Fredericksburg City United, a not so new team making new noises. They are set to take part in the Commonwealth Soccer League this fall season. They are returning to the league for the first time since 2015. The club founder, Claude Masheshe, took some time to speak with us about the current state of the club and the future they have planned. - Geovanny

Tell us about your background in the sport?

My name is Claude Maheshe. I was born in the DR Congo; came to the United States 10 years ago at the age of 18. I attended college at the University of George Mason and graduated with a bachelor’s in information systems. My background with soccer started since I was a little boy. For my friends and I soccer was a way for us to enjoy life and forget about the trials of life in Africa. At the age of 16, I started coaching a group of teenagers my age in the town where I lived.

Tell about who you are and what you do for the club?

As the founder and president of FCU. I manage, provide and recruit players for the club.

How was this club founded?

FCU was founded in 2014. At first, we were a small group of people who organized pickup games. With some help from a few friends we saw a future for not us, but the next generation. I then started to organize and look for a way to make us an official team.

Where have you been playing before the commonwealth soccer league?

Before the Commonwealth Soccer League, FCU played friendlies and helped in organizing a summer tournament to provide students with a place to play and stay in shape.

What could you tell us about the CSL? How is the competition?

Back in 2015 we joined CSL but with financial difficulties and lack of players we were unable to continue. We weren’t in the league long enough to scout the competition.

Where did most of your players play before?

Most of my players played and still play in high school, college, and travel teams around the area.

Have you guys played together before hand?

A lot of us have never once played together but with practice and dedication we have come to have great chemistry.

What is the target or goal for the fall season? What about after this fall season?

FCU is going to be joining CSL for the Fall season and play hard in hopes of winning the league. After the fall season we plan to put our time into practicing and developing our game in order to reach the next level. This will help us in getting ready for the Spring season.

Beside a first team, do you have a youth team or teams, or perhaps a women’s side?

Now we have one men’s team, but in the future, I hope to expand and build more teams for women and kids alike.

You guys are known to host an 8v8 tournament. How has this helped your club? Has it been successful?

The 8v8 tournament was very successful. It helped bring many new dedicated and competitive players to the club. This helped push and motivate the players already playing for FCU.

Is there anything that you want people to know about your club that we haven’t covered?

Mission: To create a community where every individual is free to express their uniqueness and bring their dreams to life through playing soccer.

Vision: To unite and empower the Fredericksburg community and its surrounding areas, FCU is excited and looking forward to reshaping the lives of many young individuals through coaching and positive association. FCU is determined to utilize soccer to challenge the idea of what it means to be an all-around athlete.

Values: Friendship, Dream, Opportunity, Community.

Any last comments, remakes, or quotes you would like to public to read?

Most of FCU players are student who are not as financially advanced in order to help in supporting the club. Right now, FCU is looking for any sponsors who would like to support FCU’s mission in helping reach their goals.

- Geovanny Monterroso