Army warrant officer turns soccer into a support network for US troops in South Korea

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ernesto Aldana founded U.S. Forces Korea Football Club in December 2024 as a “competitive support group” that brings troops together on and off the field. U.S. Forces Korea Football Club left winger Kelvin Kereva takes on a defender during a match on Balboni Field at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, in this undated club photo. (U.S. Forces Korea Football Club) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — When Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ernesto Aldana arrived in South Korea as a young soldier 13 years ago, soccer gave him mentors who helped shape his Army career. Now, he is trying to provide that same support to a new generation of service members through the U.S.

Forces Korea Football Club, an amateur team he founded in December 2024 on this base 40 miles south of Seoul. The club has grown from 17 players at its first practice to 41 members from Humphreys and nearby installations, including Osan Air Base and Camp Casey. Aldana, who serves as the team’s manager, assistant coach and striker, said his goal is to build a “competitive support group” that brings troops together on and off the field. “I was a [private first class] when I first arrived on station, and I was taken in by the soccer community,” he said during a Sept. 24 interview. Members