MU’s Boys coaching director :
Zafer Kilickan

February 24, 2008

A former professional player, Zafer played in the 2nd and 3rd division in Turkey for Pendikspor and Boluspor before coming to the United States to play for the Minnesota Thunder. Playing midfield, he helped the Thunder to reach the play-offs in 2002 and 2004 and A-League championship in 2003 against the Charleston Battery.

A 1999 Graduate of University of Marmara (Istanbul Turkey) Kilickan received his Bachelor’ degree in Physical Education with a specialization in soccer. In addition, he has earned “B” license from Turkish Football Federation and National “A” license from US Soccer Federation.

While playing for the Thunder, Kilickan coached several youth teams in the Minneapolis area, winning two state cup championships, with boys U13 and Girls U14 team, to advance to the US Youth Soccer regional championships. Kilickan also served as Director of Thunder Camps. Additionally, Kilickan served as assistant coach for the Augsburg College women’s program helping them to reach the MIAC conference play-offs for three consecutive years.

A native of Turkey, Kilickan quickly become a crowd favorite for the Minnesota Thunder and was awarded the club’s Humanitarian Award in 2002 for his volunteer work in the community.

MU’s Girls coaching director :
John Sylvester

January 7, 2008

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of John Sylvester as GIRLS Coaching Director. John is a Minneapolis resident, went to h.s. at Washburn and is currently Washburn’s varsity girls coach. After retiring from the MN Thunder, John has dedicated his coaching efforts to female teams.

So that he can quickly get to know as many girls as possible before the spring season — John will rotate through to some of the other girl teams at the Augsburg sessions.

Please congratulate John when you see him at Augsburg or the YWCA.