Werner Fricker
Werner Fricker (born January 24, 1936 in Karlsdorf, Yugoslavia; (Banatski Karlovac; died May 30, 2001 in Horsham, Pennsylvania) was a German-American soccer halfback who later became president of the United States Soccer Federation. He is a member of both the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the USASA Hall of Fame.
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Werner Josef Fricker | ||
| Date of birth | January 24, 1936 | ||
| Place of birth | Karlsdorf, Yugoslavia | ||
| Date of death | May 30, 2001 (aged 65) | ||
| Place of death | Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1954–1969 | Phi. German-Hungarians | ||
| National team | |||
| 1963–1967 | United States | ||
| Teams managed | |||
| Phi. United German-Hungarians | |||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
Player
Fricker was born to a German-speaking family in Southern Banat, Yugoslavia but his family were forced to abandon the home during the national upheaval at the end of World War II. His family arrived in the United States in 1952 and settled in the Philadelphia area where Werner started to play soccer for the German Hungarians in 1954. He had been selected for the United Soccer League all-star team several seasons and was a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic team. He spent most of his career with the United German-Hungarians of Philadelphia. He was the captain of the German Hungarians, as well as the President of the GH, and of the United Soccer league. While playing for the GH Werner's team won the Championship of the USLofPA 6 times in a row (GH Majors 1961–1966), as well as in 1968, and 1969. Werner was Captain and League Delegate of the team. In 1964 the GH made it to the final of the Amateur Cup and lost to Chicago Schwaben, in Chicago. In 1965, Fricker and his team mates won the National Amateur Cup.
Werner was known as a "splitter" who was always tough in the man to man fight for the ball, but at the same time was always fair in his interferences. He was known to work tirelessly. His long passes were characterized as precise, and he never hesitated to take a shot at the opposing goal at any given opportunity. Werner took his soccer seriously and was a great believer in training sessions and team discipline.
Philadelphia United German-Hungarians
Werner began playing for the GH in 1954, and played continuously until 1969. He started playing in the reserves but was transferred to the Major Team a few seasons later. Werner was named Captain of the Major Team in 1958 and held this position until 1968. While playing for the GH Werner's team won the Championship of the USLofPA 6 times in a row (GH Majors 1961–1966), as well as in 1968, and 1969. In 1964 the GH made it to the final of the Amateur Cup and lost to Chicago Schwaben, in Chicago. In 1965, Fricker and his team mates won the National Amateur Cup.[1]More information about the 1965 Final can be found here GH 1965 Championship. The German Hungarians were Eastern Champions three times during Werner's career with them (1964, 1965, 1966), U.S. National Amateur Finalists twice (1964, 1966), as well as Eastern Pennsylvania Champions for eight seasons. Werner coached for the GH, coaching the U-14 Team, the Reserve Team, as well as the Major Team. Werner was the secretary of the GH from 1962 to 1966. He was the president of the club from 1968–1976. Werner held almost every position within the GH organization. He was part of the Dance group, He served as the Entertainment Chairman, on the Constitution committee, the building committee, he was the Kirchweih Chairman, and the Chairman of the Board. "There has been no one in almost fifty years club history who has had more impact, who has contributed more in all aspects, and has dedicated his efforts both financially and through leadership for our well being as a club than Werner Fricker" – Werner Fricker, Jr., Past President German Hungarians
United States men's national soccer team
In 1963 Werner was selected as an alternate for the US Olympic Team that will play in the Pan American Games. Werner continued to be in the USA player pool until 1967. In 1963 Werner was the first Philadelphian to represent Olympic soccer since 1956, and was believed to be 4th ever, behind Jack Dunn, Walter Bahr, and Ray Wilson.
United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
In 1959 United Soccer League of Pennsylvania was formed with the German Hungarians as a founding member. German Hungarian, Frank Follmer became the first President of the new league. Over their years of involvement in the USLofPA many members of the German Hungarians have been involved in the running of the league. As a player, he had been selected for the United Soccer League All start team numerous times. He played for the allstar team from 1958–1968, and served as captain from 1963–1968. Werner also coached the Leagues U-16 Select Team.
Executive
Fricker was president of the United States Soccer Federation from 1984 to 1990, Executive Vice President from 1975–84, and Vice President from 1974–75. It was during Fricker's tenure as President of U.S. Soccer that the United States was awarded the right to host the 1994 World Cup, an event that significantly advanced the popularity of soccer in the United States. Fricker was defeated for re-election by Alan Rothenberg in 1990.
During his time serving in the U.S. administrative structure, Fricker also sat on the CONCACAF executive committee.
Werner Fricker was a founder of the USLofPA. He served as President of the USLofPA from 1970–1972, and secretary from 1967–1970.
Soccer Experience
- Playing:
- United States Olympic Team – 1964
- United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
- All Star Team 1958–1968
- Captain 1963–1968
- Philadelphia United German-Hungarians 1954–1969
- Captain 1958–1969
- U.S. National Amateur Cup Champions – 1965
- U.S. National Amateur Cup Finalists – 1964 & 1966
- Eastern Champions – 1964 & 1966
- United Soccer League Champions – Eight Seasons
- Eastern Pennsylvania Champions – Eight Seasons
- Coaching:
- United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
- U-16 Select Team
- U-14 Team
- Reserve Team
- Major Team
- Administration:
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- Executive Vice President 1975–1984
- Vice President 1974–1975
- President 1984–1990
- USSF Committee Chairman
- 1986 World Cup Organizing Committee
- International Games Committee
- Technical Committee
- Restructuring Committee
- Marketing Committee
- Geographical Delineating Committee
- Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association
- President 1972–1974
- United Soccer League of Pennsylvania
- President 1970–1972
- Secretary 1967–1970
- President 1968–1976
- Secretary 1962–1966
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