New England Soccer Today

Former Revs GM Tornberg Joins Boston City

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

A face familiar to local soccer fans has joined Boston City FC’s front office as former Revolution executive Craig Tornberg was named acting managing director of the NPSL outfit ahead of its debut season.

Tornberg, who served in a handful of front office capacities – including general manager – with the Revolution from 1995 through 2011, will provide direction, guidance, and strategy to the Boston City administrative and technical staff as well as the club’s ownership group, which includes Boston businessman Renato Valentim.

“I am extremely excited about Boston City FC,” Tornberg said in a club release on Monday. “Renato and the entire Boston City FC ownership group have both a long term vision and a professionalism not often seen in entry level soccer groups. While the ownership has successful businesses of their own, they have both the passion and commitment to see Boston City FC as an important soccer project.”

Tornberg went on to serve as president of English side Oxford City following his time with the Revolution, then started an independent soccer consultancy group after returning to the U.S. in 2015. The group organized the inaugural New England Futsal Challenge, which welcomed sides from Brazil and Portugal.

While the prospect of taking on a major role with upstart side is often a daunting one, Tornberg is embracing the challenge that awaits him.

“Having a coach with the pedigree of ‘Palhinha,’ whose career in Brazil is legendary, adds to the aura of a club interested only in finding the best of talent available both in the office and on the playing field,” Tornberg said. “They have a track record of giving back to the local communities they serve in their own businesses and are very committed that this soccer team does the same within the greater Boston area.”

Valentim, who spearheaded the efforts to get Boston City into the NPSL for 2016, believes that the addition of a former MLS executive to its front office is benefit that few of its competitors can boast.

“Craig’s experience in organizing countless matches, both small and large scale will be invaluable to a new organization like ours,” Valentim said in a club release on Monday. “He came highly recommended to us having been involved in so many successful ventures, and he comes with experiences that would take us years to obtain on our own.

“We could not be more pleased he has agreed to join us, and help guide us during this critical stage of our growth.”

Boston City FC is set to kick off its debut season on May 1 in Malden, Mass.

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