On August 3rd, 2008, Pompano Beach Football Club (PBFC) PAL Hammerheads completed their second season of existence. The practice season began in the last weeks of October following several teams competing at Nationals. The season began with a tournament in Apopka where the Under (U) 17 girls finished first for the first time.  The U11, U13, U17 boys and two U15 teams competed and played better than any previous tournament.

In January, the U15, U17 boys and over 30 teams competed in the Kick it 3v3 World Championships sponsored by Sports Illustrated. It was an experience for all players, competing against teams from all over the United States, teams from Canada, Mexico and some teams traveling from Europe.  At the conclusion of the tournament the U15’s had made a formidable challenge for teams that were more skilled and had played together for many more years that the Hammerheads.

The U17 boys, once again rose to the occasion of a major tournament. A team that cannot seem to achieve much at smaller tournaments, once again played at the level they are capable of playing at. Andrew Green, Kevin Waiante, Ryan Hightower, Jon Stafford, Cody Horn and Eddie Miles played for the in the semi final game against the Gators from Georgia. Once again, the Gators could not defeat the Hammerheads. The final was set for a game against Four Men and a Chick. The Hammerheads played as hard as they could, but could find no luck with several balls hitting the post. This time, the Hammerheads finished second, but a great achievement for PBFC.

Hammerhead teams competed in two tournaments in Naples and tournaments in Miramar and Apopka.  All teams, once again qualified for the National Tournament. Experience was now something the Hammerheads had. At all four tournaments, a new team rose to the challenge. The U15 boys had recruited enough players to split into two teams. This was one of the hardest decisions for Coach James Elder and Coach Chris Bentley. Would a powerhouse be created or create two equal teams. In the beginning players bantered with each other which became an issue with the coaching staff as this was still a Hammerhead team. At Naples, U15E (Coach Elder's team) won all their games and won the tournament. This tournament saw two Hammerhead teams compete against each other. Animosity and a divide began to occur. This continued at the two other tournaments and finally came to a head. Coach Elder and Coach Bentley got both teams together and explained that if the players had decided to pay attention they would see that both teams were almost even. U15E was only able to beat U15B (Coach Bentleys team) by one goal on many occasions. At the end of two tournaments U15E and U15B were number one and two, twice competing for the gold.

The U11 team is still going through growing pains. Unable to field a true 11 year old team, players from the age of 9 to 11 make up this team. With major disappointment of the players, the teams competed in all tournaments but were unable to put together a win. The coaching staff is frustrated, but refuse to quit as long as the players don’t.  What we fail to realize is that they are younger than all the teams they play and less experienced than all the teams they play. Their time will come with a commitment from the players.

The U13 and the U17 girl’s teams also had their issues. Competing in less than all the tournaments, due to inability to recruit players. When they did play they competed and did well. This year neither team were able to field a team for Nationals. Unfortunate for those who worked so hard all season long.

The National Tournament found four PBFC teams playing. The under 11’s once again played to their best ability, but due to age issues were unable to qualify past pool play.

The U15’s were a different story. Both teams played hard and won several pool games advancing them to the semi-finals. In the semi’s both teams would come up short and play for thirds, once again, against each other.  Following three days of competitive games, U15E defeated U15B for third place. Understand, that one year ago, neither team made it out of pool play, this year’s accomplishments far exceeded last year’s, but both coaches firmly believed both teams could have been playing for the number one position.

The U17 boys returned to the Nationals as the defending champions. Making it through pool play was just as difficult but this year they had the experience and played much better. This year would be easier since they would qualify for the semi-final with convincing wins. The semi-final game was against the Alachua County Recreational Football Club (ACRFC), which they would be victorious in extra time. ACRFC was the only undefeated team at last year’s Nationals that the Hammerheads defeated. The final was played against a team that had many questions regarding their eligibility, the Diablo’s. Unfortunately, the Hammerheads were unable to defeat, losing by a score of 4-3.

The over 30 team, competed against open teams and competitive teams finishing with a respective 3rd place. At the conclusion of the 2008 National Tournament, PBFC returned to Pompano with a fourth place, two third places and a second. Much better than most of the six hundred teams that compete at this tournament.