NACC soccer hosting exhibition match with professional organization

An element of professional soccer is coming to Northeast Alabama Community College this weekend.

The NACC men's soccer team will host the Chattanooga Red Wolves professional soccer organization's academy team for an exhibition match Sunday at 3 p.m. at NACC's new on-campus Mustang Soccer Field.

The match is open to the public and admission is free.

NACC's men's soccer program played its inaugural season last fall. The Mustangs are currently in the midst of their spring exhibition schedule in which they are permitted six days to play matches against various levels of competition.

NACC head coach Tom Shanklin is excited to see his Mustangs in action against the developmental squad of the Red Wolves, who compete in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

"I'm excited about using this spring season as an opportunity for our athletes to see the variety of pathways and opportunities they have to carry their soccer careers further," said Shanklin, who took over the NACC program after an 11-year head-coaching tenure at Fort Payne High School that included 216 wins, three state championships and 11 area titles.

"Getting the Red Wolves organization's eyes on our guys gives them the opportunity to be scouted and the potential to get their foot in the door with that team."