Q: What made you decide to join the Forward Madison FC staff?
Neil Hlavaty (NH): There were a few factors that ultimately contributed to me deciding to join the staff of FMFC. I felt I had accomplished many of the goals I set out to achieve as a player and was in search of my next challenge. The opportunity came about after being in contact with Daryl Shore in the last half of 2017, and that conversation evolved over time until the club ultimately invited me to come for the open and invite tryouts. Over the week, I had quality conversations with Daryl, Peter, and a few of the owners. In the end, it was an easy decision to join the club and work alongside Daryl and Peter.
Q: You grew up outside of Chicago, in Lombard, what does it mean to you to join a team so close to where you're from?
NH: It's great to be back in the Midwest! It's unlike anywhere else in the States. It means a great deal to be able to coach for a club so close to where I grew up, even if it's in another state. Some may find it weird, but I'm actually looking forward to getting back to Midwest weather. The cold will be a huge advantage in the early and later stages of the season, and I'm sure the FMFC faithful will be in full voice no matter the weather conditions.
Q: Your career has seen you play all over, from Cleveland to Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Was there any specific experience that meant the most or shaped you the most as a player?
NH: My career path has been a whirlwind. I graduated high school early to go play in the Czech Republic in Sparta Praha's U19 squad. Moving to another country at 17, without my family, made me grow up incredibly fast. Playing there for a year made me realize how much I love the sport. But it also taught me that things will often not go as planned and that someone is always trying to take your job. Learning that at 17/18 helped me immensely throughout my career. I was able to win a few trophies, captain a few clubs, and make some fantastic memories. My love for the game will never end.
Q: What are your goals for our inaugural season?
NH: I'd like to make Forward Madison FC a household name in the community, and throughout the region. We obviously have goals as a coaching staff that we want to accomplish on the field this season, but just as important as that is forging our relationship with the community so that our players truly know who they are playing for. Madison is a passionate sports town, and I hope to see that support in the stands every game.
Q: What are you most excited for about the city of Madison?
NH: This will be my first time living in Madison, so I'm very excited to explore the community and meet lots of new people. I'm a guy that's not afraid to go exploring on my own and start up conversations with locals. In the end, it's the supporters/fans who will drive this club forward. Some are fans already, some will be soon, and some don't even know it yet, but they will be!
Q: What made you decide to join the Forward Madison FC staff?
Neil Hlavaty (NH): There were a few factors that ultimately contributed to me deciding to join the staff of FMFC. I felt I had accomplished many of the goals I set out to achieve as a player and was in search of my next challenge. The opportunity came about after being in contact with Daryl Shore in the last half of 2017, and that conversation evolved over time until the club ultimately invited me to come for the open and invite tryouts. Over the week, I had quality conversations with Daryl, Peter, and a few of the owners. In the end, it was an easy decision to join the club and work alongside Daryl and Peter.
Q: You grew up outside of Chicago, in Lombard, what does it mean to you to join a team so close to where you’re from?
NH: It’s great to be back in the Midwest! It’s unlike anywhere else in the States. It means a great deal to be able to coach for a club so close to where I grew up, even if it’s in another state. Some may find it weird, but I’m actually looking forward to getting back to Midwest weather. The cold will be a huge advantage in the early and later stages of the season, and I’m sure the FMFC faithful will be in full voice no matter the weather conditions.
Q: Your career has seen you play all over, from Cleveland to Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Was there any specific experience that meant the most or shaped you the most as a player?
NH: My career path has been a whirlwind. I graduated high school early to go play in the Czech Republic in Sparta Praha’s U19 squad. Moving to another country at 17, without my family, made me grow up incredibly fast. Playing there for a year made me realize how much I love the sport. But it also taught me that things will often not go as planned and that someone is always trying to take your job. Learning that at 17/18 helped me immensely throughout my career. I was able to win a few trophies, captain a few clubs, and make some fantastic memories. My love for the game will never end.
Q: What are your goals for our inaugural season?
NH: I’d like to make Forward Madison FC a household name in the community, and throughout the region. We obviously have goals as a coaching staff that we want to accomplish on the field this season, but just as important as that is forging our relationship with the community so that our players truly know who they are playing for. Madison is a passionate sports town, and I hope to see that support in the stands every game.
Q: What are you most excited for about the city of Madison?
NH: This will be my first time living in Madison, so I’m very excited to explore the community and meet lots of new people. I’m a guy that’s not afraid to go exploring on my own and start up conversations with locals. In the end, it’s the supporters/fans who will drive this club forward. Some are fans already, some will be soon, and some don’t even know it yet, but they will be!