Official Pooler Magazine & Local Stories

One Vision. One Community. One Club: Savannah United

2 min read

One Vision. One Community. One Club: Savannah United

Effingham Soccer

Soccer, known as football outside of the United States, is one of the world’s most popular sports. Millions of people all over the world are enthused by this unique sport. The origins of this sport can be traced back to the second half of the 19th Century in Great Britain. The sport is prevalent in Europe and South America, and it has enjoyed growing popularity among Americans.

In all truth, we can all agree that soccer is not the USA’s most popular sport. Basketball, American football, and baseball hold the top spots. This, however, doesn’t mean that the popularity of soccer as a sport in the USA is stagnant. Soccer has now taken over as the most participated sport at the youth level and in this area, we are starting to see more and more people gaining interest in it. Effingham County has experienced a shift from the usual sports, and now a record number of youths are looking for a soccer club to call home. 

Savannah United is a soccer club with a proven history for growing the game in Savannah.  They’re now excited to expand the Savannah based club into Effingham County with their newest branch, Savannah United West. Leading the expansion will be Effingham native and Program Director, Robert Long. 

“Having played soccer at its earliest stages in Effingham County, I can say that the game in our area has really come a long way,” said Long. “With our team of Directors—Gary Wright, Keith Gunn, Jeff Storey-Pitts, Paul Smith and Chris Stevenson—we will keep pushing Effingham forward and in a short period of time, we will become the best youth soccer provider in our area.”

“With the passing of SPLOST this November, County Leaders Jamie Deloach and Clarence Morgan have soccer growth topping their list of upcoming recreation projects. They know that new soccer fields are a must if Effingham is to satisfy the demand.”

“Our head coaches are all highly accomplished and have a true passion and love for the sport. The game has provided us so much more than we ever expected, it’s taught us valuable life lessons and the connections we’ve made as both player and coach are irreplaceable,” said Long.

Currently, Savannah United West offers School of Excellence, Academy and Select soccer programs.

To join, please contact Robert Long at R.Long@SavannahUnited.com or register at SavannahUnited.com/West

More Local Stories

All local stories

Hurricane Season is Here

Hurricane Season Is Here

Flood preparation tips from the City of Pooler, including flood-prone areas, evacuation, protecting your property, insurance, and permits.
The Moment You Realize You’ve Become “The Voice in Their Head”

The Moment You Realize You’ve Become “The Voice in Their Head”

Alycia Calderin reflects on the moment a parent hears their own words coming back from their child, and how those words shape a child’s inner voice.
Doggone great advocate

Doggone Great Advocate

Jennifer Taylor, a former trauma nurse and founder of Renegade Paws Rescue, is a 2026 Readers’ Choice winner for helping local pets and their owners.