History





		HISTORY OF THE FIRST ORGANIZED O.T. SOCCER LEAUE

ILLINOIS "ALTE HERREN" SOCCER LEAGUE FOUNDED 1972

Is it 35 years ago, that Phil Riess had the splendid idea of luring the "Alte Herren", the old-timers away from the sidelines and have them try a little longer to kick their beloved round ball around. It sure is! It was June of 1972 that the Aurora Kickers, Fichte-Rams, Fortuna, Green-White, Chicago Kickers, Liths, Real F.C. and the Schwaben A.H. kicked off there first Old-timers League in the United States. The first "league games" took place in 1973 and the Chicago Kickers claimed the first championship. The "Alte Herren League" joined the United Stated Soccer Football Association in 1974 but had to with draw in 1979 on account of an insufficient number of referees. Since that time the Old-timers are supplying there own referees. We should all be grateful to the men in black who devote there time, effort and sometimes nerves to let the old boys kick. The success of the league speaks for itself: in 1975 the Eagles joined, in 1978 the Adria, in 1979 the Falcons, Croatia, Vikings, and in 1981 the Amoco. For a short while 1977-1979, the Wings also fielded an Old-timer Team. This year span also saw a list of special events organized by the league's only President, Phil Riess. Almost regularly, the Old-timers Select play there Milwaukee counterparts. The record shows 3 wins, 1 tie and 1 loss for the Chicagoans. The Old-timers have also made strong efforts to flex there muscles internationally. Teams from Germany, TSV Dorfen (1976), FC Winterhausen (1977), SV Mettlach/Saar (1977), TSV Friedberg (1978), FC West Karlsruhe (1978), TSV Muenchen 1860- Freizeitloewen (1979), FC Winterhausen (1981) and TSV Balzhausen (1981) experienced the hospitality of the Old-timers League. For the statisticians let it be stated that on the soccer field the Chicago aggregation won 5, tied 1, and lost 1 game and still organizing WC SOCCER TOURS AND OTHER TOURS. Those participating in the League's two trips to Germany will never forget the wonderful enjoyed by all. In 1975 our All Star Team played against SC. Karlsruhe, Weiler Zum Stein, TSV Bernhausen, VFB Stuttgart, Westphalia All Stars, VFL Schlangen, and FC. Winterhausen. In 1977 the opponents were TSV Dorfen, TSV Friedberg, TSV Balzhausen, FC Wets-Karlsruhe, SV Ludwigshafen and SV Mettlach. and other tours to, south america, RIO DE JANIERO, BOUNES AIRES and HONOLULU (Hawaii) the World Cup in Germany and others W.C. within the last 25 Years. We are sure that the next years to come, will find our league to continue to strive and provide a home for those kickers who just can't kick the habit. Come and join us, join one of the member clubs and have a good old time!