SOUTHSIDE HEAT ESTABLISH ITSELF AS AN ASSET TO THE CITY OF ATLANTA
TEAM AMONG LEADERS IN ATHENA U15 COMPETITIVE SOCCER

Atlanta, GA – August, 2015: Georgia’s state capitol was dubbed “Hotlanta” for its sizzling climate and all the whimsical attractions it has to offer. Among the latter, a multimillion dollar deal announced by Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur Blank, will welcome the Atlanta United FC professional soccer team and a state of the art complex to match. A telltale sign that a sport once ignored by the African American populace, is now in the know. But don’t tell the Southside Heat, the only competitive female African American teenage soccer team in the city, and yet another ‘sizzling’ asset to acknowledge.

Members of the Southwest Atlanta’s Tiger Soccer Club, the Heat has risen to athletic prominence over the better part of a decade. Ranked 39th in the state of Georgia and among the leaders in Athena U15 Competitive Soccer, it marches into fall season play after registering an undefeated 2014 fall campaign.

While competitive clubs they routinely play against, and defeat, are oft times financially driven, the Heat’s focus is motivated by true passion. That, along with a longing desire to improve each and every time their cleats settle into the soil to engage another squad.

Prior to the sudden popularity and interest in soccer, perhaps initiated by the 2015 US Women’s World Cup victory this summer, The Heat established itself as a tough, nose to the grind bunch with an undying passion for the game.

“When you look at the soccer level in Atlanta, it’s a quality level,” says Coach Domenic Martelli, an Olympic Development Region 3 board member and former West Point Military Academy Assistant Coach (Women) who supervised a weeklong Developmental Camp with the Heat this summer. “It’s only a matter of time before this group is competing in Athena A or B division. They were great – very receptive and they worked very, very hard.”

Fred Spencer, whose daughter Simone Spencer (12) has been playing soccer since the age of four years old, decided on moving to join the Heat this season upon hearing of its stellar reputation.

“We weren’t pleased with the last club she was with,” said Spencer. “She’s getting a lot more skills and training here. She likes the camaraderie of the girls and she’s having fun.”

While the Heat has gained notoriety and acclaim for its on the field performance, its chemistry is something that was established before many of the girls were presented with their first homework assignment(s). Since joining the Tiger Soccer Club as a complete group after bolting from another less competitive organization, the Heat has essentially grown up together, as sisters.

“What makes them special is their cohesiveness,” said Ronald Freeman, President of the Tiger Soccer Club. “They’re friends. They do well in school. They come from very [supportive families] and they love to play soccer. I think that they have been a great representation of girls’ soccer in South Fulton and they’ve encouraged a lot of other young ladies to consider soccer.”

For Press and Media Inquiries Please Contact
Juanita Stephens – JS Media Relations
juanitastephenspr@gmail.com

For Additional Information On the Southside Heat Please Contact
Reginald Askew – Southside Heat Head Coach
southsideheat@tigersoccerclub.com