Dr. Thomas Fleck, one of the original national staff coaches with U.S. Soccer and instructor for U.S. Soccer for 30 years, died on Dec. 24.

Fleck was an All-American at West Chester State University and played for the Uhrik Truckers.
He was men's coach at Lehigh University (1965-78) and general manager of the NASL's Philadelphia Fury (1979-82).

Recognized as the leading authority on youth soccer development and education, Fleck was later the director of coaching for the Florida Youth Soccer association and Idaho Youth Soccer Association

He was active in U.S. Youth Soccer and the NSCAA, which presented him with the 2004 Honor Award, the association's most esteemed award.