Past the Front Page 2011/2012

 

 

If you have something to add, send it along:                 admin@westmichigansoccer.com

 

SCROLL DOWN to READ the Year in Review

 

     

 

Once in a Lifetime...

Boys U18 Gold win State Cup

click to enlarge

Unless they choose to come back at U19 next year this was the final set of games for the team known as the Grand Rapids Crew U18 boys.

 

GR Crew Jrs believe history will repeat itself

Like many clubs throughout the Midwest, the local club is affiliated with the Columbus Crew out of Columbus, Ohio.

 

Crew Jrs send 4 teams to 2012 Nat'l Championships

There have been many great players come through West Michigan, far too many to name, but no team in the history of US Youth Soccer ever accomplished what this team did.

 

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs take first step in defending title

 

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs win, set stage for title defense

When all was said and done,  they were unable to repeat as Nat'l Champions losing in OT, 2-1.

STORY Coming >>>

This team made the National Championship competition 5 straight years (U14, U15, U16, U17, U18) winning it once.

 

Woodland Sports

Woodland Sports announced on July 1 that South African native Michael Lee has joined their staff as Director of Training.

Mr. Lee will be responsible for developing various year round programs designed to improve technical skills and fitness.

Information regarding his background and the programs will be published this week on the Woodland Sports website.

The first round of programs will begin on Monday July 16 and run through August 3.

The second round of programs will begin September 4 and run through October 26.

 

JULY 21, 2012

3v3 Summer Soccer Classic

Grand Haven , Michigan

The Tri-Cities Strikers will again be hosting the 3 v 3 Summer Soccer Classic presented by Meijer. 

This is a fun, affordable one-day tournament on the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Grand Haven. The cost is $125 for a team of 6 players.

Information >>>

Register >>>

 

 

July 27-28, 2012

July 27 & July 28, 2012
Friday evening & all day Saturday
 
HOSTED BY:
Unity Christian High School Athletic Boosters
 
LOCATION:
Unity Christian High School Athletic Complex
5900 - 48th Ave. Hudsonville, MI 49426
20 minutes west of Grand Rapids 

INFORMATION >>>

 

It is with sorrow we post this information. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

 

Leighton Parnham Memorial Soccer Game

Leighton Parnham2.jpg

In memory of Leighton, and one of his favorite hobbies, his friends thought it would be fun for friends and family to come together and play the sport that Leighton loved so much.

Game Information >>>

Barnstonworth Rovers >>>

MLIVE Article >>>

WOOD TV >>>

Obituary >>>

MEMORIAL SERVICE  Thursday, Aug 16 @ 6PM

Memorial Services will be held Thursday, August 16, at 6 PM at Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI) with Pastor Dick Doeden officiating.

 

 

PARADIGM SHIFT or ILLUSION?

The term "paradigm shift" has found uses in many contexts, representing the notion of a major change in a certain thought-pattern — a radical change in personal beliefs, complex systems or organizations, replacing the former way of thinking or organizing with a radically different way of thinking or organizing.

READ PART 1 >>>

READ PART 2 >>>

READ PART 3 >>>

READ PART 4 >>>

Conclusion >>>

We only see 10%...

 

 

 

WOODLAND SPORTS

(click to enlarge)

Check out >>>

 

little leagues, BIG COSTS

This series of articles by the Columbus Dispatch needs to be read by all who think they are involved in youth sports.

Read them at your own risk.

Read the series >>>

This one is particularly good.

Chasing a Myth

Blinded by dreams, young athletes pursue long-shot scholarships

read the whole article >>>

 

PASS FC

Coaches and Assistant coaches needed for PASS FC "B" teams!  Will train  and mentor if needed. Paid positions. please contact Mark VanSlooten at mtv61@sbcglobal.net or at 616-304-4636.

 

 

LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL JV

Lowell High School is looking for a jr. varsity boys soccer coach. Contact Barry Hobrla, Athletic Director at 616-987-2906 or e-mail bhobrla@lowellschools.com

 

 

 

Goodbye, Fabio

He and his brother (Marcos) helped to changed the way West Michigan looked at youth soccer. 

They came to Grand Rapids and within a very short time, were teaching the game to anyone and everyone who would listen.  Many of the best players to come from the area started with them

He has gone back to Brazil. 

He will be missed.

 

<<<More information >>>

TUBES, CANOES

 

 

Need Cooling Off?

More information >>>

 

 

MHSAA Girls Tournament

Here are the Districts.  When you get there in the upper right corner are the brackets.  The one you are looking at is in red. 

Districts

Division 1 >>>

Division 2 >>>

Division 3 >>>

Division 4 >>>

 

 

College Prep Soccer

At College Prep Soccer, we demand the very best. That is why we have the very best instructors the greater Grand Haven area has to offer. All of our instructors are local players who were in your position only a few years ago, dreaming of playing at the next level. They achieved their goals. Now, let them help you achieve yours

Check It Out >>>

FACEBOOK >>>

 

 

Coerver Coaching

COERVER - GRAND RAPID

 

MSYSA TRYOUTS

Wouldn't it be nice if all the links to all the clubs in the MSYSA Tryout Magazine  were in one spot?

Now they are!

Check it Out >>>

 

CAMP 1 >>>

July 7 - July 12

Still Room !

 

CAMP 2 >>>

Aug 27 -  Aug 30

Still Room !

 

Madi Killeen

 

Back in 2009, Madi Killeen traveled to the African nation of Swaziland for a journey that went a long way – in figurative terms.

Madi Killeen

Killeen spent a week and a half working with a humanitarian group Heart for Africa, painting new homes and distributing soccer balls to enthusiastic children. It was in the faces of the children that Killeen saw the passion she recognizes in herself.

“It gave me a great insight into how worldly the game really is and how much people love it,” she said....

READ THE ARTICLE >>>

 

AC Storm Returns

Years ago, a soccer club called the AC Storm was formed by Jim Fuller and 3 others. 

Picture

It was the the first club formed in West Michigan that began the journey to where we are today.

Today, Jim and his son, Jamie continue the proud tradition and offer training.

This summer they bring Notre Dame Men's coach, Bobby Clark to the area.

Picture

Check them out >>>

 

Grand Rapids Crew Announces Coaching assignments for 2012/2013

see them >>>

There was one real surprise.

Welcome back to West Michigan...

 ...Neathan Gibson

Neathan Gibson

Wikipedia >>>

MLS >>>

Sept, 2008 >>>

Match 2010 >>>

April, 2010 >>>

You Tube 2011 >>>

Current Online >>>

 

 

PDA Training with Joey Barone Starts in January

12/26/2011

This training will be limited to just 20 athletes and will consist of six power packed two hour sessions.

This will be the Ultimate Pre-Season Training Opportunity for high school girls in West Michigan...

The focus will be in getting Varsity level athletes prepared for high school try-outs and the Varsity season... 

Training dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28, and February 4 & 11 at Woodland Sports from 10am to 12 noon...

Varsity Players Only - Ages 15 to 18....

This session is recommended for serious college bound players only...

Go to PDA Website >>> 

REGISTER Direct >>>

 

 

Michigan PDA Announces Winter Training in Grand Rapids - Barone & Bogart

10/27/2011:  Sign up and registration for The Ultimate Training Experience is now open. This will be the top female training opportunity in West Michigan this winter.

Joey Barone and Jamie Bogart have promised to "Bring It" for all serious female athletes and college bound players.

Spots are limited. You do not want to miss this high level training opportunity.

Ages u12, u13, u14 and u15, u16,u17,u18.  Sign up today!

Go to Website >>> 

REGISTER >>>

 

 

West Michigan represented in Pan American Games

Forest Hills Northern Varsity Assistant coach, Dave Gillem is representing the USA in the 2012 Pan Am Maccabi Games.

This is an "Olympic Style" sporting event taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Dave is a member of the Maccabi United States Over 35 National Soccer Team.
 

(click to enlarge)

Follow his adventure >>>

 

Free Estimates Prompt Service

 

Grand Rapids Transmission Service

 
Front Wheel Drive 4 x 4 Trucks
616-452-7411
2121 Kalamazoo Ryan Popma
Grand Rapids, MI 49507 owner / operator
   
 

STATE CUP NEWS

Many thought, the absence of the ECNL teams from the two best clubs in the state would open up the tournament a little.

That seems to be what happened...it opened a little.

The Hawks club showed its depth still placing a team in 4 of 5 Semis missing the U15 (they  placed 2 teams in the U18s.

Vardar didn't do as well placing only 2 teams into the Semis at 14 and 17.

The Michigan Jaguars also put 2 teams in at 14 and 15.

P.S.G. Gators put 3 teams in (15, 16 & 18).

The Grand Rapids Crew also advanced 3 teams into  semi-finals (15,16 & 18).

Everyone else:

14: Rochester

15:  RUSH

16:  TNT

17:   MFC, Livonia

 

 

MSYSA State CUP

Here are direct links to all the action that has been reported.

State Website >>>

It has been a while

Check this out >>>

It starts slow...wait for the 20 second mark...

 

College Recruiting

ESPN has a nice section of the recruiting process.  For your reading pleasure, some of the links are posted here.

What Coaches look for  >>

10 Questions to ask  >>

Verbal...What verbal?  >>

Taking a visit  >>

Recruiting FAQs  >>

When to talk to them  >>

High School Game plan  >>

How to get you name out  >>

Div I or D II or D III?  >>

Finally, my favorite link for those children that think that grades are not important.

The NCAA Sliding Scale

click here

The reality is that the lower your grade point, the higher your SAT and/or ACT needs to be.  I guess they figure if your grade point is low but you are smart, they can fix you.

 

15 years later

Things take time. 

Everywhere soccer people gather,  there is always a lot of discussion about the "growth" of soccer and I never quite know what they mean. 

Every person has a different vision of what growth is.

What many fail to realize is that travel soccer based on the west side started in Kalamazoo but never really grew as it should because the clubs limited themselves to those in the school district.  It was a very parochial system and it drove away many good athletes into other sports. 

The Lansing area still holds onto this type of program and that is why soccer in Lansing is what it is.

When Grand Valley Soccer Association was started in 1996 by Dave Whitehouse and others, the model was changed to an open system and 15 years later, the league known as GVSA has developed a team that has won a National Title.

There are over 6000 players, 2000 coaches and managers and 500 referees in the system.

There are a players in the Schulz Residential Academy in Florida.

There are players in the National U14 Pool

There are players in the US Womens National Team pool.

Countless players have gone on to play in college at all levels and for their University club teams.

A number of players have played for and some have won National Titles in college including a set of twins who went to different schools and they won all 4 years (2 titles each).

Two Grand Rapids area players graduated High School and signed contracts to play in Europe.

The Hispanic men's leagues around West Michigan (there are at least 6 in Grand Rapids alone) are filled every weekend with former GVSA players playing for the love of the game.  Check out Clemente Park, Riverside Park, MacKay Park, Alpine and countless others for the action.

Many players have turned to the referee profession and are progressing up through the ranks of that community.  Some day we may have MLS and World Cup referees who started here in West Michigan.

Many of these players have returned to the area and are now living and working in the area, raising families and giving back to the game through coaching.

During the years ahead, as times get tougher, we need to remember why we are doing what we are doing.

It isn't about money.

It is about growth and things take time.

 

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

MLIVE has a fun page.  It lists all the Hig Schools in the state by conference and provides a link to a page that contains all the MLIVE articles about them

take a look >>

 

High School Coach opens Training Business

Forest Hills Northern Girls coach, Jamie Bogart has opened a new training business.

"...Higher Ground Soccer Training is dedicated to helping individual athletes raise their game to new heights..."

"...Not associated with any current or local club, HGS Training offers training sessions as a compliment to what the local clubs, their coaches and trainers provide..."

take a look >>> 

 

YOU TUBE

I ran across someone' attempt at becoming a soccer analysis and while he clearly needs a little work, some of his stuff is actually good viewing.

He has about 19 different videos.

take a look >>>

 

 

Himes Electric LLC is completely dedicated to customer satisfaction. We can handle all of your

electrical needs from small repairs to new construction in residential or commercial applications.

 

Himes Electric, LLC. 

   
616-437-9419
3940 Prairie St. SW Bill Himes
Grandville, MI 49418 Master Electrician / owner
   

Check this out >>>

One Yank mentioned quite a bit is Josh Gatt.  He played for the Michigan Wolves.

Read this >>>

His own page >>>

check out this >>>

and this >>>

and then this >>>

 

Nothing to Gain... Everything to Lose...

Fans of youth soccer may have looked at the recent State Cup information and noticed two clubs whose A Teams  are conspicuously missing from the event.

Wolves/Hawks and Vardar have not entered their Girls ECNL teams into State Cup.

It isn't because of the ECNL rules and regulations.  Currently there is nothing in the rules prohibiting them from playing.

It is because the two organizations got together and made a decision not to enter their teams. 

If they played and won, they were expected to win.

If they played and lost, it would open the door for other clubs to demand entry to the ECNL.

Organizations have faced this type of decision for years.

Some have chosen to play.

Many others have not.

 

 

PLENTY OF TIME LEFT

COERVER COACHING

Grand Rapids Camps

Start Date: 08-29-2011

End Date: 09-01-2011

Start Time: 9.00 End Time: 11.30

August >>>

The real thing is finally coming to Grand Rapids. 

No Imitations. 

No Coerver "Trained" Coaches. 

The Real deal.

Read about COERVER >>>

Coerver Michigan >>>

 

In case you missed it

Rangers SC DOC and Sports Partners owner Erwin Van Elst speaks out on the direction of youth sports.

watch the interview >>>

 

Soccer Schedule

The MLS network has a nice format to see what is going on around the world.

take a look >>>

 

2011 Vardar Elite Cup

DETROIT AREA

Deadline: July 31

Tournament: Aug 19-21

Check it out >>>

 

GRAND RAPIDS

Deadline: August 9

Tournament: August 26-28

Check it out >>>

 

KALAMAZOO

Deadline:  Aug 1

Tournament: Sept 2-4

Check it out >>>

 

Free Estimates Prompt Service

 

Leading Edge Flooring 

 
Carpet - Tile - Vinyl Laminate - Hardwood
616-292-5392
5630 S Division Brian Bremer
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 owner / operator
   
 

ALL MHSAA District Assignments

Take a look >>>

Of Special Interest (see below)

 

No. 1-1 Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix
Andrew Laboe,  AD

Battle Creek-Central  
Battle Creek-Lakeview  
Jackson  
Kalamazoo Central  
Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix  
Portage Central  
Portage Northern

No. 14-1
TBD

Caledonia  
East Kentwood  
Grand Ledge  
Grand Rapids-FH Central  
Grandville  
Lansing-Everett  
Rockford 

No. 15-1
TBD

Grand Haven  
Grand Rapids-Union  
Holland-West Ottawa  
Hudsonville  
Jenison  
Muskegon  
Muskegon-Mona Shores 

No. 17-2
TBD

Edwardsburg  
Mattawan  
Niles  
St Joseph  
Stevensville-Lakeshore  
Three Rivers  
Vicksburg  

No. 18-2
TBD

Allegan  
Hamilton  
Hastings  
Middleville-Thornapple Kellogg  
Plainwell  
Richland-Gull Lake  
Wayland Union

No. 28-2
TBD

Byron Center  
Grand Rapids-Christian  
Holland  
Holland Christian  
Wyoming Park  
Wyoming-Rogers  
Zeeland East  
Zeeland West  

TBD
No. 29-2
TBD

Cedar Springs  
Coopersville  
Fruitport  
Grand Rapids-Kenowa Hills  
Muskegon-Reeths-Puffer  
Sparta  
Spring Lake  

No. 30-2
TBD

Ada- FH Eastern  
East Grand Rapids  
Grand Rapids-Creston  
Grand Rapids- FH Northern  
Grand Rapids- Northview  
Grand Rapids- Ottawa Hills  
Greenville  
Lowell  

No. 41-3
TBD

Allendale  
Comstock Park  
Grand Rapids-South Christian  
Grand Rapids-West Catholic  
Hudsonville-Unity Christian  
Kent City  
Muskegon-Oakridge  
Muskegon-Orchard View 

 

Rankings

It seems a little early to be putting pressure on teams but Forest Hills Central is ranked #3 in the country in the ESPN FAB50 Rankings.

Here is what they say:

"...preseason No. 2 St. Benedict's and No. 3 Forest Hills Central (Grand Rapids, Mich.) can make a strong claim to No. 1 based on the quality of players, and will remain in the running for a national title with undefeated seasons...."

"...On paper, this is Forest Hills Central's season. Jason Stacy (Michigan), Sean Conerty (Michigan State) and Caleb Postelwaite (Butler) highlight the projected returners. That trio of players helped Grand Rapids Crew Juniors to the US Youth Soccer Under-17 National Championship in late July. Forest Hills Central plays in a playoff bracket with perennial power East Kentwood and fellow state favorite Canton...."

Rankings >>>

 

Here is something related that seems pretty cool.  60   High School boys teams from across the country in one spot for one weekend.

check it out >>>

 

Free Estimates Prompt Service

 

Wohlford's Brake Stop, Inc

 
Brakes - Shocks - Tie Rods Struts - Ball Joints - Oil Change
616-532-7781
3613 Viaduct St. Rick Wohlford
Grandville, MI 49418 owner / operator
   

 

Where to Play?

If you think you are an ELITE player and you want to play somewhere that is actually monitored by college coaches, there are a number of options.

One of the real difficulties is figuring out which club offers which program and then trying to figure out if your particular child will be helped by it.

Of course, it really isn't necessary to play in any of these programs to actually play in college. 

The college programs in DII, DIII, NAIA and the Christian College programs are full of players who didn't do any of this stuff.

But, and this is a big but, if your sights are DI and possibly higher....playing in these programs is the way to go because it is easier to get in front of the coaches.

Have fun and good luck.

 

 

The Academy is in its 5th year and is quite organized.  They have U14, 16 and 18 age groups and already has the divisions and close to a 20 game schedule.

website >>>

 

 

In 2011/2012, the ECNL is adding a U14 group to go with 15, 16, 17 and 18.  They are also setting up geographical divisions and a 25-30 game schedule to make it year round in the 3rd year.

website  >>>

 

 

US Club has also started a new league that covers the country.  It is called the National Premier League and has broken the country into divisions.  They have published only the 13 and 14 divisions so far.  Their plan indicates they will have a full slate of age groups from 13 to 18.

website >>>

 

 

The Midwest Regional League (MRL) was re-launched in 2004-5 and although the onset of the other options has turned this league into second tier  competition, it still gets quite a bit of attention.  It is affiliated with all of the State Organizations and it is given special treatment from them.

website >>>

see article >>>

 

The US Youth Soccer National League competition is for the nation's top teams in the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 boys and girls age groups. The National League offers additional exposure to collegiate, professional and U.S. National Team coaches and offers top notch competition.

see 2010/11 results >>>

 

The Super Y is now a summer program that brings together players from all over to play for 8 weeks.

website >>>

schedules >>>

 
   

Automotive Emporium, Inc.

"Trustworthy Auto Service & Repairs Not Found Elsewhere"

 

616-452-3024

3716 S. Division

Kent Ayers

Wyoming, MI 49548

Owner / Operator

 

State/ASE Master Technician

 

 

The 2011 National Championships are this week in Phoenix Arizona.

In it's 4th trip to these playoffs, the Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. will play for a National Championship.

 

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs >>>

game #1: win 4-0

game #2: win 4-1

After three trips to the national finals without a shot at the title game, Under-17 Boys Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (MI) have one foot in the door after two games as only a giant swing in goal differential could prevent them from finally playig for it all after a 4-1 win over Dallas Texans Red Dallas (N-TX). Greg Timmer put Crew ahead with a 21st minute goal as they headed into the breakup 1-0, but Adam Kemp leveled for the Texans in the 56th. Crew regained the lead on a Texans own goal in the 69th, but two Sean Conerty strikes in the final two minutes ensured the victory and put Crew on the verge of the title game.

Video is here >>>

(go to BOYS Day 3, it is at the beginning  of the tape)

 

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs >>>

game #3: tie 1-1

It was going to take some big scores in the Under-17 Boys to produce anything but a Penn Fusion Celtic (E-PA) and Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (MI) rematch on Sunday, but it didn't happen as the two drew 1-1 and will face each other again in the final. Sean Conerty scored his division leading 3rd goal of the week in the 72nd to put Crew ahead, but Keegan Rosenberry leveled for Celtic with a minute to play for the draw. Both teams have been to the National Championships previously. Crew is making their first trip to the final in four straight attempts and Fusion is in their first title match after bowing out of the national tournament in 2009. The two also met earlier in the year in the US Youth Soccer National League, which also ended in a 1-1 score, so they will finally be separated on Sunday with one becoming a national champion.

 

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs >>>

They are in the Championship

To Advance: Win, Tie or lose by less than 3.  Sounds like a 4-5-1 today and then see the same team in the finals.

*************************

Win or lose the fight remains for Crew Jrs

Read the story >>>

*************************

Main site >>>

************************

 

 

Not content to take the easy way out and just win in regulation, Penn Fusion tied it late in the game (89th minute) just as they did in the preliminary.

After 2 scoreless overtimes, the teams went to to PKs and GR Crew won 5-4 on a save on the 5th shot.

game #4: tie 1-1, PKs 5-4

VIDEO REPORT >>>

(go to 5:33 minute mark)

 

 

game #4: tie 1-1, PKs 5-4

National Champions in PKs

For the third time this season, Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (MI) and Penn Fusion Celtic (E-PA) played to a 1-1 score in regulation and the teams had to be separated by penalty kicks to determine the national champion, where Crew prevailed 5-4. The two US Youth Soccer National League competitors drew 1-1 in the league season and again on the final day of preliminary play, but Crew were perfect from the spot to finally grab their first title in four straight appearances at the National Championships. Michigan State commit and Golden Ball winner Sean Conerty extended his scoring lead with a goal in the 71st minute to put Crew ahead, but a fantastic play from Thomas Shiiba set up Melvin Snoh's diving header with a minute to play to force overtime and eventually penalty kicks.

An emotional Remco Bergsma, coach of the Crew, tried to put the championship into words as he says goodbye to the team after leading them to all four National Championship appearances.

"This is it; this is why these guys worked so hard for four years. You want to go out winning and they've worked so hard and done what they needed to do. We've known it for the whole year, so we worked toward our dream and these kids deserve it so much

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are in the Championship

To Advance: Win, Tie or lose by less than 3.  Sounds like a 4-5-1 today and then see the same team in the finals.

*************************

Win or lose the fight remains for Crew Jrs

Read the story >>>

*************************

Main site >>>

************************

 

Where to Play?

Every year, there is some coach and/or a  DOC who promises that the new team being formed will play in Premier 1 or 2 and based on that promise, people make decisions about where to play.  Once you sign the paperwork and write a check (any amount) to play at a club, you are signed for the year.

It is time to set the record straight.  No one can guarantee where the new team being formed will play in the Premier program run by MSYSA.

Here are the facts:

  •  The highest division a new team can enter is Premier 2.  This is a black and white rule with no gray area and no exceptions made.

  • Unless the roster of your new team is comprised of players who previously played MRL, Premier 1 or 2, you have no chance of getting the new team in Premier 2.

  • If your team is changing league sponsorships, that is, the league that signs the paperwork to get them into Premier in the first place, you are typically placed at the bottom of the entry list.

 

 

What is in the Water?

The Grand Rapids Press just published an article about High School coaches leaving West Catholic.

article >>>

Buried in the article are references to parental influence and pressure.

The same article could have been written about many high schools in the area.

One local high school I am aware of (they shall remain nameless) had a situation this past year that had a small group of parents putting so much pressure on the coach that they were dictating the lineup choices to the coach.  This led to the players stating they didn't want one of their teammates getting so much playing time and playing a specific position or they would quit.

Why would a Coach put up with this?  What has happened to the Coach determining what is going on?  Isn't that what they get paid for?  Why would an Athletic Director allow parents to get away with such actions?

In the story above, once the coach gave in to the pressure of the parents and players, the team went from winning big to not winning big to eventually losing games they should not have lost.

Well done parents. 

 

The Rest of the Information

All the Brackets >>> 

There are 3 Michigan teams competing.  The Michigan Hawks U16G, The Michigan Jaguars U15B and the Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. U17B.

Michigan Hawks >>>

game #1: lose 1-2

game #2: win 2-0

game #3: loss 0-1

Did Not Advance

Michigan Jaguars >>>

game #1: win 1-0

game #2: lose 0-3

game #3: win 4-1

They played Chicago Fire for the National Championship and lost 3-1.

 

 

Passing Fad or Something Good?

Iso-soccer is designed with the 21st century athlete and sports fan in mind. It is full of highly dynamic and explosive action and has just the right balance of strategy and physicality....

take a look >>> 

 

Injury Prevention Exercises

Here are some very simple but effective exercises that help prevent knee problems.

take a look >>>

 

 

Crew Development Academy

The Junior Crew Development Academy is geared towards players between the ages of 4 and 8 with priority placed on the advancement of individual technical skills and a passion for the game.

Check it out >>>

 

 

National Premier League

check it out >>>

"...The NPL offers a platform for long term player development by providing consistent and meaningful games between the region’s top players ...The NPL is an important component of US Club Soccer’s 10-year vision to refine the landscape for competitive youth soccer...."

In West Michigan, The Grand Rapids Crew will be placing teams in the Midwest League that is part of this program.

Midwest League

Erie Division:

  • Carmel United (IN)
  • Cincinnati United SC (OH)
  • Crew Juniors (OH)
  • Fort Wayne Fever (IN)
  • Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (MI)
  • Internationals SC (OH)
  • Michigan Jaguars FC (MI)
  • Michigan Wolves SC (MI)
  • Vardar (MI)
  • WAZA F.C. (MI)

Check it out >>>

 

High School Opening

The Girls Varsity Soccer coach at East Grand Rapids has just announced to the players that she has resigned or is going to resign.

You may recall that East Grand Rapids had been ranked as high as #25 in the country  and #2 in the State (Division 2) before being losing to Cedar Springs (2-1) in District play after beating them 5-1 in the regular season.

The coaches record at East was in the neighborhood of 40 wins, 4 losses and 4 ties over a two year period.  If that wasn't good enough for a coach to stay on, it makes you wonder why she left.    

At any rate, it may be awhile until they post the position since the Athletic Director has also resigned but it is time to break out the resumes.

 

 Nermin Crnkic

 

...Crnkic, who is East Kentwood all-time assist leader, has signed with the Sandviken IF Division 2 team in Sweden....

read the article >>>

 

 

MSPSP POSTS DIVISIONS and ACCEPTED TEAMS

This is the INITIAL posting of divisions.  They do it to make sure they have all the teams AND that the teams are in the right place.

Check them out >>>

 

 

A Different View

"...the worst news for American soccer this summer could come Sunday – if the United States wins the Women’s World Cup..."

Read the article >>>

 

20 years Experience Drywall- Stucco - Plaster

 

Fred Johnson

 
Free Estimates Satisfaction Guaranteed
616-366-5616
Serving Grand Rapids  
and all of West Michigan owner / operator
   
 

 

WANT A CHALLENGE?

THE KALAMAZOO KINGDOM is accepting applications for Director of Coaching ( DOC)

 

DOC position is a full time year round position and the  Responsibilities include implementing and executing year round developmental programs for coaches and players.  Overseeing Premier, Y League, and Select programs.  Identifying new coaches and teams for the club.  Running 150 + team tournaments and coaching high level teams.

 

Please submit resume to:

Jeff Smith

jeffsmith@kicsports.net

 

A Different View

"...the worst news for American soccer this summer could come Sunday – if the United States wins the Women’s World Cup..."

Read the article >>>

 

 

 

180 cm and Deadly

Kerstin Garefrekes

I have always found it interesting how coaches utilize players.  I know of many American based coaches that would have taken one look at Kerstin Garefrekes and sat her on the bench.  She doesn't look like the other soccer players and she doesn't run like the other soccer players.  All she does is keep the ball under control, shoot when she can, pass when she can't and put herself in the right position to have a chance at a goal.  She is tactically aware of the game and seldom caught out of position.

 

 

 

OVER THERE

Two players from East East Kentwood head overseas.

Dzenan Catic

...has signed with a Bundesliga Club, FC Kaiserslautern and he is  currently assigned to the second team.  

He is the first player ever from West Michigan to sign a professional contract in a European 1st Division.

SIDE NOTE:  He has a grade point just shy of 4.0 and didn't need soccer to go to college.

Facebook >>>  

Website >>>

WikiPedia >>>

***************************************************

click to enlarge

Nermin Crenkic

He is trying to latch on with somebody...

Here is some stuff from a forum...

...Fδrila IF play in Swedish Division 4 (sixth tier). The three americans arrived there a couple of weeks ago for unclear reasons. Stadler is 23 while Crnkic and Weber are 18 years old.

The team was dead last in their league but the new players seem to have had a big impact as the latest game ended in a 12-0 win for Fδrila. Weber scored five, Stadler three and Crnkic one goal. The official matchreport say that the whole team moved along with the U.S. rhythm! A more neutral report on the other hand said that Fδrila use a tactic where seven men defend and let the three remaining americans go crazy in the attack on their own.

Another report wrote that Stadler and Weber looked to be at least third/fourth tier quality while Crnkic seemed even better and it does seem like teams in higher divisions are already paying attention. Crnkic trained with Allsvenskan (first tier) club Gefle IF last week and played the full 90 minutes when their U21 team beat Djurgεrden 1-0. Both Crnkic and Weber are now also currently on trial with IK Brage in Superettan (second tier). There Crnkic has had even bigger success with a hat trick in the U21 game when Brage beat Syrianska 3-0. Crnkic is also supposed to return to Gefle and train with them again next week....

Forum >>>

 

 

 

Articles of Interest

Bradley: Fiddles while the USA burns...    READ >>>

Tab Ramos: Keep the parents at bay...  READ >>>

 

 

STATE CUP DRAWS

For the first time in recorded history, MSYSA opened the secret door and allow the public to watch the process that places the teams in pools.

The DOC's seeded the top 10 teams in every age group and placed the teams in pools.

Tom Faro, the MSYSA Executive Director headed up the draw process.  It was a double blind draw meaning the team is picked from one bucket and then the pool is picked for that team.  There were two MSYSA employees in the room and anyone could have walked in and watched but no one did.

These were the results we left the phone call with.

Here are the results >>>

They are supposed to be posted to the MSYSA site at some point but who knows when that will be.

 

 

The Yanks Are Coming

take a look >>

The younger generation among us might not remember where this phrase came from.

Version #1 >>>

The original takes off at 57 second...

The Original Version >>>

and while I am at it...

Yankee Doodle Dandy >>>

You're a Grand Old Flag >>>

This one has Bob Hope & Jimmy Cagney in it...

#1 Think you are coordinated?  >>>

Try this next time on the stairs

#2 Think you are coordinated?  >>>

and finally...

One Guy wrote it all >>>

George M. Cohan

 

Free Estimates Prompt Service

 

Grand Rapids Transmission Service

 
Front Wheel Drive 4 x 4 Trucks
616-452-7411
2121 Kalamazoo Ryan Popma
Grand Rapids, MI 49507 owner / operator
   
 

 

check it out >>>

 

 

check it out >>>

 

 

STR SKILL SCHOOL

It has hundreds of videos that show a step by step presentation of various soccer moves. 

TAKE A LOOK >>>

Their main WEBSITE >>>

 

The Yanks Are Coming

take a look >>

 

 

 

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

They have just hired Brian Hughes as Head Coach for their boys varsity program.

He has asked me to post information because he is looking to hire a number of people.

Take a look >>>

 

 


BYRON CENTER High School

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER COACH

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong knowledge of fundamental skills needed
Previous coaching experience at the high school level
Previous experience playing college level or above
Possess good communication skills
Dedicated to the task of building a strong team and program

Willing to

  • attend clinics

  • run off season programs

  • run summer camps  and clinics

  • oversee all girls soccer teams and coaches (middle school through high school)

  • abide by the Byron Center Public Schools Athletic Code 

Good disciplinary skills
Exhibit strong leadership abilities and Knowledge of MHSAA rules and regulations

Good organizational skills

Please call Karl Nelson at 616-878-6610
email: knelson@bcpsk12.net

 

 

 

When it rains, it pours...

The Alliance FC, a soccer club based in Grand Rapids Michigan is looking for "...only a few..." qualified, talented  and motivated players (and their parents) to join one of their three U13 Girl Premier teams formed at the recent tryouts.

UPDATED:  THIS HAS CHANGED

Don't forget that at U13, no matter which team is "called" the A team, the teams are randomly assigned to divisions and following the fall season, they are re-assigned to divisions in the spring based on RESULTS.

AS OF THIS WEEKEND

They seeded the top 18 teams in the U13s and assigned them to two divisions.  They took the rest of them and split them up.  This was done in an attempt to improve the quality of the games ) People were tired of driving 2-3 hours for a 8- 0 blowout).

These 3 teams join 9 other Premier teams and 3 MRL teams this year at the Alliance.  There are some positions available on some of these teams.

CHECK them out >>>

If you are interested in any of the opportunities, please contact:

 ZSOLT BERTALAN via phone

 616-334-7357 

ABRAHM SHEARER via email

 

HERE >>>

 
 

WANT A CHALLENGE?

 

COERVER COACHING

Coerver Michigan >>>

The real thing is finally coming to Grand Rapids. 

No Imitations. 

No Coerver "Trained" Coaches. 

The Real deal.

Read about COERVER >>>

Grand Rapids Area Camps

July  >>>

August >>>

Michigan Camps

All Michigan Camps >>>

THE KALAMAZOO KINGDOM is accepting applications for Director of Coaching ( DOC)

 

DOC position is a full time year round position and the  Responsibilities include implementing and executing year round developmental programs for coaches and players.  Overseeing Premier, Y League, and Select programs.  Identifying new coaches and teams for the club.  Running 150 + team tournaments and coaching high level teams.

 

Please submit resume to:

Jeff Smith

jeffsmith@kicsports.net

 
 

Himes Electric LLC is completely dedicated to customer satisfaction. We can handle all of your

electrical needs from small repairs to new construction in residential or commercial applications.

 

Himes Electric, LLC. 

   
616-437-9419
3940 Prairie St. SW Bill Himes
Grandville, MI 49418 Master Electrician / owner
   
 

West Michigan Premier Teams

When it all shakes out, there should be about 30 Premier teams sponsored by GVSA this fall.  If you add in the Premier teams sponsored by outside leagues, you have about 36.

This is in all age groups.

There are 8 age groups counting  U13,14,15,16,17,18 girls and U13,14 boys.

This does not count MRL teams and there are roughly 10 MRL teams from this area playing in MRL or another 1.25 teams per age group.

To put this in perspective, GVSA typically has about 400 teams registered to play.

Statistics can be deceiving and this case is no exception.  Fully 250 of the teams in GVSA are at U12 and younger when Premier is not an option.

If the remaining 150 teams are playing at U13 and older than roughly 33% of the player demographic is playing at the Elite levels.

This means that there are roughly 4-5 teams in every age group playing in Premier or MRL with the younger ages (13/14) containing more than 4-5.

 
   

MSYSA State Cup BOYS

Spring 2007 (Boys U13-15)

Spring 2007 (Boys U16-18)

Seeding Results Spring 2007

 

MSYSA State Cup BOYS

Spring 2006 (Boys U13-15)

Spring 2006 (Boys U16-18)

Seeding Results Spring 2006

 

Caledonia Girls U13 Academy

The team is looking for 2 players to round out the roster.  Players should be committed to becoming the best players they can be.  The team will be doing year round training and  four tournaments.

To Contact >>>

 
 
   

 

 

A bit of Good News

For the second straight year, the player voted Mr. Soccer by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association has been named the NHSCA Senior Athlete of the Year. Dzenan (Jenon) Catic from East Kentwood High School has been selected....

Read the article >>>

 

 

REGIONAL Championships

Here are some direct links to coverage about this event.

Top Drawer #1 >>>

Top Drawer #2 >>>

Region II Website >>>

Semifinals set >>>

Champions Crowned >>>

Story #2 >>>

REGION II Story Archives >>

Boys RECAP >>>

Girls RECAP >>>

Facebook >>>

Twitter >>>

You Tube >>>

It is OFFICIAL.

Grand Rapids Crew U17 Boys head for national Championships for the  fourth year in a row. 

Talk about messed up. 

The Tweets have the Crew winning. 

The scoreboard has it the other way around although they have 2 goals scored by the Crew in the details.

Greg Timmer >>>

GR Crew U17 Boys >>>

The GR Crew U17 has won their pool (7-0, 4-0, 4-2) and advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals The Crew is ranked #1 in the country at the moment.

U17 Boys Rankings >>>

 

GIRLS REGIONALS

Hawks U13 Girls >>>

finish second

Hawks U15 Girls >>>

are in the Regional Finals

Hawks U16 Girls >>>

win the the Regional Finals

 

Sports on the Internet

Here is something new. 

I found a free website that is constantly streaming sports events of all kinds.

On the right side is a scrolling box identifying what they are showing at the moment

VIP BOX >>>

 

 

REGIONAL Championships

Here are some direct links to coverage about this event.

Top Drawer #1 >>>

Top Drawer #2 >>>

Region II Website >>>

Semifinals set >>>

Facebook >>>

Twitter >>>

You Tube >>>

    

 

 

GIRLS REGIONALS

The Michigan Hawks and VARDAR (based in the Detroit area) have continued to make the case that they are the place to be.

They placed  a total of 4  teams in the semifinals and 3 in the Finals.  

Hawks U13 Girls >>>

finish second in Regional

Vardar U14 Girls >>>

Did not advance

Hawks U15 Girls >>>

are in the Regional Finals

Hawks U16 Girls >>>

win the Regional.

The Hawks may have put another in but they were in the same pool as VARDAR in U14 and lost 2 games 1-0. 

Pool placement is everything.

 

 

BOYS REGIONALS

The game is played on the field not behind closed doors.

Two Grand Rapids Crew teams (U13 Boys and U17 Boys) have been busy this weekend making a case to bring the Academy Program to West Michigan.

The Grand Rapids Crew has put both teams into the Boys side of Regional Semi-Finals.   They are one of six clubs from the 14 states and MRL qualifiers to do so.  There are no Michigan Wolves teams that advanced and only 1 VARDAR team.

One club, Kansas City Football Club (KCFC) has put three teams in. They seem to be the club to beat in Kansas as they won 7 of 14 State Championships in Kansas also had 3 finalists.

KCFC website >>>

GR Crew U13 Boys >>>

They have beaten their pool opponents 5-2. 3-0 and 6-1. 

The GR Crew U13 has won it's pool and advanced to play the Chicago Magic Pre-Academy.

The Chicago Magic is the #3 team in the country according to National Soccer Rankings.

This is a remarkable accomplishment for any team let alone a wild card team.

BREAKING NEWS

The GR CREW took the Chicago Magic down to the wire.  The score was tied 2-2 with just under 4 minutes left.  The Magic broke through and scored a goal making it 3-2.  The Crew through everything at them in the last two minutes looking for the equalizer and gave up the 4th goal as it so often happens.

Chicago Magic win Regionals 3-2.

U13 Boys Rankings >>>

GR Crew U17 Boys >>>

The GR Crew U17 has won their pool (7-0, 4-0, 4-2) and advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals against Javanon, Kentucky.

Javanon is the #14 ranked team in the Region.  The Crew is ranked #1 in the country at the moment.

BREAKING NEWS

The GR CREW beat Javanon 2-1 to advance to the finals. 

Correction:  I posted the result  based on a phone call.  Someone had it wrong.  The CREW will play Lou Fusz at 8:30 am Wisconsin time.

This was incorrect:  They will play St Louis Scott Gallagher who beat Lou Fusz 2-1.  The Lou Fusz team was ranked # 17 in the country and Scott Gallagher barely was ranked regionally.

For those of you who like to look at things that don't seem reasonable, check out Scott Gallagher in Pool play. 

They lost to Chicago Fire Jrs DA 4-1 but advanced ahead of them based on a 1 goal difference in GA.

U17 Boys Rankings >>>

GR Wolves 93 >>>

The GR Wolves struggled a bit losing all three games (1-0, 3-0, 4-3).  Their roster was a bit thin to begin with and now they have been hit with asthma issues and injuries.

 

 

 

ELITE 3000 Camp

The Elite 300 Soccer Academy is one of America's premier national training camps for boys. Elite 300 is for teams or individuals looking to be challenged in a highly competitive soccer environment, while being seen by top college coaches.

ELITE 3000 >>>

 
 
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Leading Edge Flooring 

 
Carpet - Tile - Vinyl Laminate - Hardwood
616-292-5392
5630 S Division Brian Bremer
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 owner / operator
   
 

 

You Just Never Know...

Justin Bailey (on left) playing against Calvin College

Justin Bailey

This is Very Sad News

A traffic accident has taken the life of Justin Bailey, Hope College (2006-2010), Grand Valley Premier (2000-2206) and Portage Northern (2002-2006).

Hope College Remembers >>>

Portage Northern remembers >>

Justin played on one of the first GVP teams to win a State Championship.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends today.

 
 

 

TRYOUTS

This seemed to be the most interesting tryout weekend in many years.

There were many reports of clubs with existing teams and players from last year who vanished and went somewhere else this year with little or no warning.

There are, of course, many possible reasons for this and it simply points out the current nature of the system.

Early reports indicate that the soccer pyramid  in the West Michigan area now has three distinct levels in the  quantity area.

QUANTITY

The Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. sits atop the pyramid with 50-55 GVSA teams and 20+ MSPSP/MRL/National League teams.

The next level down is a number of clubs with a mixture of teams adding up to about 20-25+ total.

Alliance FC (14+ GVSA, 10+ MSPSP/MRL); Georgetown SC (20+ GVSA, 5+ MSPSP); GR Wolves/Hawks/PASS       (15+ GVSA, 5+ MSPSP/MRL);  Muskegon Lakers (20+ GVSA teams); Tri-Cities Strikers (20+ GVSA teams)   SCOR (20+ GVSA, 8+ MSPSP);

UPDATED USA (34 GVSA)

The base of the pyramid contains all the rest of the clubs in GVSA.  They put the majority of their teams in GVSA but may put 1-5 teams into MSPSP.  They range in total size from 4 teams to 20.

QUALITY

The quality issue is vastly more difficult to measure and there are many different approaches.  None of them is right and none of them is wrong.

That being said, it wouldn't matter how how I tried to address this, I would get into big arguments.   

Ultimately. each parent must choose the path for their own child.

At the end of the day, all we are trying to do is raise our children to be mature adults who will be able to make good decisions when they have to.    

 

 

For Your Information

There is always a lot of talk during tryouts about what High School coaches are legally allowed to do and what they can't do.

Here, for your benefit, are the highlights of the rules from the MHSAA website and a link direct to it for your reading pleasure.

It is worth the time to read. 

Out of Season Regulations >>

During the School Year...

Four year-round principles apply to schools and coaches out-of-season ALL the time; both summer and off season during the school year at workouts, clinics, camps or competitions.

1. No activity may be mandatory or part of selection to the school team....

Coordinating or Assisting:

During or in preparation for the three [or four] player period coaches are prohibited from making arrangements for activities they are prohibited from engaging in.,,,

...Coaches may not...arrange for someone else to coach to get around the three player rule. Coaches may be spectators at events but not coach when more than three of their players are present...

Here is a clarification of some of the rules.

Clarifying the RULE >>>

Certain things are not allowed:

  • Open gyms, sport specific camps or clinics which involve that upcoming sport are not permitted. (Open gyms may never include organized drills, practice structure or instruction by any person including team captains or parents.)

  • Competition (intra-squad or inter-squad) between groups that resemble school teams may not occur.

  • Non-school groups or individuals may not do that which the coach or school is prohibited from doing during the down time. The Representative Council has stated that "No open gyms, sport specific camps and clinics shall occur at the school or be sponsored elsewhere by the school and no competition (intra-squad or inter-squad) between groups that resemble school teams may occur with any of that school district’s personnel present.

The point of putting this up is to help parents fully understand that it is a violation of MHSAA rules when a High School Coach "recommends" that you play for a specific club (that they are involved with) because it will be better for your child because they can watch or see your child while they play or have someone they trust to coach them.

Some of you may not care about this. 

Some of you may.

If you do care about being given the impression that your child needs to go to a specific club in order to make the High School Varsity team, get on the phone and call your Athletic Director. 

 

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Wohlford's Brake Stop, Inc

 
Brakes - Shocks - Tie Rods Struts - Ball Joints - Oil Change
616-532-7781
3613 Viaduct St. Rick Wohlford
Grandville, MI 49418 owner / operator
   
 

 

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS

If you want to watch the games, here is a link to MHSAA website that has the replays.

MHSAA Network >>>

 

Out of Michigan Camps

This is a new section for WMS.  I will be posting information about camps of interest  outside of Michigan but typically within a 6 hour drive.

Wisconsin men  >>>

Indiana men  >>>

Notre Dame men >>

Notre Dame women >>

Ohio State men  >>

Ohio State women  >>>

Illinois men  >>>

Akron men  >>>

Butler men  >>>

Western Kentucky women >>>

OK,  this one is 8 hours away but my daughter goes there.

Camp I am missing? >>>

 

 

 

One Secret to Attracting College Coaches

There was a famous bank robber in the early 20th century who was named John Dillinger. 

He was asked why did he rob banks?  His reply was simple and eloquent.  He said: "...I rob banks because that is where the money is...."

Parents with elite soccer players take note.

If your child is an Elite Level player and their dream is to play Division 1 soccer...

 

READ THIS ARTICLE >>>

 

You can always make it by going down a different path but if the majority of the boys coaches are at the Academy and the girls coaches are at the ECNL ... follow the advice of an old bank robber...

 

FREE Youth League

A Grand Rapids area club, Alliance FC, is offering a FREE league for young players in grades K-2.  The league will be based at Grand Rapids Township Park on the East Beltline.

Check it out >>>

It is FREE because they have found some sponsors to cover the costs.  Players will be registered

 

Sports on the Internet

Here is something new. 

I found a free website that is constantly streaming sports events of all kinds.

On the right side is a scrolling box identifying what they are showing at the moment

VIP BOX >>>

 

In this time of insanity we call TRYOUTS, take 9 minutes and Watch this video.

It is a speech by the head coach of the University of  Minnesota Men's hockey about youth sports.

  Please watch >>>

 

West Michigan Soccer Camps

In an attempt to get all the camps in one spot to make it easy to find, I created a new page.

Take a look >>>

Camp I am missing? >>>

 

 

 

After State Cup, now what...

The MSYSA State Cup Tourney is the best in the state against the best in the state.

After that you advance to play the best in our Region II (there are 4 Regions in the country).

This year, it is in Appleton, Wisconsin and 3 teams from West Michigan advanced:

  • Grand Rapids Crew U13 Boys

  • Grand Rapids Crew U17 Boys

  • Grand Rapids Wolves U18 Boys

Here are direct links to follow their progress this weekend.

Website >>>

Facebook >>>

Twitter >>>

You Tube >>>

The Grand Rapids Crew has put two teams in the Regional Semi-Finals.   They are one of six clubs to put two teams into the semi-finals in the Regionals.

One club, Kansas City Football Club (KCFC) has put three teams in. They seem to be the club to beat in Kansas as they won 7 of 14 State Championships in Kansas also had 3 finalists.

KCFC website >>>

 

GR Crew U13 Boys >>>

They have beaten their pool opponents 5-2. 3-0 and 6-1. 

This is a remarkable accomplishment for a wild card team

The GR Crew U13 has won it's pool and advanced to play the Chicago Magic Pre-Academy.

The Chicago Magic is the #3 team in the country according to National Soccer Rankings.

U13 Boys Rankings >>>

 

GR Crew U17 Boys >>>

The GR Crew U17 has won their pool (7-0, 4-0, 4-2) and advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals against Javanon, Kentucky.

Javanon is the #14 ranked team in the Region.  The Crew is ranked #1 in the country at the moment.

U17 Boys Rankings >>>

 

GR Wolves 93 >>>

The GR Wolves struggled a bit losing all three games (1-0, 3-0, 4-3).  Their roster was a bit thin to begin with and now they have been hit with asthma issues and injuries.

 
 

 

Dan McAllister is going to be busy this year.  He is listed as coaching a U13B for Lakeshore Premier based in Grand Haven and a 15 G in the fall and a U15B in the spring for Grand Rapids Wolves based in Grand Rapids.  He will also be assisting at Cornerstone University this fall.  He has been at West Michigan Christian High School girls for some time.  They play in the spring.

Rene Meulensteen will be in Grand Rapids June 17-19.  He will be personally running several clinics for various age groups, addressing parents at the Crew tryouts, working with players during the Crew tryouts and meeting with selected local coaches.

 
 

 

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS

Here are direct links to State Playoff brackets posted by the High School Association.

Division 1 >>>

Division 2 >>>

Division 3 >>>

Division 4 >>>

It can be tough to get information and articles from the east side of the state. 

Here are a few stories.

Macomb County >>>

Oakland County>>

 
 

 

As most of you know, Premier tryouts can be held starting Saturday, June 18.

In an effort to make it easier to find everything, here are links to the Premier tryout information for some clubs of interest.

Lakeshore Area

Lakeshore Premier SC >>

Grand Rapids Area

Alliance FC >>

CATS FC >>

Falcons SC >>

Grand Rapids Crew >>

Grand Rapids Wolves/Hawks >>

Michigan Rovers AC >>

Ole SC >>

Rangers SC >>

SCOR >>

Kalamazoo Area

Kingdom Premier >>

TKO >>

Lansing Area

TNT >>

Michigan Chill >>

 
 

 

Heard on The Street

This one is scary and hard to accept.  A coach at a club in Grand Rapids was coaching a Boys U11 game on Sunday June 5.  After a first half that had the coach screaming so  incessantly that at least 3 of them left the field in tears...he was heard to say to them as they came off the field.."  you can't have water...water is for men...".

FOLLOW-UP to this post:  I receive dozens of telephone calls and emails weekly from all over the state regarding players, coaches and clubs. I also get advance notice of happenings in the soccer world.  Some of it I post here but frankly, a lot of it doesn't get put up.

This one was put up because of the special nature of the event.

A coach was denying water during a game to a group of athletes under the guise of motivation.

In cases where there is a negative event, I am very careful to remove anything that may identify a specific individual.

Here is the Punchline:  I was contacted by representatives from 4 clubs who asked if it was their coach.

I find that troubling.  

 

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Leading Edge Flooring 

 
Carpet - Tile - Vinyl Laminate - Hardwood
616-292-5392
5630 S Division Brian Bremer
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 owner / operator
   
 

 

What are Your Chances of Playing Division 1?

Did you ever wonder how many soccer players actually fulfill their dreams (and the parents) of signing to play Division 1 soccer in college?  

Someone has taken the time to put in on the web by club, by year, by roster, by news feed....all the information you could ever want....

In 2010, there were 53 girl players from Michigan who committed to playing Division 1 soccer. 

There are 444 schools playing soccer in the State of Michigan this year with with roughly 18 players per school.

8000+/- female players in the state of Michigan and only 50+/- will play Division 1. 

That is 1 out of 160 or about just under .75%  It never hurts to dream but I would focus on the books.

take a look >>>

Here is the website that allows you to go direct to any college.

 Women's  - All >>>

 
 

 

Michigan Wolves align with Columbus Crew for Boys Academy teams.

This rumor had been on the street for a couple of weeks but now it is a fact. 

It is too early to say what will become of the Grand Rapids Crew Jrs.  Perhaps it will be easier to send players to the Academy and ECNL...who knows...?

READ MORE >>>

 
 

 

You should know Jack...

Here is a 9 part interview of a Catholic Priest I have known since 1970. 

Spend some time >>>

It is worth the trip.

 
   

State Cup Finals...

...were held this weekend at the East Lansing Soccer Complex.

Congratulations to the Wolves Grand Rapids U18 Boys and the Grand Rapids Crew U17 Boys for winning State Championships.U17

GR Crew 17B video >>>

Grand Rapids Wolves U18 >>

Congratulations to the Grand Rapids Crew U13 and the U16 Boys for advancing to the finals. 

 see map >>>

 

State Cup Results
Field #1
18 b 9:30 am Vardar

0

 

Wolves Grand Rapids

4

 

17 B 12:00 pm  

GR Crew

3

 

Wolves

0

16 B 2:30 pm  

GR Crew

0

 

Waza

1

19 G 5:00 pm Jags

2

 

Force

4

 

19 B 7:00 pm Jags

Canton

 

Waza

winner

 

Field #2
13 B 9:30am  

Vardar

2

 

GR Crew

0

14 B 12:00 pm Vardar

2

 

TNT

1

 

13 G 2:30 pm  

Hawks

1

 

Waza

0

15 B 5:00 pm Vardar

1

 

Wolves

3

 

 

 

High School

Division 1

East Kentwood District >>>

Caledonia wins >>>

Forest Hills Central wins >>>

Jenison District >>>

Grandville Story >>>

Grandville wins >>>

Jackson >>>

Utica Ford >>>

 

High School

Division 2

Greenville >>>

East Grand Rapids wins >>>

Hastings >>>

Plainwell story >>>

Plainwell >>>

Grand Rapids Christian >>>

Sparta >>>

 

High School

Division 3

Unity Christian >>>

Hopkins faces Unity >>>

South Christian >>>

West Catholic wins >>>

Lumen Christi >>>

Detroit Country Day >>>

 

High School

Division 4

Tri-Unity Christian >>>

North Pointe Christian >>>

 

 

 

High School playoffs

Thank you to Joe W. for creating a spreadsheet for the complete tournament and brackets putting each of the  Divisions on its own page.

CHECK IT OUT >>>

 

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Wohlford's Brake Stop, Inc

 
Brakes - Shocks - Tie Rods Struts - Ball Joints - Oil Change
616-532-7781
3613 Viaduct St. Rick Wohlford
Grandville, MI 49418 owner / operator
   
 

 

The Kalamazoo area is starting to have new clubs pop up here and there as people come to the conclusion they can do better.

Every Soccer tournament in the Midwest was under water and pretty much ruined their fields for the summer.  Here is a picture of one player who seems to still have a smile on her face.  The people running those fields are probably not smiling so much.

Ole U16 boys were in a tournament in Detroit over Memorial Day Weekend and the game ended in what can only be described as a bench clearing brawl by both teams and joined at some point by the parents.

Under the heading, that can't be right...team loses big.  Coach is upset, says:  "...a couple of you played alright but the rest of you can f%&$ o##....I am all done with you, turn in your uniforms, I am bringing up the JV for the playoffs....".  I suppose this makes sense once we realize the same person used to (until very recently) work for a local college and local soccer club.

The Boys Academy program that everyone keeps talking is apparently going to remove the best players from High school participation next year.  I wonder if the ECNL will be far behind?  Oh well, sounds like more State titles for the west side of the state.

 

 

 

State Cup Results

It can be very difficult to follow State Cup.  Here for you are all the brackets in one spot.

State Cup 2011 >>>

Four of the six boys finals will feature a team from out side the Metro Detroit area. 

The Grand Rapids Crew has placed 3 teams in the finals.

VARDAR has place 4 teams in the boys finals.

Wolves have placed 3 teams in finals.

 
 

 

***************Heard On The Street ***************

through May 31

GVSA has approved a change in how clubs place teams into PREMIER.  Effective this summer, clubs have the power to place their teams into PREMIER as they see fit.

All the rain this spring may have cause a former River Rat to swim to higher ground next year.

It doesn't look like the Boys Academy train will be making a stop in West Michigan anytime soon. Maybe if everyone stopped bickering long enough they could realize that getting together at U16 and U18 boys...a total of 50 players (from a circle of 90 miles)...is in the best interest of everyone, especially the players.

Could it be so?  Dan McCallister wanders back into the world of Club soccer? 

Why would two Grand Rapids area high school coaches squander some wonderful opportunities to teach a valuable life lessons in sportsmanship this week by playing starters for most of a game and running up 18 goals in 40 minutes against vastly weaker opponents?

The DOC of one club was seen training a U9 team at another club this week.  Am I the only person that is confused by that? 

The Kindel FIRE may not be the only one extinguished this summer.  Word is the spoon has too much to do too far away to make a club work.

Amid all the turmoil this winter, the club from Lansing (TNT) will be playing in GVSA this fall as they open TNT West.  

take a peek >>>

 
 

 

GVSA aka

Grand Valley Soccer Association

GVSA has been undergoing a few  changes the past couple of years. 

Some of the changes have led to this email from the current President of GVSA to the clubs in GVSA.

As most of you know, Dave Whitehouse's resignation last Fall was quite a blow to GVSA.

 

Nevertheless, we are doing our best to fill that void and continue on as best we can. If you were at the AGM, you heard of some of these efforts, particularly the need for a Part Time League Administrator.

 

We have put together a Job Description that best describes what we are looking for. Please distribute this as you see fit throughout your Club.

 

Ken Lovell has agreed to receive Resumes and Letters of Interest and spearhead this effort until Saturday, May 28th. Please direct enquiries and questions to him. Thanks.

On behalf of the GVSA Board,

John Hall
President

Grand Valley Soccer Association

 

Here is Job Description >>>

All interested parties please forward your Resume and Letter of Interest to:

 Ken Lovell  ken@heritagefireplace.com

 

 

 

What are Your Chances of Playing Division 1?

Did you ever wonder how many soccer players actually fulfill their dreams (and the parents) of signing to play Division 1 soccer in college?  

Someone has taken the time to put in on the web by club, by year, by roster, by news feed....all the information you could ever want....

In 2010, there were 53 players from Michigan who committed to playing Division 1 soccer

take a look >>>

Here is the website that allows you to go direct to any college.

 Women's  - All >>>

 

 

National Rankings

The POWERADE FAB 50 is released every Tuesday throughout the spring season. The spring-playing states are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California (spring), Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (spring), South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

Michigan Teams are ranked:

  • #2 Novi

  • #8 Northville

  • #9 Forest Hills Central

  • #27 East Grand Rapids

Take a look >>>

 

   

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Are you having a bad day?

Do you have 7 minutes?

Do you want to feel better?

Grab a tissue and ...

WATCH >>>

 

Stadium Journey

Check it out >>>

ESPN RISE

ESPN website for High School athletes has a soccer page with a lot of good information.

take a look at BOYS >>>

take a look at GIRLS >>>

 

West Michigan Soccer Camps

In an attempt to get all the camps in one spot to make it easy to find, I created a new page.

Take a look >>>

 

 

 

Are their limits to what the human Body can do?

I used to think so but after watching these videos, I am not so sure.

Video 1 >>>

Video 2 >>>

 

How big is the Universe?

You decide >>>

 

 

Next Time...Don't be so Hard on them

There have been some tremendous misses this season -- the kind that are almost impressive in how shockingly wrong a "sure thing" can go -- and now, Bayern Munich's Miroslav Klose adds one to the collection from 9 feet away...

Take a look >>>

 

We just don't get it...

This is a good example of why we are a third rate soccer country.

check out video >>>

 

 

Congratulations

High School Championships

DIII National Finalist

Graduated in 3.5 years

Read MLIVE article >>>

Calvin College has announced the 2011 recipients of its highest honors for men’s athletics. 

The Berι Memorial Award goes to  Scott Hooker of Hudsonville, Michigan.

Scott Hooker named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-North/Central Region team.  He is first member of the Calvin men’s soccer program to receive NSCAA Scholar All-Region honors. He also received ESPN Academic All-District IV honors earlier this fall.

Scott Hooker Audio Interview

NEXT STOP:

MSU Medical School

Scott Hooker

 
 

STATE CUP RESULTS So Far...

If you want to see how your team measures up, there is really only one good measuring stick.

Keep in mind that the people who set the brackets put West Michigan teams in top brackets and with each other so that there is less chance the West Michigan teams advancing.

U13 Girls play State Cup in the spring...

TEAMS IN RED ADVANCE

U13 Girls >>>

No One Advanced

GR Crew (2-0-1);                    Rangers SC (2-0-1);                 Hawks GR (1-0-2);             Lakeshore Premier (0-0-3);  Alliance FC (0-0-3);                    CATS FC (0-0-3)

U13 Boys >>>

GR Crew Gold (3-0-0);          Alliance FC (2-1-0);                Wolves GR (2-0-1)                        TKO Premier (2-0-1);                   TNT 98 Red (1-0-2);           Lakeshore Premier (0-0-2)

      U14 Boys >>>

Alliance FC (3-0-0);                    TNT White (3-0-0);                        GR Crew Gold (3-0-0);             Portage SC (2-0-1);                Rangers SC (2-0-1);                       GR Crew Black (0-0-3)

U15 Boys >>>

GR Crew Gold (2-1-0);          Alliance FC (1-2-0);                     TNT 96 (1-1-1);                            TKO Premier (1-0-2);                 North Storm 96 (1-0-2);                 Ole SC (0-1-2)                     Lakeshore Pr (0-0-3);

16 Boys >>>

Ole SC (3-0-0);                               GR Crew Gold (2-1-0);          Kingdom Premier (2-1-0);        North Storm 95 (2-1-0);               TNT 95 Red (1-0-1);                        GR Crew  Black (1-0-2);         VARDAR West (1-0-2);                  USA Franken (1-0-2);            Alliance FC Black (1-0-2);          North Storm 95 (1-0-2);               TKO Premier (1-0-2);            

U17 Boys >>>

TNT 94 (3-0-0)                               GR Crew (3-0-0);                 Kingdom Premier (2-1-0);           TKO Premier (1-0-2);             Rangers SC (1-0-2);                   North Storm 94 (0-0-3)

U18 Boys >>>

Rangers SC (3-0-0)                     TNT 93 (2-1-0);                              Mi Wolves GR (1-1-1);         Alliance FC (1-0-2);       

 
 

 

This is an Interesting Graphic

If you want to know why it would be almost impossible for one existing West Michigan soccer club to get into the Development Academy Program... check out club #37 in the Great Lakes Division.

US Development Academy >>>

It will require a new organization with a new name and everyone backing it to have the slightest possibility of getting it done.

 

 

Want to play Premier Soccer?

It will be easier and cheaper to do very shortly.

Supply and demand is an economic model of price determination in a market.

It concludes that in a competitive market, the unit price for a particular good will vary until it settles at a point where the quantity demanded by consumers (at current price) will equal the quantity supplied by producers (at current price), resulting in an economic equilibrium of price and quantity.

For those of you who need help, here you go...

Basic Laws of Supply and Demand

LAW 1

If demand increases and supply remains unchanged, then it leads to higher equilibrium price and quantity.

LAW 2

If demand decreases and supply remains unchanged, then it leads to lower equilibrium price and quantity.

LAW 3

If supply increases and demand remains unchanged, then it leads to lower equilibrium price and higher quantity.

LAW 4

If supply decreases and demand remains unchanged, then it leads to higher price and lower quantity.

Here is what it all means:

The world of West Michigan Premier soccer has been living with LAW 1 for a very long time. 

As the demand increased and supply remained unchanged (only a couple of clubs could do it), the price kept climbing. 

It isn't bad or good, wrong or right...it is just economics.

We are about to be entering a world that enjoys LAW 3. 

The supply will be increasing and the cost to play will start going down.

There will be some bumps along the way but it will all work out in the end.

 

 

 

 

R.I.P.   Wiel Coerver

We have all seen the name but who was he?

Take a read >>>

Another story >>>

Another >>>

and another >>>

"...  In fact, 30 years later, Coerver’s emphasis on individual skills have now become a standard not only for youth players but for professionals as well...."

 

20 years Experience Drywall- Stucco - Plaster

 

Fred Johnson

 
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Serving Grand Rapids  
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*** Heard on the Street ***

The current MSYSA President who has lived in Grand Rapids for over a year made his first appearance at the GVSA BOD meeting on Monday night.  I wonder why?

GVSA will be advertising for a new league Administrator soon.  They will be accepting applications shortly BUT only for two weeks.  As soon as I get anything concrete, I will post.

Could it be so?  Dan McCallister wanders back into the world of Club soccer?   

Amid all the turmoil this winter, the club from Lansing (TNT) will be playing in GVSA this fall as they open TNT West.  take a peek >>>

 

 

Who is Tom Howe?

Tom Howe is the Executive Director of Player Development of the Woodson City Rangers. He was was a founding member of the Scott Gallagher SC, which won seven national championships and 14 regional titles under his direction. A collegiate All-American at SIU-Edwardsville, Howe played professionally for the St. Louis Stars, Denver Dynamos and Minnesota Kicks. He also coached at SIU-Edwardsville, Western Illinois, Florissant Valley Community College, Southwest Missouri State University and Saint Louis University.

He was instrumental in starting soccer in St. Louis and was one of the founders of a club that used to be quite well known. 

Last year he decided to do something different and he has given us all something to think about.

Here is a sample:

Soccer America: What about the economies-of-scale rationale that by putting as many players under the same umbrella as possible you can cut costs?

TOM HOWE:
I’ll tell you this, when you have the kids on the 10th and 11th team, and they’re all paying the same, something’s wrong because they’re not getting the same training.

I just don’t like it. All those guys running the big clubs, they can say what they want, but they’re all making a lot of money. And the more players they bring in, the more money they make.

Read it at Soccer America  >>>

Read it here >>>

 

 

What do the Referees Think?

Here is a website someone found that tells the referees what they should be doing.

I think the Parents who spend their time yelling at the referees, should spend some time on the site.

Take a peek >>>

 

 

Finally, here are two you can get lost in...

FANZINE AWARDS >>>

BEST BLOGs >>>

Don't forget to come back...

 

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Here are some fun new sites to explore...

click on the logo to get there...

 
 

Sometimes I can't help Myself

I run across really neat websites with really neat photographs and I wonder...

What is really going on with this weather...?

check this out >>>

 
 

Playing in College

There are many coaches & clubs who will tell you that if your child wants to play in college, you need them.

They are not being truthful or at best, they are bending the truth and playing to your fears...

While it might be a little easier with them involved, here is what you really need.

DESIRE:  Your child, the one who will be training (15-20 hours a week year round if you want to play in college) must want to play.

TALENT:  Your child, the one who actually plays the game must have a bit of playing ability and a good knowledge of the tactics of the game.

GRADES:  Your child, the one who is actually in school must first realize and then accept the fact that the real reason they are going to college is to prepare themselves for the real world and grades are a big part of that.

LUCK:  Your child, the one who will be playing must avoid the two biggest pitfalls of athletics: injury and sickness.

UNDERSTANDING:  You, the parent must understand how the scholarship game is played.  Most athletic packages (outside the big 2 of football and basketball) put together by the college for the students they want are a combination of straight athletic and educational scholarships, specific school grants and PELL grants or loans that the athletic department will put together for you.  Beyond that, you the parent typically will be financing part of the package as well. 

SELF AWARENESS:  Your child and finally you must deal with the simple fact that not everyone is capable of or willing to pay the price to play Division 1 college soccer and for those who are...there are not really that many scholarships available.  Once you accept that you are not capable of or are not willing to pay the price to play Division 1 college soccer, then there are many fine alternatives to spending a lot of money on soccer that will still put you in a position to play in college.

If you want to know how many colleges there are where you can go to play soccer in the United States, just check this out:

BEST SITE EVER >>> 

(It says women but the links are there for the men's soccer as well.)

 

 
 

Looking for something to do this Monday from 7-9PM? GVSA Board Meeting Monday , May 2 should be interesting.  One of the topics up for discussion are premier team sponsorships.  It will be held at MVP Soccer Spot on corner of 32nd Ave. and Lake Eastbrook.

 
 

 

BREWER PARK PROBLEMS

Brewer Park fields have some issues and the people running the show put out an email on Saturday night rearranging the games for the next 3 weeks and possibly the whol season.  Better check into it if you have games there...

Here is their email...

"...Please review the attached schedule if you have any games scheduled on field 1 , 2 or 3. Based on the field status email from 4-15, the games from field 1 FOR THE NEXT  WEEKS were moved to field # 2 or 3. The games that were moved--Everything stayed the same But the field number--are highlighted in Light Pink. Any game that is highlighted in Dark Pink still on field 1 should be rescheduled.
 
The Second group of 4 weeks are in Orange--this will mean field 1 will reopen and field 2 will be shut down--If needed- The games in Light Orange were moved per field only--Dark Orange may need to be moved.
 
Please plan accordingly. Hopefully I will be informed in a couple weeks when we get a real spring that all fields are back to top shape and there will be no need to reschedule the 2nd set of 4 weeks....but we wanted to give you all a heads up to change games if need be.
 
Thank you for your co-operation...."

 
 

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electrical needs from small repairs to new construction in residential or commercial applications.

 

Himes Electric, LLC. 

   
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US Club Announces Michigan Developmental League

You read it on here about 30 days ago and we had most of it right....

Erie Division:
• Carmel United (IN)
• Cincinnati United SC (OH)
• Crew Juniors (OH)
• Fort Wayne Fever (IN)
• Grand Rapids Crew Jrs (MI)
• Internationals SC (OH)
• Michigan Jaguars FC (MI)
• Michigan Wolves SC (MI)
• Vardar (MI)
• WAZA F.C. (MI)

"...Midwest Developmental League competition will kick off in September 2011 in the U-13 and U-14 age groups, in which teams will play up to 14 total regular-season games over the fall and spring season. The U-15, U-16 and U-18 teams will begin play in spring 2012 with up to 11 regular-season games. Cross-divisional games will be played at optional showcase events throughout the year....

Read all about it >>>

 

 

 Dzenan Catic

 

Former East Kentwood Player now in Europe...

 

Read >>>

 
 

 

The Dutch Program  Can it work here?

or would we want it to?

"...As spring approaches, he continued, they get nervous about whether they will be permitted to stay for another year. “This is when they sometimes start to get bad school grades. They don’t sleep. They wet their pants.”

Over time, though, the academy hardens them mentally as well as physically. I asked Dylan how he felt about his coach’s being fired. He shrugged. “The football world is a hard world,” he replied. “He has made the decision to send boys away. Now he knows how it feels.” ..."

maybe it is already here...

"...Rooi said: ....they do not want to do anything to injure them or wear them out. They’re capital. And what is the first thing a businessman does? He protects his capital.”..."

Read more >>>

 

 

Girls Soccer Rankings

These are from a national NSCAA website.

This link will take you to a page of rankings.  They change the rankings weekly.

West Michigan is Region 4.

Rankings >>>

I decided to put them up because East Grand Rapids just beat the #4 ranked team in the country, Portage Central; 3-0.

 

*** Heard on the Street ***

Confusion reigns as the   Michigan State Youth Soccer Association sanctioned two Tournaments in Holland over Memorial Day.

Why would anyone take a job and then immediately be applying for the same type of position in Illinois?   

 

THIS Tournament has been canceled

Memorial Day Tournament

Don't feel like traveling very far  to play soccer this year?

Read More >>>

 
GR CREW

The Grand Rapids Crew survived the nasty weather and put on a very nice tournament.  Games were on time, referees were present, they served hot coffee...

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MSYSA News

A source at MSYSA has confirmed that MSYSA has finally ended the current plan to build some sort of complex in conjunction with a new office building.

The plan (started before 2000), originated by then MSYSA President, Del Zimmerman (involving land/dormitories in and at Saginaw Valley University) and continued by then MSYSA President Robin Crawford (involving a fomer AYSO complex on a GM dump in Flint and some vacant lots) and finally morphing into a joint venture between MSYSA and Hartland Soccer and spearheaded by current MSYSA President Sohail Qaredesh has finally ground to a halt.

The project, which is actually a good idea, was like a vampire sucking money and energy from MSYSA membership for over 10 years.

The whole idea began with an opportunity in Saginaw and a thought;  "...Why can't MSYSA own it's own fields and not pay others for State Cup and ODP and at the same time, run summer camps if we can get these old dorms and fields..."

Del Zimmerman got run off after he hired a State DOC without checking with others but the idea stuck.

It turned into a different project that had MSYSA trying to turn 40 acres (and some vacant lots in front) on top of a dump in Flint into fields that could be used for State Cup and ODP training.  The lots in front were supposedly pre-sold so we could do it all for nothing.  The maneuvering that went on was a sight to behold.  The first approval vote was held and passed ignoring the correct voting procedures.  That was reversed and then over the next 70 days, MSYSA leadership took the proposal from costing nothing to costing 3M and the idea was shelved because the votes were not there.

It then went under the radar while the MSYSA BOD orchestrated a change in voting that effectively took control of MSYSA away from the leagues and granted it to the BOD. 

Then, under the aupices of saving money, it went ahead with the current plan which would put a stop to MSYSA paying 120K+ a year in rent when we could take the same money and actually own something.

Here we are 6 years later and nothing has happened.

Unfortunately, that is what happens when the people in charge are trying to make something happen for personal  reasons.

 
 

 

Deportes - El Vocero Hispano

"...Las botas de Mike Vaughan sepultran a Michoacan..."

For your reading pleasure, follow this link to the March 25, 2011 issue of El Vocero and then turn to page 15...

enjoy >>>

 
 

 

RAVENNA HIGH SCHOOL

TEAM NEEDS HELP

The Ravenna High School Girls Varsity coach has put in his resignation, giving us less than one week to find a suitable replacement.

If you may know of anyone willing and capable to take on such an endeavor on such short notice, it would be greatly appreciated if you could have them contact me by email at:

ccorpe1497@gmail.com

 
 

 

Think your workout is bad?

Why don't you take a look at one Tough Mudder's workout

workout >>>

 

Which Way Did They Go?

Find Out >>>

 

 

9 minutes...19 seconds...

This video is a must watch for any parent today that wants to know what it takes for their child to succeed at soccer.

It takes training, desire and the freedom to play...

Jimmy Hasselbalnk >>>

 

Why Futsal?

Try to imagine how much better you could play soccer once you could do this.  The music is questionable so turn the sound way down...

Jernmaine Vanenburg >>>

 

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Jim Fuller Spring Break Camp

If you are looking for something to do over Spring Break, here it is.

Camp Info >>>

 

 

Spring Break Goalkeeper

Legacy Soccer Academy sponsors GK camp on April 7/8 here in Grand Rapids.

Details >>>

 

 

Crew Spring Classic

WHEN: April 15-17, 2011

WHERE: Grand Rapids, MI

FEES: U08-U10, $475.00; U11-U12, $500.00; U13 $525.00

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, Mar 28, 2011

website >>>

 

 

HEARD ON THE STREET

Some new attendance records were set this week as parents & grandparents  had their noses pressed up against the glass watching the new DOC impart some wisdom while hoping and praying for skill to enter their children's feet in an afternoon.

The TNT experiment is finding it slow going.  Of course, it is a long time until tryouts.

I wonder if if GVSA will take a professional stance on its search for new administration and open it up for bids with a job description.

Former Northview coach Frank Andrade (High School Boys State Championship in hand) is taking some time off from coaching  while he thinks over his eight year run, his decision to leave and the road ahead.

The new Regional US Club League is about to go public and we all wait with bated breath for the press release

 

 

 

*** Heard on the Street ***

What do these High School girls soccer teams; Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Eastern, East Grand Rapids, Grandville have in common? 

Dzenan "Jenon" Catic is playing overseas somewhere in Europe.

That little club in the Holland/Zeeland area (USA) is at 39 teams and growing...

There are only 5 clubs in GVSA with over 20 teams.

Will the PDA put together a boys version this summer?

Will big drums and break dancing become the new sound of soccer in West Michigan?

SCOR has found a new DOC or should I say that DOC has found another club?  It is so hard to keep track these days.

All that talk about Vardar West turned out to be just exactly that... talk... They are still alive and kicking and still being run by the  Scotsman.

Chicago Fire rumors are still flying around but seem to have turned into something a little more solid...it sounds like the people who have been holding it together will be trying to keep it going next year under a new name.  

GVSA held it's AGM this weekend and roughly half  of the clubs showed up.  That was a little better than the GVSA Board members themselves who only had 4 out of 7  current members (the total is 9 but 2 had resigned) showing up (to be fair, two of the three were working out of town)

 

What Fun! We get to play our league games out of state.

The Academy Program, not content with its success at creating a class society among the clubs that offer boys teams is quietly organizing a new league.

This new league, if successful will have each club involved placing a boys team in every age group from U12-U18.

Each Academy Club has been asked to invite a few clubs from their state to join the new league. 

In Michigan, it looks like WAZA East, Michigan Jags and the Grand Rapids Crew have been asked to join.  

The new clubs will not get to play in the Academy League (14B/16B/18B) but the chance to be in the mix will allow them to prove their worth to the powers that be.

This program, if successful, will reduce the competitive level of MRL as the Academy Feudal lords and their serfs take their teams out of the MRL and send their best teams into the new league.

Curiously, current MRL rules will allow these clubs to hold their slots in the MRL and allow them to attract new players with the promise of playing for them in the MRL.

It will clearly weaken the talent pool of the MRL but little else will change on the surface.

 

 

 

*** Heard on the Street ***

Those rascals at the PDA put a U11 Girls team together to go to the Indoor Nationals in Cleveland and won their four games by a combined score of 49-0.  If they had known in advance the level of competition, they probably would have played up.

Recently Ole SC traveled to the Midwest Regional Futsal in Ohio and fared well. 8 teams made it to the finals with 4 teams winning.  All were champions.  website >>>

Is there a big difference between a select soccer league and a recreational soccer league?

The website has been worked on.  There are signs of activity.  The talk about somebody new taking over has ended.  Mark Twain could have been talking about Vardar West when he said "...Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.."

TNT has been accepted for GVSA club membership and will be holding tryouts in June.

There will be Memorial Day tournaments in Holland this year.  Who is running them (looks like Costa FC and TNT) , who are they sponsored by and where will they be held are the questions? 

Alliance FC is bringing  Bob Gansler to Grand Rapids.  Here is a link to the story about it on their website:    read >>> and here is a link for the flyer:  Go to flyer >>>  I wonder if GVSA will offer to pay half the cost of any GVSA coach who wants to go?

The complete lack of information coming out of   the Chicago Fire is a little puzzling.

The GR Crew is lining up support from other West Michigan clubs for its own bid for the Academy program.

 

   

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Before You go out to a Game This Spring...

...watch one of these videos and see if you recognize anyone...then don't be afraid to do something about it...

Two Rays >>>

Elders & Betters >>>

Parents Advice - Scene 1 >>>

Parents Advice - Scene 2 >>>

Parents Advice - Scene 3 >>>

Parents Advice - Scene 4 >>>

Are you losing it? >>>

Are you losing their respect?  >>>

No Referees?  What happens? >>>

The Club speaks >>>

 

 

 

Grand Valley State University

is located in West Michigan and won back to back National Championships (2009, 2010) in NCAA Division II. 

Here is a one reason why...

Grand Valley State's head women's soccer coach David DiIanni was named the National Women's Soccer Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) on January 14, 2011.

DiIanni, in his eighth season, was also named the NSCAA National Coach of the Year during the 2006 season.

Read the story >>>

Here is another...

Read the story >>>

Here's a third...

Read the story >>>

 

 
 

FUTSAL

Interest seems to be growing.

website >>>

 
 

It Doesn't Seem Possible

Here are the Important Dates to Remember

Practice Begins -- March 14
First Contest -- March 23

District Tournament May 31-June 4
Regional Tournament
-- June 7-11
MHSAA Semifinals - June 15
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MSYSA

The Association that most travel soccer players belong to is the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA).

It holds annual meetings and there is one coming up.

Date: March 12, 2011
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Doubletree Hotel Dearborn (5801 Southfield Fwy, Detroit, MI 48228).

AGM BOOK - Book will be updated periodically. Last Update: 2/10/11

Schedule:
8am-9am: Registration
9am-1pm: General Session
1pm-2pm: Lunch
2pm-230pm: Awards
2:30-4pm: General Session to be continued (if needed)

Here will be some of the topics:

New Fee Structure
The MSYSA Board of Directors approves a new fee structure subject to approval at the 2011 AGM.

Click here for more information.

 
 

 

Will you play this Winter?

Woodland Sports has closed youth team openings for 3rd Session.

Session 3 starts Feb 15 and runs 6 weeks.

Youth Leagues >>>

Adult Co-ed plays on Friday nights and runs year round.

Adult Leagues >>>

 
FEB

little leagues, BIG COSTS

The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) wrote a series of articles examining the dangers in youth sports.

"...Youth sports leagues have grown into a $5 billion industry with virtually no regulation. Kids suffer injuries at an alarming rate, and some organizers are abusing both children and league funds...."

In the five-day series "little leagues, BIG COSTS," The Dispatch explores where youth sports have taken wrong turns in recent years.

Read them at your own risk.

Read the series >>>

Here is my favorite article  and some quotes from that  article.

Chasing a Myth

Blinded by dreams, young athletes pursue long-shot scholarships

"... Parents and children are tempted to mine for some of the nearly $2 billion in scholarship money available in men's and women's collegiate athletics.

But for most, it's fool's gold.

The NCAA says that less than 4 percent of the 7.5 million participants in high-school sports in the U.S. will receive full or partial athletic scholarships to college.

"It's like buying a lottery ticket," said Sandy Baum, an economics professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga, N.Y., and an expert on financial aid ...."

read the whole article >>>

 
FEB

Ask not for whom the bell tolls...

The Academy Program, not content with its success at creating a class society among the clubs that offer boys teams is quietly organizing a new league.

This new league, if successful will effectively remove another 70-80 of the top boys players in each age group from any type of MSYSA associated league competition (National League, MRL or MSPSP).

Details are sketchy as secrecy is at a premium, but what little there is suggests that in addition to the teams they form in the Academy Program of 16 & 18 and the Pre-Academy of U14, each current Academy club will be placing a team in each age group from U12 -U18 that will play in a new US Club Soccer league being formed nationally.

These teams will be playing a regional schedule with some sort of National Title at the end of the season. 

They will play some sort of internal club schedule/ league to qualify for State Cup.

This program should be a little unnerving for those at MSYSA but it gets better.

Each Academy Club is being asked to invite one club from their state to join the new league.  In Michigan, it looks like WAZA, Gators or the Rush have the inside track to be asked to join.  

The new clubs will not get to play in the Academy league but the carrot is always being dangled to keep them in line.

This program, if successful, will reduce the competitive level of MRL as the Academy Feudal lords and their serfs send their teams into the new league.

In Michigan, that means that from 12 to 18, 4 clubs will be drawing 18 players each from the player pool and combined with the Academy teams (14, 16 & 18 with rosters of 24) you now have roughly 90 players from each age group not competing.

If this gets pulled off, the MRL will no longer be the competitive place to play,

If the MRL is no longer the competitive place to play why will anyone want to play in MSPSP just to get to the MRL.

It's a funny world.

Look to Egypt and Tunisia...

30 years of Dictatorship wiped out in 30 days...  

 
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West Michigan Soccer

There has been a lot of discussion recently (both in public and behind the scenes) about the ECNL & the Academy programs and the possibility of a club in West Michigan offering one or both of these programs. 

Only two clubs currently represent the state of Michigan in both of these  organizations.

Both Clubs (VARDAR and WOLVES/HAWKS) have a long 20+ years history in the state even though VARDAR went down a funny little side road 6 years ago.

Human nature being human nature (no matter how old you), we always tend to want what we don't have. 

The business of youth soccer is no different.

Much time and energy is spent (and has been spent) by people in West Michigan trying to be accepted into both of these organizations.

It isn't because they think that it will be better for the youth soccer players. 

It isn't because they think it will provide better opportunities for players to get  scholarships.FEB

The only reason why they try so hard is because hey believe that membership will allow them to offer something locally that others can't offer thereby giving them a competitive  business advantage.

There are many structural reasons why this is unlikely to happen (admission rules, veto powers of existing clubs, the need for a long history of success as a club) but the main reason is more simple. 

There are only so many ELITE level players to go around and at this point, the 2 clubs in Michigan already round most of them up to play.

Yes, there are many exceptional players in every age group and gender who don't make the trip east to Detroit. 

Yes, there are exceptional teams that occasionally surface and make a National name for themselves.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that numbers of these players who are both capable of this ELITE level of play (Division 1 and higher) and whose families are able and willing to make the commitments necessary to succeed at this level are not sufficient to put a fully stocked (18-24 players) competitive team out there in the age groups required.

Some day we will.

But not today.

See if you can find a club from Michigan in the top 40 ECNL clubs nationwide.    

ECNL 2009/2010 Club Ranking

check it out >>>

Check out these Academy results to see how the clubs and their teams from Michigan are doing.

US Soccer Academy Results

Check it out >>>

My point is this.

If the 2 clubs that are typically viewed as among the top clubs in the country are not faring so well, why in the world would anyone let another club from Michigan into the program.  It would weaken the two that are there are not provide much in the way of additional competition. 

SUPER Y PROGRAM

The Super Y program is a little different.  People are bad with history so they tend to forget that the Super Y was originally marketed as the program for the ELITE player.

As we see now, it was simply a BETA test program to work out the kinks of offering a program nationwide.

A close look at the club membership lists (past & present) and the results (past & present) show that while this is a great program and provides some decent opportunities for players, most of the clubs now in the Academy and the ECNL started off in the Super Y and then got out.

There are some that maintain a foothold in all 3 programs but a close look at the specific situations of those clubs show that either they are still struggling to establish dominance in their areas  with competitor clubs or they are the only game in town and have to offer it.

SUPER Y CLUBS >>>

SUPER Y TEAM STANDINGS >>>

In West Michigan, this program has had its ups and downs over the years starting with the West Michigan EDGE getting it at first, the Grand Valley Premier taking it away and every variation on a theme after that right through this year.

This summer might prove to be the best year ever for results as there is now just one club representing each area in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing.

The Alliance Academy has had great success in this program recently which resulted in them being ranked #1 Boys club in the United States based on their results in the Super Y championships.  They had 4 Boys teams reach the Finals.

 SUPER Y CLUB STANDINGS >>>

But this is no longer the stand alone program for the ELITE player it was originally intended to be and hasn't been for some time. 

It is a great program for what it is.

It is another opportunity for players (ELITE to good) to play against good to very good competition, in areas of the country where they normally don't get to play and to be seen by others who might not normally get to see them.

 
FEB

 *** Heard on the Street ***

I put this column up here because I was tired of all the phone calls and emails asking me about what was going on in the world.

I thought if I put all the current stories in one spot, they would stop calling me.

I was wrong.

All that happened is I got phone call after phone call asking me to please take their particular story down.

So I have, except for this one:

MSYSA proposing new Poaching Rules...

And here are the proposals...

take a look >>>

I guess if you want somebody telling you where your kid can train in their spare time...

...these are the rules for you

 
  Old website :  Alliance FC
Feb 1

 

 *** Heard on the Street ***

Will West Michigan get a Boys Academy program or will the people in charge act like a couple of cats in a burlap bag tossed off a bridge?

TNT coming to West Michigan led by former SCOR and PASS DOC?

Something is happening at Vardar West, but exactly what?

Michigan Rovers waking up?

Chicago Fire Juniors website down as other clubs circle?

GVSA Founder/Administrator leaving as Board struggles to understand  all the tasks?

Alliance FC quietly expanding under the radar with the proverbial prodigal son returning?

SCOR sponsors 1st Premier Team?

 PDA exceeds 100 Players Training this winter and thinks about the future?

Tri-Cities Strikers looking to Holland opportunity?

MSYSA proposing new Poaching Rules that have hefty fines attached for training outside your own club?

Super Y Finally gets it partly right with one club in each town:  Grand Rapids (Alliance) Kalamazoo (Kingdom) and Lansing (TNT).

Rangers finally get more fields at 28th?

New Grand Rapids area Indoor Facility focusing on Hispanic community and teams on the way?

 
 

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Fred Johnson

 
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