USL News Release
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – United Soccer Leagues was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Josef Schulz, the founder of Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Academy, after a battle with cancer at the age of 61. One of the major figures in South Florida soccer, Schulz will be best-known for the discovery and development of current U.S. Men’s National Team standout Jozy Altidore.
“Josef was one of the most influential figures in the transformation of the American elite youth soccer landscape over the past 15 years,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Not only did his Schulz Academy teams win numerous SYL National Championships, but more importantly his club developed dozens of players for the collegiate, professional, and national team levels.
“In recent years, he provided a further platform for the top pre-professional players in South Florida through the PDL team he owned, operated and coached. We are grateful for his contributions to the sport and privileged to have him part of the USL family over the years. Our thoughts are with his wife Barbara and their family.”
After a playing career in the Austrian First Division, while also gaining a doctoral degree in economics at the University of Vienna, Schulz turned to coaching, beginning his career with Vienna FC. He then made the move to Rapid Vienna, the most successful club in the country, and was the General Manager of the side that reached the final of the 1985 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Schulz would eventually move to Florida, where he launched an academy in Palm Beach Gardens for local and international players to continue their development on a year-round basis. After spending time at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Schulz returned to South Florida, where his academy began to thrive.
Schulz Academy was a fixture in the Super Y-League as the league grew from its inception in 1999, but it was the team led by Altidore that won three successive titles from 2004 to 2006 that was its finest hour. In addition to Altidore, the side also contained Edvin Worley, who played professionally with the Wichita Wings of the MISL after a stellar career at Boston College. Current Rochester Rhinos player Matt Luzunaris was another player who came through the club’s system.
In recent years, the club also played in the PDL, with current professionals Darnell King and Shawn Berry, now playing in the Austrian First Division with LASK Linz, having developed as part of the club. Schulz will be remembered by all those who came into his presence as a great nurturer of talent, and someone who provided opportunity to players to fully develop their abilities.