Team Andersen member gets his shot to kick it with All-Air Force soccer team

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- One of Team Andersen's very own will soon be competing for the right to play on the All-Air Force soccer team.

Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Schultze, 36th Wing Public Affairs photographer, was selected to attend the Air Force soccer trials at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 1-18.

"I always knew that if I joined the military, I would pursue playing at the Air Force level," Airman Schultze said. "I'm now one step closer to fulfilling my dream."

In order to be eligible for the trials the players had to fill out an Air Force Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training, which is like a sports resume. The forms were forwarded to the Headquarters Air Force Services Agency, where 43 players were selected to compete for 10 positions on the All-Air Force soccer team.

Since the age of nine, Airman Schultze has had a distinct passion for soccer. He found a home on the field next to the goal. He has played the position of goalkeeper since he was in the eighth grade and hopes to continue as the goalie for the Air Force team.

"For many kids at that age, goalkeeper was the worst position to play because you always felt like you weren't a part of the game," Airman Schultze said. "At first I felt the same, but as I got older I started to realize it was the most important in a lot of ways. If you screw up, it's all on you. But on the flipside, you get that recognition for keeping the other team from scoring. I like the aspect of that constant pressure; it keeps me on my toes."

Upon arriving to Andersen in November 2009, Airman Schultze immediately had the urge to play competitively. He soon joined the Toyota Football Club the following December and played the last half of the season with them.

By March of this year, he decided to apply for the All-Air Force soccer team.

"I knew I had a good resume from my days in high school, but I also knew I needed something current to give me an edge," Airman Schultze said. "So I got in contact with some of the players on the Guahan FC, who also played in the Guam's Men's National Team, and asked if I could train with them. After coming out, I found out it was actually a tryout for me and I was allowed to play with them."

From that point on, he has trained with Guahan FC three to five times a week over the past six months, which has helped him to hone his skills.

"I actually got on the team at the perfect time because we had collegiate players from the states here training during the summer who brought a good level of playing experience for me to draw from," Airman Schultze said.

By the end of the trials at Hurlburt, only 16 field players and two goalkeepers will be picked to play on the Air Force team.

"There'll only be four or five goalkeepers there," Airman Schultze said.

"I actually played with one of them before," he continued with a chuckle. "He was the backup goalkeeper behind me in high school. I figure I only have to be better than the other two and I'll be good."

The trials will be held at Hurlburt Field, Fla., which happens to be where his father, a retired chief master sergeant, and mother live. The trip home will be bittersweet for Airman Schultze, as he will be parting with his wife, Amy, who is eight-months pregnant with their daughter.

"I'm so proud of him," Amy said. "It's really exciting that out of the entire Air Force, he was one of the 43 chosen to attend. I've watched all of his games and I think he's really good. I'm happy for him but I will miss him too. I just hope our baby girl stays in while he's gone."

Airman Schultze attributes getting his shot to fulfilling his dreams to the support of his wife.

"Amy has been super supportive of me and allowed me to pursue my dream," Airman Schultze said. "Soccer has dominated my life for the past six months and I have her to thank as much as anyone for making this possible. Practicing five times a week and coming home to a loving wife has been amazing."

Airman Schultze is hopeful, but aware that a position on the All-Air Force team is not guaranteed. Either way, he says he's just happy to have the opportunity to compete.
"It's an honor just to be picked," he said. "This is my World Cup; my Olympics and I'm going for the gold."