Soccer - 1993

Max Wozniak came to the United States from Poland in 1965 to coach in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). During the abbreviated two-year existence of the League, he coached the Los Angeles Toros, L.A’s first pro soccer team.

When the League folded, Wozniak took on a number of significant local coaching assignments. He first lead UCLA’s varsity team to the 1970 title in the major division of the Greater Los Angeles League. From 1972-74, he coached the Maccabee Athletic Club, winning the U.S. Open Cup in 1973, and Greater Los Angeles League in 1974. He then coached the U.S. National All Star Team that toured Europe.
From 1975-76, Max coached the Blue Star Torrance Soccer Club, leading them to an undefeated season in 1976 along with the League Championship. He wrapped-up his coaching career in 1977-78 as head coach of the American Soccer League’s Los Angeles Skyhawks.

Wozniak has been involved in the sport of soccer since 1935, when at the age of 9 he joined the Jewish club, Hakoah Koln (Germany). Deported by the Nazis in 1939, and returning to soccer following the war, Max became an All Star international goalkeeper, playing for Zydowski Klub Sportowy (Z.K.S.), comprised of concentration camp survivors and Russian refugees. In 1956, he emigrated to Israel, and played for Hapoel Kfar Saba. In 1959, he was selected as a Hapoel All Star. He moved into coaching in 1961, first in Germany, then Israel (Hapoel Herzlia).

Max survived life under the Nazis when his family was deported to Poland. His family was then transported to Siberia in the 1940's. After World War II, his family returned to Poland.