"Soccer Tom"
Mulroy
America’s Foremost Entertainer and Educator.
90 Minutes With The King
World Class Soccer Clinician
click "Buy Now" for AudioBook directly from the author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Soccer Tom” Mulroy became a professional soccer player at age 19, seven years after he first touched a ball. He played professionally for more than a decade, scoring over 50 goals.
After his playing career, Tom was named the official spokes- man for the 1994 World Cup, the world’s largest sporting event. In 2012, Tom became the president of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, leading the club to the NASL championship game. For nearly 40 years he has run his own global sports market- ing agency specializing in soccer promotions and events. His clients have included Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Snickers, Budweiser along with FIFA, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL soccer federations.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Experience the remarkable journey of a boy from New York who begins life behind the eight ball. Growing up on the edge of poverty, he battles dyslexia and endures the pain dealt by an alcoholic father. From his single mother he learns grit, empathy, and selflessness. At age 12, when he is still torn between right and wrong, he is introduced to soccer. The Beautiful Game saves his life. It becomes his life.
Never mind that outside his neighborhood, soccer is seen as an ethnic cult, a sport played by “candy asses” and people who do not speak English. Nothing dents the boy’s will. He follows his idol, Pelé, like a North Star. He dreams of becoming a pro. His dream becomes an obsession, his exit ramp off a road that would have left him “dead or in jail.”
In his early teens, this lad plays for coaches who shape him as a player and a man. He struggles in school, but he has found his purpose. He plays or practices sixty hours a week. Some days he hitchhikes to games, other days he spends entire afternoons lashing balls off the brick wall of Cinema 45. No one will outwork him; nothing will distract him.
Seven years after he first touches a ball, Tom Mulroy becomes a professional soccer player. And then, against billion-to-one odds, Soccer Tom experiences the dream of every soccer player and fan around the world.
FOREWORD by Shep Messing
"US Soccer legend- Lifelong friend to Pele"
Tom Mulroy called me one day and asked me if I could write this foreword for his book. I’ve said no politely to several others who asked me to do the same thing for them. Could I say no to Mulroy? Absolutely not. This is a lifelong family friend, a former adversary and former teammate of mine . . . and possibly one of the best human beings I’m honored to have known.
I met Tommy (the rest of the world knows him as Soccer Tom) through my younger brother Roy, who was also a professional goal- keeper. These two young punks were hard to keep track of. My mom, Anne Messing, a college professor, often caught Tommy sneaking into our family house through a window after a night out with his buddies. She loved Tommy. Roy loved Tommy. My whole family adopted Tommy. I only tolerated him at first. But I came to love him too. Roy and I opened one of the first indoor soccer facilities in the country in 1980. We had to convince our potential commercial real estate partner, Joe Einbinder, that it was a good idea. Roy whispered to me, “Call Tommy.” Thirty minutes later, Tommy jumps out of his car and on our front lawn puts on a dazzling demonstration, juggling the ball like few in the world can. His world-class ability to do that has over the years taken Soccer Tom beyond the sport. He jumped back in the car and we got our indoor soccer facility funded.
I have had an unbelievable life through the sport of soccer. One day, years ago, my son Zach (he loves Tommy too) told me that I had either played with or against five of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, George Best, the list goes on and on . . . Gerd Mueller, Nene Cubillas, Carlos Alberto, Gordon Banks, and Bobby Moore. These are unquestionably the most iconic names of players who plied their trade here as professional athletes in the prelude to Major League Soccer. They left an indelible mark on soccer in this country in our North American Soccer League.
But when it comes to who has made a bigger impact in the growth, popularity, and education of young boys and girls over the years, who has led this soccer evolution and revolution, out of the names above, I would say Pelé . . . and Tommy Mulroy. (Calm down, Tommy, I said impact. I’m not comparing him to you as a player!)
I’m serious when I say that. In this book, Tommy tells a true- life story for everyone. If you dream big, if you never give up on your dreams, if you find something that you love and you never give up, unbelievable things can be achieved. Tommy has done that, first as a professional player but more importantly, impacting genera- tions of children to fall in love with our beautiful game. Pelé and Tommy had the same gift of being able to naturally connect with and inspire children.
I smiled when I read Tommy’s account of our game in Yankee Stadium, and his coach’s instructions to follow Pelé to the bathroom. Pelé had seen me hug Mulroy before the game started. When we walked off the field into the locker room at halftime, Pelé came up to me and said, “Shep, your friend, I think is going to follow me into the bathroom; tell him to leave me alone!”
There are very few things in the world that transcend race, politics, religion, and socioeconomic boundaries. Soccer is one that does that. Tommy has dedicated his life to doing that, all with a smile on his face, love in his heart, and a commitment to teach the beautiful game.
Tom Mulroy belongs in the National Soccer Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport in this country. Read this book and enjoy it. His story will inspire you.
—Shep Messing, former goalkeeper, New York Cosmos, U.S. National Team
Alan Rothenburg
“This is absolutely a must read for every soccer lover around the world. 90 Minutes With The King is an amazing story of how the beautiful game can prepare and provide people with positive life skills, mentors and idols that are so powerful it can save lives, no matter what the odds are. Whether you are a fan, player, referee, or coach, you will enjoy Soccer Tom’s remarkable American soccer journey.”
Anson Dorrance
“What a wonderful read. 90 minutes with the king is not only an entertaining soccer story, but an inspirational life’s journey that exemplifies how soccer’s core values can shape a person’s life. Soccer Toms self-motivation, dedication and determination is a textbook example for inspiring young men and women who truly are committed to reaching their dreams on and off the field."
Brian Kilmeade
“Tom Mulroy deceived me he made me think I was about to read a great soccer story but it’s so much more - it’s a great American success story…From his rough and tumble beginnings to his soaring soccer success and his intense caring for kids of all skills and sizes this is truly a much-read story for anyone looking for inspiration. Great Job Tom!”
Kevin Gailey
“I fully enjoyed this memoir about the perseverance of a young Tom Mulroy who uses his success in soccer to build his self-confidence at a time when educators had little knowledge of how to truly help a kid who could barely read and struggled in school. His journey could have gone wrong at many turns, but soccer kept him on the right path. This is a great read for those looking for a model of how to overcome adversity.”
Dr. Joe Machnik
“Regardless of the sport, every player has a dream…the bigger the dream, the more unrealistic and most often an ending of disillusion and disappointment. In “90 Minutes with the King, How Soccer Saved My Life”, Author Tommy Mulroy, known throughout the US as “Soccer Tom” shares his hopes, dreams and accomplishments along with his sorrows and pain growing up as a neophyte soccer junkie in the soccer starved 1960s and ‘70s. Mulroy’s story is extremely personal and heartfelt while at the same time serving as a historical reflection on the state of the world’s game in America. It will pique the memories of seasoned soccer observers, inspire those whose dreams are now more realistic than ever and reinforce the importance of a hero in every young person’s life. While soccer legend Pele may have been Tom’s hero, readers will soon find a hero worthy of their own admiration; a true survivor and in many ways a King in his own right! Thank you, Tom, for sharing your story!”
Tom Byer
When I was growing up playing soccer many of my friends idolized Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Johann Cruyff, George Best and more. My idol was Tom Mulroy! Tom had perhaps the biggest influence on me wanting to play soccer more but even more on wanting to be a coach. I was lucky enough to consider Tom as a big brother. He made all of his friends feel the same way. I learned more about life than I did about soccer hanging around with Tom. He taught me the importance of friendship, kindness and sharing. Tom never let his younger friends pay for anything. I mean anything. He was a Leader to all, even if that meant paying the lunch or dinner bill for the entire group. He was, a still remains, a role model to all of his friends and family. On the field he was a fierce warrior, but off the pitch he was the most kind, gentle human being I have ever had the privilege of being friends with! Tom’s Book is an amazing story about an outstanding person. Tom has proved that even faced with such adversity, you can make it in America. His contribution to Soccer in America cannot be overstated. Tom Mulroy is Soccer Royalty who invented the term, “Soccer Clinician!” I copied as much as I could from Tom and applied it to my own Soccer Clinician career. For that, I owe Tom a great debt of appreciation!
Michelle Kaufman
“Pele is a soccer legend, arguably the greatest player of all time. Tommy Mulroy is also a soccer legend, whose passion for the game is unmatched. In ‘90 Minutes with the King’, through Mulroy’s storytelling, you will get a rare behind the scenes glimpse of Pele and will also see why everyone who meets Mulroy falls in love with The Beautiful Game.”
Hank Steinbrecher (The Preacher)
Tom, while anyone who grew up with the beautiful game in the 1970’s-1980’s can attest to your considerable soccer skills, little did we know of your outstanding writing abilities. Your book 90 minutes with the King was a fantastic read. As a player who grew up in New York during those wonderful days of club soccer, your book brought back such vivid memories. Through your words, I could almost smell the confines of the Met Oval, I could hear the sound of my metal cleats of my adidas boots while walking to and from the Met Oval. I was fascinated to learn of your journey in life, so rich and full of greatness. We all knew you to be the Pied Piper of soccer! Whatever it took to promote the game, you were there, and your book has taken us with you. Richly written and stunningly accurate 90 Minutes With The King will enrich every reader.
John Kerr
Review Text“The book is absolutely riveting if you are a soccer aficionado! Tommy reveals how the pyramid of our game has flipped in North America where the number of youth participation has amplified the interest to where we have millions of youth and amateurs playing the game and professional franchises in the MLS are now worth 500 million dollars. His personal stories and experiences are real and shared hardships are unfathomable in our world today. The transformation of the game and the players playing it are a revelation and Tommy Mulroy was a pioneer and a tremendous ambassador who has committed his whole life to the game!! It’s a must read!!”
Al Miller
“Tom Mulroy's Book is a compelling story of the power of the sport soccer, and his complex life story. It clearly defines the ability to make a career out of one's passion, and the importance of athletes making good decisions. Tom who has helped American Soccer's popularity during its early years clearly tells the story how times have changed for the better. It is a must read for those who lived during his journey and a powerful read for the young people that are now involved in soccer.”
Arnie Ramirez
“I was so impressed with your book. This has to be read by parents, soccer coaches and soccer players who want to improve their game. There was also so much history about soccer starting with Clarkstown, the ethnic leagues, the ethnic players that you played with and against to prepare you for the professional game. During your career you had very devoted and knowledgeable coaches. You proved that by being positive, working hard and never giving up helped you to become a great professional. As a former player and coach for over 60 years I highly recommend your book to youngsters who want to play the beautiful game. Your book is not just about soccer, but it is also about life and how to make good decisions. Loved your book “Soccer Tom”.
Carin and Jim Gabarra
Mike Moylan
Tom has inspired thousands with his skill, showmanship and as an ambassador of the Beautiful Game. His story is a journey of determination, swagger and love of the sport that changed his life. For everyone that he entertained, supported, and inspired- this book will show you what it took to achieve so much.”
Dan Fuchs
90 Minutes with the King is so much more than a story of a kid and his dream of playing professional soccer. It is a story of survival in which Soccer Tom overcame challenges with traditional schooling through soccer which fed his passion and sharpened the skills that he did have. Formal education in the '70s truly did not accommodate students with learning disabilities. Tom's perseverance and determination helped guide him throughout his life. These skills were developed through his experience with soccer. Schools have for years focused on the results of tests, which has killed students' development of passion to explore and learn. If Tom were to take a standardized test today, I am sure he would not score well on it, however, he is one of the smartest people I know. His people skills are second to none, he can run a multi-faceted business, and he can relate to a young developing soccer player as well as a Fortune 500 executive. Tom's story is so inspirational. It should be marketed to schools to show students with learning disabilities that anything is possible, you just have to find your PASSION. Teachers should be focusing on what makes kids jump out of their seats and go after things that inspire them. Once they learn how to learn, the world will be their oyster.
Bill Nuttall
“Tom Mulroy is a shining example when your focus is on following your passion. He had multiple opportunities to take the wrong path in life and soccer kept him focused with a purpose. A true soccer pioneer with a lifelong story when soccer was trying to find a place in the sport's landscape. An inspiring read with many lifelong experiences.”
Van Taylor
“This is my favorite kind of book. Must-read for any soccer enthusiast who wishes they could do what they love has to read this. I have many words to describe this book- funny, entertaining and authentic. Follow along with “Soccer Tom”, his journey from youth, college to the professional game. As a pioneer and trailblazer, you will share his passion and dedication in promoting and advancing the game of soccer in the United States. Tom’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he is a true ambassador for the game of soccer. I highly recommend!”
Bill Summers
“This is a fast-paced, riveting story that will leave you wondering, ‘How the hell did he do that?’ Tom Mulroy grew up in a broken home and was on a dark road to a dicey future. At age 12 he meets the game of soccer, a game that captivates him and gives him purpose. Beset with learning disabilities, Tom decides that soccer, not school, will light his path forward. Before long, he is commuting four hours into New York City, three times a week, to train with an elite club team. Oh, and this teenager is hitchhiking most of the way. He becomes an All-American at Ulster Community College and in his first professional season, he is called upon to mark his idol, the great Pele. During his 12-year professional career, Tom soaks up all he can about the business side of the game. Later, he uses that knowledge and his entrepreneurial instincts to build a thriving enterprise and contribute mightily to the growth of the game at all levels. This is a uniquely invigorating journey – an American success story like no other.”
Jim Kilmeade
“90 Minutes With The King” is so much more than a story about American soccer and the greatest American soccer ambassador. This book is an “American Dream Story”, told through a historic soccer lens. “Soccer Tom” has inspired more youth soccer players, parents, coaches, administrators, and business leaders across more communities than ANYONE in American soccer history and this book will continue that legacy. Be prepared to experience an array of emotions as you take this journey with Soccer Tom”.
Rich Meszaros
“Soccer Tom” (Tommy Mulroy) has written a beautiful memoir about his journey from the sandlots of Spring Valley in 1968 to Yankee Stadium on August 10th, 1976, where he is given the task of marking his hero Pele in front of more than 18,000 fans when his Miami Toros played the NY Cosmos. In his own words he takes you on a wonderful adventure overcoming many obstacles along the way including dyslexia which made reading a huge challenge, but he endured and never looked back never gave up Never! Tommy didn't talk the talk he walked the walk which led to a life of playing professional soccer as well as promoting soccer on a worldwide stage. Tommy founded a sports marketing company that specialized in the sport of soccer, Soccer Marketing and Promotions. His 8th grade guidance counselor told him he would never play professional soccer, but Soccer Tom had other plans. His love of the beautiful game inspired him to write his story and share it with the world. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, especially if you are a teenager like soccer Tom was during the journey on his quest to take on the world and pursue your dreams.
Ben Markus
“My relationship with Tom Mulroy has evolved over the more than a decade I've known him, from colleagues to friends to mentor and mentee. Tom instilled confidence in me when I was unsure of myself, and has supported me with friendship when I needed it most. Like he has done for tens of thousands of soccer-loving humans, Tom's leadership and selflessness has given me an example of excellence to follow. I am extremely proud to call Tom a friend and am thrilled to see his life's story shared in this exemplary memoir.”
Terry Fisher
Thom Meredith
“Tom Mulroy’s wonderful book 90 Minutes with the King was such a treat and a must read. While his book follows all of the highs and lows of his own life story from the late 1960’s to today it really is the story of a kid who fell in love with a simple game called soccer and through his own experiences has lived a life where this game is actually Soccer Tom’s DNA. It’s not an overstatement to say that Tom’s own story runs parallel to how the game grew in this country from its own humble beginnings to where, today, it is part of the fabric of American Life. I’ve been proud to have known Tom for almost 50 years and, yes, is he a one-of-a-kind character? Yes, he is and I’m proud to know him.”
Shep Messing
“I’m serious when I say that. In this book Tommy tells a true-life story for everyone- that if you dream big, if you never give up on your dreams, if you find something that you love and you never give up… unbelievable things can be achieved. Tommy has done that, first as a professional player but more importantly, impacting generations of young children to fall in love with our beautiful game. Pelé and Tommy had the same gift of being able to naturally connect and inspire children. "
The Kings Greatest Goal of all Time
Pele's Spectacular Bicycle kick in the move Escape to Victory
Email is: tom@copalatina.com