Atlanta Chiefs, Part 1 (1967-1972)

Released Tuesday, Nov. 21

In this episode, we highlight the Atlanta Chiefs, the city’s first professional soccer franchise. We cover the launch of the club, their debut at Atlanta Stadium and the 1968 team that won the NASL championship. Former players share their memories of what it was like to play soccer in the United States during that time. We also look at how two friendly matches against English powerhouse Manchester City paved the way for the sport in the city, and how hosting Brazilian club Santos and Pelé brought Atlanta to the global stage.

Our guests for this episode include:

  • Alan Hamlyn – Atlanta Chiefs player
  • Jeff Solem – Emory University and Atlanta Apollos player
  • John Cocking – Atlanta Chiefs player
  • Andre` Lamont – Filmmaker, production at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Dr. Andy Ambrose – Historian

Listen below:

Phil Woosnam, head coach of the original Atlanta Chiefs
The original Atlanta Chiefs kit
Vic Crowe and Pelé, Chiefs vs. Santos in 1968
A ticket stub from the Atlanta Chiefs friendly with Manchester City
The original Atlanta Chiefs kit
From a media guide for the original Atlanta Chiefs
From a media guide for the original Atlanta Chiefs
From a media guide for the original Atlanta Chiefs
The Atlanta Chiefs roster
The original Atlanta Chiefs kit
1968 atlanta chiefs championship ring 1
1968 atlanta chiefs championship ring 2
The Atlanta Chiefs staff from one of the scouting trips overseas
From a media guide for the Atlanta Chiefs
Atlanta Chiefs guide
Dick Cecil
The schedule from a program
From a media guide for the Atlanta Chiefs
Dick Cecil and the front office of the Atlanta Chiefs
From a guide on rules to the game
From a guide on rules to the game
From a guide on rules to the game
From a guide on rules to the game
1968 chiefs program cover
1968 chiefs manchester city program insert
From the Atlanta Chiefs media guide
Atlanta Chiefs
An Atlanta Chiefs program
Kaizer Motaung
Vic Rouse and Kaizer Motaung coaching South DeKalb YMCA, Kevin Fouser
A story on soccer in the South
Atlanta Chiefs
How To Listen
How To Listen