Adrian Forbes has taken on a unique challenge in the world of football. After leaving his coaching role at Luton Town's academy, he moved to Texas to become the sporting director of Texoma FC, a start-up club in the USL League One. With no players initially, Forbes has now built a multi-national squad and even taken on the role of head coach.

Building a Team from Scratch

Forbes assembled a diverse roster, including players from Poland, South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, Canada, and the US, as well as two English players, Luke McCormick and Teddy Baker, who began their careers in the academies of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town. Despite a rocky start, Texoma FC has recently shown significant improvement, earning 13 points from their last 15 games and currently sitting eighth in the 14-team league.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Forbes faced extreme weather conditions, including heat and lightning delays, which are uncommon in English football. He also had to balance dual roles as sporting director and head coach, often switching hats multiple times a day. Living in the same residential complex as his players, Forbes and his wife Shelley even take on the responsibility of cooking meals for the team.

Vision for the Future

Forbes is optimistic about the future of Texoma FC and the growth of football in the US. He believes that hosting the 2026 World Cup will significantly boost the sport's popularity. Additionally, he is keen on establishing links with English clubs to provide opportunities for young players to develop in the US.

A Promising Path

Texoma FC's recent form has been the best in the league, and Forbes is hopeful that this momentum will continue. His dedication to both the club and the development of his players is a testament to his passion for the game. As he puts it, 'The better the person, the better the player,' and this philosophy is clearly driving Texoma FC forward.