MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom Air Force Base’s Nuke Football Club organized the inaugural Airmen’s Cup at Siebel Fields April 24-26, 2026, bringing military and collegiate teams together for a three-day soccer tournament in Great Falls, Montana.
To make the event possible, Senior Airman Ntanga Ntambwe, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning journeyman, and Senior Airman Carlos Mendez, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron convoy team leader, led planning efforts with support from team supervisor Capt. Drew DeLong, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron operations officer. Their work focused on providing structured competition and expanding engagement between military and local soccer programs.
During the tournament, Nuke FC competed against local teams from Great Falls and a team from the University of Providence. The round-robin format guaranteed each team four games and the team finished second overall.
“Everyone was on top of their game,” Ntambwe said. “We finished second, but I’m proud of how we competed and performed as a team.”
The success of the tournament marks a major milestone for the club. Nuke FC was founded in 2024 by Ntambwe and Mendez to provide organized soccer opportunities for Airmen and the local community at a time when no adult soccer league existed in Great Falls. Since its founding, the club has competed in matches against Hill Air Force Base and participated in the Department of the Air Force Defender’s Cup.
“The feedback from participants and spectators has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong interest in future tournaments,” Ntambwe said. “Overall, the tournament not only met but surpassed our objectives, creating excitement around the sport.”
This sustained growth has also created opportunities for Airmen to advance within the military soccer program. In 2024 and 2025, Senior Airman Cameron James, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight security controller, was selected as one of the top-performing players from across the enterprise to represent the Air Force men’s soccer team at the Armed Forces Sports Men’s Soccer Championship.
“Only the top Air Force players across the enterprise are selected to play for the Air Force team,” Ntambwe said.
The team is looking forward to competing in the Defender's Cup again this year.