Mike Balson can best be characterized as a true and complete professional in his 25-year participation in Georgia Soccer.  His early career began with professional stints in South Africa and England, including 400 English League games.

 

His professional career in the USA began in 1979 with the Atlanta chiefs of the NASL.  His Youth Soccer involvement began immediately, teaching and training coaches and players during 1979 and 1980.  In 1982 and 1983 he moved on to become Assistant Player-Coach of the Georgia Generals.  Later from 1998 through 2001 Mike served as General Manager of the Atlanta Silverbacks.

 

He pioneered the indoor soccer game in Georgia.  He played Indoor Soccer as a professional.  He worked tirelessly to teach the game and convince players, coaches and leagues to adopt it.  In 1982, he developed the first affiliated indoor soccer league in Georgia, (The SISL).  Many other groups adopted his model.  In 1985 he spearheaded the creation of the Soccer Academy in Lilburn, a combined Indoor/Outdoor facility.  An outstanding accomplishment was to bring the National Youth Indoor Championships to Georgia.

 

As Commissioner for the United Soccer League (1987-2000) he helped develop several additional franchises for that league.  As General Manager of the Atlanta Silverbacks (1998-2001), he provided players for any number of youth clinics, camps, and training sessions throughout Georgia.

 

From 1979 on Mike developed and conducted coaching and youth player clinics and camps, and after these 25 years his name has become synonymous with these.  The clinics continue even today to offer excellent development and growth opportunities for coaches and players throughout Georgia, as well as in other states.

 

Over the years Mike has coached an unbroken succession of indoor and outdoor youth teams.  His Steamers Soccer Club started in 1984 (later the Brookwood Soccer Club).  He coached the U-16 Steamers and the U-19 Concord to State Championships in 1989 and 1990.  Presently he helps with the U-15 Boys at Dacula, the U-19 Boys at Lanier and the Gwinnett YMCA.

 

In Adult Amateur Soccer, Mike coached the GASA Adult Select Team in 1986 and 1987.  In 1986 they hosted the USASA Regional Championship, and then won that Championship in 1987.

 

In college soccer, Mike served as Assistant to the Georgia State University team (1981-1984), and coached DeKalb College (1990-1993).

 

Mike is a long-time USSF, High School and College Referee.  He has officiated finals and championships for the ACC, SEC, the NCCAA, and NCAA Women’s and Men’s Division Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

 

At the national level, Mike has served on the USSF Discipline and Appeals Committee (1987) and on the National Referee Committee (1998).

 

With this record of participation and activity it is east to understand the part Mike Balson has played in the creation and growth of our exemplary soccer programs in Georgia, and indeed in this country.  He typifies a powerhouse of energy, experience, knowledge, and willingness to share.  He is a truly special soccer person.