Derek Backman 1988 - 1993

Derek "Dicky" Backman was born January 6th, 1966 in South Africa. Received his U.S. citizenship in 1995 after coming over from South Africa in 1983. A member of the College of Boca Raton National Championship team in 1987. He was Chosen to the World Collegiate select team in 1987. An NAIA All-American for two seasons and a four-time All-Conference performer. He scored 9 goals and added 8 assists in Boca Raton's 23-1-1 collegiate season.

Captained the South African Youth National team.

Professionally, the Rowdies weren't the first team interested in Derek, while playing for the Arcadia Shepherds in South Africa, the 16 year old was spotted by former England International Terry Paine, and earned a tryout with Southampton in England. A broken right leg, three months prior to his scheduled departure ended that dream.

Made his debut for the Rowdies in 1988, scored 4 goals and 1 assist to finish the season as the Rowdies number 2 scorer. After the 1988 season, former Rowdies player/Assistant Coach Wim Suurbier, arranged tryouts in Holland and Scotland, but Derek didn't want to chance losing his U.S. Visa.

Played the first part of the 1989 season with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, appeared in 5 games for the Rowdies and scored 1 goal. He missed most of the season with a broken leg.

1990, would see Derek progress to 14 appearances and scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists. Third highest scorer on the team.

He would appear in 19 games during the 1991 season for the Rowdies, scoring 4 goals, was the team's MVP. He was the only Rowdie to play every minute of every match in 1992, counting regular games, exhibitions, Professional Cup and the APSL Championship series. Played 2,204 minutes, had 3 assists.

In 1993, Derek missed most of the opening season with a stress fracture of his left ankle, incurred in an April 7th pre-season game against Florida Southern. He thought he would make the season opener on May 1st, but re-injured the ankle. But he fought back and appeared in 14 games and scored 5 goals in what was to be the last year of the Rowdies franchise.

Was obtained by the Tampa Mutiny in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft. He would appear in 30 games during the 1996 MLS season, helping them to the playoffs.

In 1997, he would only appear in 3 games. He announced his retirement from soccer in 1998 and is currently coaching youth soccer in Florida.
He often turns out for the Rowdies Reunions.
Derek was Inducted into the Fighting Knights' Hall of Fame.