmages with other teams in Southern California.

“The thing I’m most excited about is to compete with fellow servicemen and have the opportunity to potentially win a gold medal for team USA,” said Air Force Capt. Kevin Rosser, a player on the soccer team. “It’s something we all dream of when we are little kids, being able to wear your national team’s colors and doing it playing the sport you love.”

According to Locklear, each player on the team brings different strengths to the field which is essential to winning the championship.

“We are looking forward to going and competing,” said Locklear. “We have a great team here. We have a very tough group, but I think, with the players we have, the talent level and ability level, we are going to go over there and give everyone in our group a run for their money.”


Marine Corps Air Station Miramar