HISTORY OF HOUSTON/IHM SOCCER CLUB (1970-2006)

       In 1969, Humberto Urrunaga met Bernard McBride and an idea was born, the formation of a youth soccer team in Roxborough. Mr. Urrunaga had immigrated to this area from Peru in the 1960's and Mr. McBride had come to the area from Ireland. Mr. McBride was a former professional soccer player in England and Mr. Urrunaga had played as a youth and in college in Peru. This pair approached Father Sullivan in 1970 to form a soccer team in the Roxborough, Manayunk and the surrounding area and IHM Soccer was born. The first team played in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia CYO League in 1970 and won the City Championship. This first team had four players who went on to become coaches and administrators of IHM Soccer Club; Jerry Vetter, Joe Zakrzewski, Nick Maxin and Paul Mondimore. The home field was the "Farm School", W.B. Saul High School, and continues to be the home field of the club today. This first team wore the red and white colors of Mr. McBride's former professional team and Peru's National Team. IHM played in the Philadelphia CYO League until 1972.

       In the 1972-73 season, IHM Soccer left the CYO League and began to field teams in the Inter County League and the Philadelphia Department of Recreation Leagues. These teams played in the Pee Wee (12 yrs. and Under) and Midget (13 to15 yrs.) Divisions of the Department of Recreation and the Junior Division (16 to18 yrs.) of the Inter County League. Mr. Urrunaga became the first Director of the Soccer Club and new coaches came on board to help Mr. McBride with the new teams. These coaches included John Netzel, the first parent volunteer, and former players from the 1970 Championship Team, Joe Zakrzewski, Nick Maxin, and Paul Mondimore. These teams continued successfully in these leagues and in 1976 a new team was added to the Second Division in the Senior Division (18 yrs. and over) of the Inter County League. This team was coached by Hugh McInaw and Paul Duddy and won immediate promotion to the First Division of the Inter County League by the next season in 1977. Mr. McInaw and Mr. Duddy are currently the Head and Assistant Coaches for the Temple University Soccer Team. This team was the first Senior Soccer Team fielded in the Roxborough area. These four teams continued through the late 1970's and Mr. Urrunaga received the Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award from The City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation Soccer Committee. Mr. Urrunaga left the club for overseas business and Jerry Vetter took over as the Director of the Youth Teams and in 1980 as the Director of the Club.

       In 1980, IHM Soccer Club also instituted an award to be given annually, the Bernard McBride Cup. Mr. McBride had remained actively involved with the Club through the late 1970's and this award was started in Mr.McBride's honor. This award was given annually to the person who best demonstrated the spirit, determination, and sportsmanship exemplified by Bernard McBride in his years of service to the Club. This award was voted on annually by the coaches and administrators of the IHM Soccer Club. The recipients of this award were:

            1980 - James Forster                1984 - Joseph DeSalvo Sr.
            1981 - Jerry Vetter                               John McDonough Sr.
            1982 - Humberto Urrunaga       1985 - David Price
            1983 - Frank Robbins

       In the early 1980's, IHM Soccer Club expanded as the Department of Recreation changed the age division categories to an annual basis (U-10, U-11, etc.) IHM had four youth travel teams, including its first Girls team, coached by Lisa Vetter and Claire Zakrzewski. It was during these years that the Indoor Soccer Program was also started. The Junior and Senior Teams continued to play in the Inter County League. IHM continued to field youth teams in the Department of Recreation Outdoor Leagues through 1986, in the Inter County Junior and Senior Divisions through 1987, and youth teams continuously in the Department of Recreation Indoor Leagues.

       In 1988, the first intramural program was started for 7 and 8 year olds. This intramural program was the foundation for the program that remains in place today. In 1989, players from this program played in the Department of Recreation Indoor League and in 1990, an Under-9 Boys team started again in the Department of Recreation Outdoor League. This team won the Outdoor Under-10 Division City Championship in 1991 and this was the first of many League and Division championships to be won by IHM Soccer Club teams throughout the 1990's, both Indoors and Outdoors.

       In 1992, Jerry Vetter received the Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation Soccer Committee becoming the second Club Director from IHM Soccer Club to receive this award.

       In 1994, Steve Tierney took over as Director of the Club. The Club continued to expand with both Indoor and Outdoor Intramural Programs and has continuously fielded several Boys and Girls teams in the Philadelphia Department of Recreation Indoor and Outdoor Leagues. Teams also now participate in the Philadelphia United League, Spring Leagues and tournaments.

       In 1999, Keith McFarlane took over as Director of the Club. During the 1999-2000 season, over 260 boys and girls participated in the Intramural Programs, the five Outdoor Teams, and twelve Indoor Teams. The Club claimed five Division and League Championships in this past season.

       In 2000, Eric Iffrig received the Indoor Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation Soccer Committee becoming the third member from IHM Soccer Club to receive this award.

       In 2005. New field. Councilman Michael Nutter

       In 2006, Eric Iffrig received the Outdoor Soccer Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation Soccer Committee becoming the first member from Houston Soccer Club to receive this award.

       In 2007, Ed Clark - A member of our coaching family passed away.

       It has been the dedication of parents and players and especially the volunteer coaches and administrators of this Club that has made IHM Soccer Club the longest continuously operating and most successful soccer club in the Roxborough area. Following is a partial listing of the volunteers who have served as coaches and administrators during the 30 year history of IHM Soccer Club.