Meet The Staff

About The Owners

Oscar Albuquerque (pronounced: al-buh-ker-KEE)

Albuquerque started his indoor soccer career in 1980 with the Denver Avalanche of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).The 5’8”midfielder/forward embarked on a 13-year indoor soccer career,which saw him play his trade for the Phoenix Pride (1982-84), Las Vegas Americans (1984-85), Los Angeles Lazers (1985), Memphis Storm (1986-87), New York Express (1986-87), Chicago Sting (1987-88), Chicago Power (1988-90), Illinois Thunder (1990-92) as a player and assistant coach, and as an assistant coach for Chicago Storm (MISL) 2004-05. Albuquerque was also the owner and operator of Soccer World soccer specialty store (1992-02).

His tenure in Chicago proved to be the link for his future in soccer. At the Power, Albuquerque found himself playing against Kraft, who was with the Hershey Impact. Albuquerque’s family immigrated to Toronto, Canada from Peru when he was 15 years old to join his brother,Hugo,who was playing professional soccer in the in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. There, Albuquerque was voted “All Canadian” and “All Ontario” for the 1976 through 1980 seasons at Laurentian University in Subury, Ontario. His play in Canada and his citizenship helped him earn a selection to the Canadian Olympic Team, which attempted to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Games.He was also a member of the Canadian National Team player pool under Manager John McMahon. Albuquerque has 3 children 13 year old twins Marcella, Roberto and 10 year old Renato all of them talented soccer players.

Michael O'Flaherty is also no stranger to the soccer world. O'Flaherty has credentials with the U.S. Soccer Federation and is qualified to teach the referee assignor course. His experience in officiating gives him a sharp eye during each match.

About The Coach

Jeff Kraft is a native of Baltimore. He coached the Thunder and Team AISL Chicago last season when the teams played provisional "test" games. Kraft's indoor soccer playing career features stops with the MISL's Kansas City Comets in 1987, and a three year stint with the AISA's Hershey (PA) Impact. His coaching resume includes one year with the MISL's Chicago Storm, where he worked with Albuquerque.

Other Staff

Dave Schmidt is the Director of Public Relations for the Rockford Thunder. Schmidt has extensive experience in collegiate sports, most recently serving as the commissioner of the United States Collegiate Athletics Association from 2001-2005. Previous to that position, he was the assistant commissioner of the National Small College Athletic Association and the assistant to the executive director of the National Christian College Athletic Association.

Email Dave Schmidt

Brett Holmertz is the club's trainer. Holmertz graduated from Rockford College in 2001 and is an Illinois Liscensed Athletic Trainder. He is also a certified member of the National Athletics Trainers' Association and is certified with the O.D.P. Holmertz played soccer for Rockford College and was an All-Conference Athlete in the Northern Illinois and Iowa Conference twice.

PA Announcer Howard Balson is the latest edition to the Rockford Thunder staff. Balson is a resident of Buffalo Grove, Illinois and will make his Thunder debut on November 18th at the ISC when the Thunder takes on the Cincinnati Excite in the American Indoor Soccer League home opener. Balson has also been a play-by-play voice of many different soccer teams around Chicago (including The Sting, The Chicago Power, and The Chicago Fire) and the on a national basis.

Erwin "Jake" Fleps has been named the Director of Player Personnel. Below is a brief background -

Erwin Fleps Nickname “Jake” is a long time supporter of soccer in the Chicago Area. Arriving from Transylvania in 1971 till now has been involved in player’s development for the Pro and College level.

Played For the Chicago Kickers, Sparta and Schwaben Soccer Clubs. Coached in several Youths Level for the Schwaben and Sockers, with several players on the Roster for the Thunder. Referred at the highest Amateur and College Level. Was Illinois Select team Manager in 1991-92 and for the last past years has been Schwaben First team Manager Winning back to back the Indoor Championship in the Metropolitan Mayor Division Soccer League.

Nate Covert is the media assistant with the Thunder. The recent honors graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha,WI handled the AISL's media release last year in the 9-8 win over the Cincinnati Excite. He wrote for The Carroll College New Perspective newspaper, has written articles for the AISL, maintains the Thunder's MySpace site, keeps game statistics, and performs various other tasks for the team.

For Sponsorship Information Contact

847/630-9034

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For More Information Contact

Fax: 877-507-5840
Phone: 847-630-9034
Phone: 815-451-1666
409 Bell School Road
Rockford, IL, 61108

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