An Interview with Top Talent Scout – Tony Shaw
- Why do you want to join the Staff after being around the club for 10 years?
I have always enjoyed our club, but I got tired of watching generations of players in Birmingham not have the opportunity to play together because of parental opinions. Now that we are part of the Premier League in this sport in our country, it is time to get the serious players together. Those that want professional training 4 days a week, and those that truly want to make it to the next level. These players are very rare but getting them together at an earlier age – will be better for their overall development and future opportunities.
- How can you spot Top Talent?
I have been around this game for 45+ years. As a youth I was part of the ODP program in New Jersey on multiple Regional and National Teams – captaining many of those teams with Gregg Berhalter, the current USMNT Coach. After that I spent years playing at the Division 1 level with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then graduated from Rider University another Top Tier Division 1 program at the time. Bounced around the Pro Leagues in our country at the time before settling up with the New Jersey Stars, which are currently doing business as the New York Red Bulls. Great times but was surrounded by some of the BEST talent this country has ever produced.
- What kind of experience do you have with the Girls side of the game?
Most can’t say this, but I was able to train the #1 Player in the World in Carli Lloyd. She used to attend my South Jersey Soccer Schools in Moorestown, NJ. There was plenty of Talent in my Girls camps, but Carli had a little something extra – and you see what she did with it. What an honor….
All Four of my children have spent time playing for the club over the years, but at different capacities – I have spent time as a Recreational parent all the way up to a 5x State Champion parent, and now an MLS Next, parent. We have celebrated from the Mini-Kickers program to the Gatorade Player of the Year, and this past season celebrated a Division 1 soccer National Championship at Syracuse University with my son Tony. We have the Talent in our Area to be a Top Level Club Nationally, we have the formula to give our kids the Best opportunities – now let’s get those who want to be the best together. I look forward to that.