Franklin resident Hans Hobson has been hired as the executive director of the Tennessee State Soccer Association, officials announced today. Mr. Hobson will step into his new role on Jan. 1.

“There are few coaches or high level administrators in soccer that are as qualified and as universally respected as Hans Hobson,” said Andrew Bolt, president of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “His previous administrative roles, coaching background, and extensive history with soccer in Tennessee provide him with a wealth of experiences to draw upon.”

Mr. Hobson brings more than a decade of involvement with youth soccer in Tennessee as well as coaching and leadership roles in the state’s most competitive clubs. His youth soccer experience includes stints as Girls director of Coaching for Brentwood/Franklin-based Tennessee Soccer Club, director of Coaching for Brentwood Soccer Club, assistant director of Coaching for Knoxville Football Club, and assistant director of Coaching for Diadora Impact Soccer Club. Before his involvement in youth soccer programs, Mr. Hobson was Assistant Men’s and Women’s Soccer coach at Milligan College.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” said Mr. Hobson, whose initial priorities will include helping the Tennessee State Soccer Association increase its membership roster and bringing association resources to recreational soccer clubs throughout the state. “In the twelve years I’ve live in Tennessee, I’ve gone from coaching soccer in East Tennessee to running a superclub in Middle Tennessee and now to being the head of the statewide soccer association. It is an incredible honor.”

As the Tennessee affiliate of US Youth Soccer, the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) promotes the sport of soccer for the enjoyment of players of all ages by creating and increasing opportunities for wholesome participation.  TSSA has a current membership base of over 41,000 registered players statewide, and approximately 5,000 active coaches, referees, and administrators.  TSSA offers player registration, tournament and travel sanctioning, referee training and certification, coach training and licensing , youth player development, Olympic development programs, and state, regional and national competitions for youth and amateur players from its headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee. For more information about the Tennessee State Soccer Association, call 615 590-2200 or visit www.tnsoccer.org.