A version of this previously appeared in the June/July 2018 Power Issue of South magazine.
Local semi-pro soccer team uses their love of community to develop premier talent to play at the next level.
Big changes are on the way for Statesboro’s Tormenta FC–Statesboro’s first professional sports team in more than 60 years—but the team is determined to stay true to their roots, while growing with the community.
Earlier this year the team joined the United Soccer League’s Division III, which opened up a lot of doors for the team, according to Tormenta’s Joseph Phelps, player and support manager. But their goals and morals, he says, are still the same.
“Our first goal is to win a championship. Our second goal is to win a championship. Our third goal? Win a championship,” Phelps says. “It’s our same style of playing—a European style, an electrifying style—but at a different level.”
What keeps the team rooted is their ability to retain that electrifying style along with their well- known professionalism, both on and off the field.
“What makes us unique is that what you get on the field is what you get off the field,” Phelps says. “We have guys who are looking to serve each other and work with each other to see what you can do for the team and the community. We want to create a good balance between being a good person and a good player.”
Bringing that sense of camaraderie to the community and Statesboro’s backyard is exactly what Tormenta FC aims to do.
But their grounded roots won’t stop the team from growing. They have the highest attendance record in the Premier Development League and intend to break that record this upcoming season. Also in planning is a new stadium that seats more than five thousand people, which should be completed and welcoming guests by the 2019 season.
Single-game tickets and season tickets can be purchased at tormentafc.com/tickets.
Cory Hott 