Portland Spartans FC has set its sights on a new plan of growth and progression in the United States soccer scene by partnering with FC Mulhouse France.
Gary Allen, President of Portland Spartans FC, has partnered with several other American soccer enthusiasts to invest in the FC Mulhouse France organization. Allen has taken on the role as President of FC Mulhouse France. Portland Spartans FC currently runs men’s NPSL and women’s WPSL teams as well both boys and girls youth teams in Portland, OR.
FC Muhouse France, operating in Mulhouse, France, has a storied history in French football as the second oldest club in France dating back to 1893. The club has played in the highest levels, up to League 1, with greats such as Arsene Wenger. Currently playing in Championnat de France Amateur (CFA), the club is working hard to regain is status in the upper ranks of French Football. The youth program at FCM is very strong and growing rapidly. The French operations have a strong staff in place to take the club to the next level and also feed the US side with much-needed curriculum, methodology and marketing strategies.
The FCM France executive staff includes Director of Football Eric Descombes and General Manager/Sr. Vice President Julien Lolli.
Descombes comes to the organization after helping build one of the best youth academies in Spain under La Liga team RCD Espanyol. Having experience in the USA as a Director of Coaching (DOC) of an Indianapolis club in the past, Descombes has created our customized curriculum to fit the needs and demographic of our U.S. players. He is also responsible for our continuing coaching education for all U.S. coaches.
Lolli is the former President of SC Bastia a League 1 team in Corsica, France. Julien took over SC Bastia while in National (League 3) and was successful in consecutive year promotions to League 1. Lolli brings a wealth of experience on the business side of football that will become extremely valuable as the U.S. continues to progress towards true financial sustainability in a market that is not accustomed to financial success.
The FCM Portland staff includes NPSL Head Coach/Boys DOC Sergio Medel and WPSL Head Coach and Girls DOC Janine Szpara.
Medel, a former professional player, has been coaching with Spartans FC for several years and continues his journey as a top-flight director and coach. Medel holds a FIFA “A” license.
Szpara, also a former professional player, started with Spartans early this season and will continue her quest to develop top players in the U.S. Szpara holds a USSF “A” License.
Portland Spartans FC has signed an official license agreement with FCM France. All rebranding has begun and will be completed by the May youth tryouts.
“This is not a typical licensing situation as we have seen with other US clubs,” Allen commented. “In this case, we have a direct line of communication, education and player trades with our teams and staff in France. Two separate entities but one purpose and plan. To grow the game in the U.S. and France through real time relationships. We are very excited about this opportunity and partnership. We will continue sending out more information on the FCM Global Plan in the next several months.”
