Howell United Soccer Club was created in 1994 as a Partnership between Farmingdale Howell Soccer Club (presently Howell Soccer Club) and Pinelanders Youth Soccer Club. Prior to the partnership the two clubs ran their own travel teams as well as a recreation program. FHSC made the first move in contacting the leadership of PYSC to form an alliance of both clubs which would give us a greater voice in MOSA and offer all the kids from both clubs more opportunities to play travel soccer. Differences between FHSC and PYSC precluded a combining of the two clubs so a compromise was reached. What was agreed was that a new club would be formed (Howell United Soccer Club) and it would consist of only travel soccer teams. The existing clubs would continue as rec programs and send all players who wanted to play travel soccer to HUSC.
In 1994, the Club served just over a dozen travel teams. For the 2007-2008 season the Club has grown to over 35 teams.
The “founding fathers” of HUSC consisted of Chuck Hoyt, Gary Strucke, Butch Zito, Tom Herriger, Al Lowe, and Joe Moscato. The early founders did not have specific titles other than board members, however over time Butch Zito became the first President, followed by Gary Grimes, Bill Ingram and currently serving as President of the Club, Eric Hlava.
Gary Grimes was responsible for instituting the Howell Holiday Tournament in 1999, which hosted approximately 70 teams. Eric Hlava became the Director of the Holiday Tournament in 2001 which has seen registrations rise to just over 230 teams last year. The Tournament Director for 2007 is Aaron Runko, who served as Co-Director for 2005 and 2006.
The Howell United Holiday Cup has brought alot of recognition to HUSC. The last four years the tournament has been ranked in the top 2 or 3 tournaments in all of New Jersey, and ended 2006 as the #1 tournamnet in NJ and the 2nd best tournament in the United States.
In 2000, the Club, under the guidance of Gary Grimes and Joe Moscato, began the Howell United Scholarship program, offering two $500 sholarships each year to graduating seniors who have participated in HUSC. As the Club grew, the scholarships have grown to two $1000 scholarships each year. Joe Moscato has administered the scholarship program since it inception. To date, fourteen scholarships have been awarded.
The success of the Howell United Soccer Club is credited to hard work and dedication of coaches, players, and parents who are members of our Club.
