Roy Turner played for the US National Soccer Team and now runs the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open golf tournament

May 7 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

AS a schoolboy playing in the Ormskirk and District League in the late 1950’s, Roy Turner could never imagine he would eventually play against Pele 10 times – but then the Maghull man’s life is no ordinary tale.

An ardent Everton fan and former Marine player, Roy has since represented the US national side and now directs a major golf tournament in the States.

Sixty-six-year-old Roy swapped life on Merseyside initially in 1962 to try his hand in the growing North American Soccer League but without a green card he had to return every six months and took up the role as manager of Northwich Victoria.

Eventually Turner received his US citizenship and signed to play for the Philadelphia Stars in 1967 before short stays at the Toronto Falcons and Cleveland Stokers.

But it was the 10 seasons he spent with NASL outfit Dallas Tornado where he made his name between 1969-78 and won the league title.

Turner holds the league record for most games played, 238, and his form for Dallas earned him his two call ups to the national team where he played in matches against Poland and Mexico.

Upon retirement, Roy took up a management role at National Indoor Soccer League side Wichita Wings for the first of two spells which ended in 1991.

Though football is without doubt his first love, Roy now dedicates his time to organising the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, a nationwide PGA event held at the Crestview Country Club every August, a tournament with prize money of $525,000.