Michael-John Tate

Michael-John Tate (M-J) is a South African (born 13 November 1970) British National

footballer who played as a defender and midfielder. He is currently CEO and Sporting

Director of Oregon United FC [1] and the owner of European Pro Soccer Consulting

(EPSC).

Early Career

After moving to England, Tate played football at all youth levels of the English Schools

System before signing for Southampton FC . He first made a name for himself by playing

for Eastleigh and Winchester District Schools Team. As one of the top players in the

District he was then selected to play for Hampshire County Schools FA the pinnacle of

his school career.

Playing Career

Tate made his debut as an apprentice professional in 1986 for Southampton FC. (1986-

1989). He played for Cardiff City FC (1989-1990), Fareham Town FC (1990-1992), *

Runcorn Town FC (1993-1994), * Hungerford Town FC (1994-1996), Supersport Utd FC

(1996-1997), Randburg AFC (1997-1999), Utah Blitzz (2000-2001). His greatest

success came at the beginning and the end of his career. In the beginning of his career,

he played with one of the best club youth teams in the world with the likes of football

legends Alan Shearer, Jeff Kenna , Rodney Wallace, John Robinson and many other top

professional players. At the end of his career under Billy McNicol (Technical Director)

and new professional franchise Utah Blitzz the team won the Western Conference.

* Loan Willem II (1992) Netherlands

* Loan VVV Venlo (1993) Netherlands

He announced his retirement in August 2002.

Coaching Career

Tate began his coaching tenure in the summer of 1994. He served as an assistant

coach for the Malta U17 national team during his offseason. Tate helped them along

their U17 UEFA qualifying campaign. At Randburg AFC , Tate took on his first head

coaching position. He led the U18’s to a mid-table position in the SAB league. In 2001,

Tate helped guide the Utah Blitzz USL team to a Western Conference Championship in

their first season in the league. Tate served as an assistant player/coach under Coach

Chris Agnello. Tate guided Rush SLC (Salt Lake City) of the WPSL during their

inaugural season in 2007, where they finished Southwest Division runner-up. Tate was

then presented with the opportunity to move to Southern California to take over So Cal

Rush. Tate made the shortlist for WPSL Coach of the Year and best new franchise. In

2009, Tate took on what he considered to be his toughest coaching job for So Cal Rush

with a net zero budget. They finished with a 3-10 record in the the top Western

Conference. Tate was hired to coach the Newberg High School boys soccer program,

who held a record of 2 wins and 98 losses. Tate grew the program for 6 years, and in

his final year with the program the team finished with their winningest season ever,

becoming Three Rivers Conference Champions and Coach of the Year. State ranking

reached as high as 8th. In April 2013, Tate was offered the head coach position for

Liaoning Whowin FC , a professional club in the Chinese Super League . The club

resides in China’s sports capital, Shenyang, Liaoning.

Coaching Education and Leadership

Tate has successfully managed and led multiple soccer clubs in Utah, Southern

California and Oregon, garnering several features in news related articles and

publications. During his time in Utah between 2002-2008 his Club, Inter FC featured in

"Soccer America" for being Utah’s top-ranked club in addition to one of the nations top

clubs. Several teams reached regional and national top-20 rankings. This continued in

2009 when he was hired by Utah Rush. He was asked to coach the Utah WU21 team

who won a National Championship at the Home Depot Center. Tate continued to have

success in 2009 with So Cal Rush where his 1993 boys finished as semi-finalists in Cal

South State Cup. Tate's 1993 girls finished as Cal South State Cup Champions. In

Oregon, Tate continued advocation for the cause for coaching and referee development.

Tate emphasized education to the clubs he was a part of. In 2016, Tate was hired as

GM and DOC for Global Premier Soccer Oregon. During his tenure he built GPS

Oregon to be an elite club in Oregon, capturing four State titles, four Regional titles,

National success, and numerous State league and Regional league titles. Tate is

currently the CEO & Sporting Director Oregon United FC and has since won a US Club

National with OUFC’s 2003 boys.

Business and Philanthropy

Tate continues to strive to be innovative in the growth and improvement in soccer

globally. This is reflected in his development of the Futpro training product. Tate has

been an advocate for everyone playing, regardless of socioeconomic status. As

executive director of OUFC, he has implemented a practice of not turning players away

due to financial limitations. Recently, the team of boys from OUFC that won a National

Title consisted of 10 players from low-income families and 3 refugees. Tate thanks

community partners who have assisted, understanding that it is impossible to achieve

without support from philanthropic business partners.

Coaching Credentials

Tate is an advocate for all coaching education. He has USSF A License and Youth

License, UEFA B1, English FA Coaching Certificate, NSCAA Director of Coaching

Diploma, FC Bayern certification.