Upper90 Magazine

UPPER90 MAGAZINE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

I t s Hammer Time!

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 1

PROUD PARTNER OF ALABAMA SOCCER WWW.ALSOCCER.ORG

PREMIER ISSUE - IT’S HAMMER TIME

CHANDLER HOFFMAN Putting Alabama on the Soccer Map CLUB SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Your Resource for Soccer Events, Updates, Training, and More in Alabama

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

upper90magazine.com

TOMORROW’S ATHLETES FINDING INSPIRATION TODAY The YMCA of Greater Montgomery offers a level of play for all children and adults. Mini, Recreational and Capital City Streaks!

We are committed to player development and passing on the passion of our game.

Welcome to our world-class EMORY FOLMAR YMCA SOCCER COMPLEX

We invite you and your teams to play in the 2016 Capital of Dreams “Champions Cup” October 8-9, 2016 For more information about our programs or our Tournaments contact: Manny Sanchez | Phone: 334.396.9754 | Email: msanchez@ymcamontgomery.org ymcamontgomery.org or capitalcitystreaks.org

Cover Photo Credit: Len Louis

COVER STORY

It’s Hammer Time!

22

Long-Awaited Semi-Pro Soccer Club Launches In The ’Ham

By Loyd McIntosh

Chandler Hoffman putting Alabama on the soccer map

18

By Loyd McIntosh Alabama native Chandler Hoffman has been turning heads and opening eyes since he was in grade school. Now he’s putting Alabama on the soccer map one goal at a time.

SPOTLIGHT Huntsville 30 Futbol Club 34

Birmingham United Soccer 31 Association 35

Capital City 32 Streaks 36

Daphne Strike 33 Soccer Club 37

’06 Boys & ’06 Blue Girls

’00 Elite Boys & ’03 Elite Girls

38 Tyler DeOrio & Bonnie Frost

39 Tanner Tessmann & Madison Martin

’01 CCS Boys Elite & ’97 CCS Girls Elite

’07 Boys & ’05 Girls

40 Kobey Stoup & Tara Katz

41 Colin Spuler & Victoria Hite

Alabama Soccer Association Update

5

Letter from the Executive Director ASA Youth Academy for U10/U9 Players — A Two-Year Cohort Program Coaching Course Schedule September-December 2016

DEPARTMENTS

iSTAMP

12

Coaches Corner

Individual Soccer Training Activities Make Professionals

13

Sports Medicine

14

Collegiate Corner

15

Rules and Regulations

03 Soccer News 16 Update

Coaching Education Key To Continued Growth

Soccer Developments Throughout Alabama

28 Focus

Treating Ankle Sprains

The World of Top-Flight Soccer Up-Close

42 Products 44 Calendar of Events

The Transition Out of High School

Becoming a Soccer Referee

Upcoming Soccer Tournaments and Events

I DRIBBLING ACTIVITY TO WORK ON AGILITY AND DRIBBLING

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

10 1

ED LETTER PR E M IE R

ISSUE

David C. Cooper PUBLISHER

In 1978 I was six years old and I remember one Saturday afternoon I was in the backyard playing when my parents called me inside. There was something on television they wanted to show me. I ran inside to my parent's room where they had a large, heavy black-and-white television and saw, for the first time ever, a soccer game.

It's been nearly 40 years since that moment, so some of the details are as fuzzy as the action on that old Zenith, but I do remember the play-by-play announcer was British and, even at that young age, I could tell this wasn't live. We didn't have cable at the time and, if memory serves, it was being broadcast on the local PBS station.

I have no idea what teams were on the field, who the players were, or even what country this game originated from. What I can tell you, however, is that this was the greatest thing I had ever seen. I had heard of soccer at school and even knew some of my classmates played on a team, and they even tried to teach me the sport during recess and PE, but this was the moment I came face-to-face with soccer, and I was hooked. Completely and totally hooked. To me, seeing this game on television for the first time was like a discovery of historic proportions — Columbus discovering America, James Chadwick's discovery of the neutron, or Sam Phillips discovery of Elvis Presley. Four decades later, I can pinpoint that moment as the one in which I fell in love with the game of soccer.

I played other sports during my childhood — baseball, basketball, and even gym hockey — but nothing took hold of me like soccer. I joined my first team in the fall of 1978, scored my first goal in my first game right after the opening whistle, and wore my first pair of soccer cleats to school every day for weeks. I went on to play college soccer at UAB and the University of Montevallo, coached briefly in the Olympic Development Program, coached soccer camps at UAB, the Birmingham YMCA, and the University of Southern Mississippi, and even won a state championship with a U-19 team in the 1999 Governor's Cup. It is my sincere desire that Upper90 Magazine creates the same passion and excitement for soccer in Alabama that I felt all those years ago standing in front of that black-and-white television. That first glimpse of the beautiful game absolutely changed my life.

I hope Upper90 Magazine can change yours.

Sincerely,

Shane Bell

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

Molly J. Rogers EDITOR

Loyd McIntosh

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES

Shane Bell

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Chad Morrison

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

CIRCULATION

Teresa Cooper MANAGER

Jamie Willett ASSISTANT

ART

Shane Bell

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michele Hall

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS COLIN BARNES RICARDO E. COLBERG, M.D. ZAC CRAWFORD ROCKY HARMON PAT MILLER Vertical Logo

Loyd McIntosh Managing Editor Upper90 Magazine loyd@upper90magazine.com 205.380.1573 The views expressed by those not on the staff on Upper90 Magazine, or who are not specifically employed by Media Solutions, Inc., are purely their own. All “Update” and “Focus” material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from their corporate web site, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to editor@upper90magazine.com.

2

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

PUBLISHED BY MEDIA SOLUTIONS, INC. P. O. BOX 1987 • PELHAM, AL 35124 (800) 366-2185 • (205) 380-1580 FAX David C. Cooper PRESIDENT

Chad Morrison VICE PRESIDENT

Teresa Cooper OPERATIONS

Ho

Coop wants

SOCCER NEWS

ATLANTA’S MLS STADIUM TAKING SHAPE Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the eventual home of the new MLS squad Atlanta United FC, is nearing completion and expectations are high for the $1.4 billion facility. Scheduled to open in June 2017 during the debut season for the Atlanta franchise, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will also house the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, however, the state-of-theart facility has been designed to eliminate the cavernous feel of playing soccer in a cavernous football complex.

The design, conceived by the architecture, engineering, and urban planning firm HOK, will feature an eight-panel, retractable roof resembling a pinwheel. The stadium’s capacity for football exceeds 70,000, however, the facility transforms into a perfect soccer setting with a seating for just under 30,000 fans. Retractable stands will allow for a larger soccer pitch, while curtains will cover the upper sections and create a more intimate feel.

Atlanta United FC Arthur Blank said in a press conference that, despite the dual purpose, the stadium was designed with soccer in mind. “There will never be an MLS game in Atlanta where NFL lines are shown on the field,” Blank said.

The new MLS club is also working toward making a day watching Atlanta United FC affordable. The typical game day menu will allow a

family of four to purchase food and beverages for $30 of less. “Our research has shown that quality, affordable food and beverage is very important to Atlanta United founding members,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “This fan-first model perfectly complements our ticket pricing giving soccer supporters a premium experience at an incredible value.”

The Atlanta United FC open its debut season in March 2017.

FORMER BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN SOCCER PLAYER RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR Former Birmingham-Southern standout goal keeper Ruth Hanks, recently earned as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge while serving at Arlington National Cemetery. A Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Hanks is the fourth woman in history to earn the badge, and the first since 1998.

A native of Texas, Hanks played for the Panthers women’s soccer team from 2007-2010, appearing in 39 games with 95 saves and an impressive 0.86 goals against average. She joined the Army in October

2011 and trained as military police, and joined the Honor Guard in 2013. She finished her training in 10 months, and is now an Assistant Commander of the Relief, beginning her duty at 5 a.m. and until 7 a.m. the next morning.

“For me, it’s one of the highest honors I could think about doing,” said Hanks. “It’s a role model for other females to look up to, but at the same time, from my point of view, I’m just a Sergeant in the United States Army who wants to do a job.”

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

3

SOCCER NEWS WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM NEWS The U.S. Women’s National Team will be in action a little closer to home following the completion Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, in a pair of international friendlies this fall. First, the U.S. women’s squad will face Thailand in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, Sept. 15 at MAPFRE Stadium, the home of the MLS franchise Columbus Crew. This match will be the first time the U.S. has faced the Thailand women’s team, which made its debut on the world’s stage at the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Thailand will be the 50th different country the U.S. WNT has faced in its history.

The U.S. WNT will be in action three days later to take on the Nehterlands in the Georgia Dome on Sunday, September 18. The U.S. has played the Netherlands six times, losing to the Duch in their first meeting in 1991, 4-3. The USA has since won five consecutive meetings including the most recent, a 3-1 win in The Hague in April of 2013.

Tickets to both matches can be purchased online at ussoccer.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

COULD MLS COME TO MUSIC CITY? Looking to join the MLS expansion party, a group of business and civic leaders in Nashville launched an effort to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Music City. As reported on MLS.com, the Nashville MLS Organizing Committee, a 22-member civic organization, made the formal announcement Tuesday, August 9. The group is led by Bill Hagerty, a Nashville businessman and investor. Hagerty is also the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and a rumored Republican candidate for governor of Tennessee in 2018.

“Our optimism is very, very high about this,” Hagerty said. “The voice of support that we’ve seen from the leadership of this community has been really, really strong.”

Nashville has already been awarded a franchise in the United Soccer League (USL), which is scheduled to begin play in 2018. However, MLS officials earlier this year announced plans to expand to 28 teams in

the near future. Hagerty said he and the Nashville MLS Organizing Committee are fully supportive of the USL franchise, but believe they must act now to bring MLS to town rather than slowly work their way up the professional soccer ladder. “We felt like the time is now,” he said, “and if we’re going to do it, we need to go directly for it.”

“We have a shared vision,” Hagerty added. “We’ve got a mayor’s office that is very engaged and motivated to make it happen. We’ve got strong interest from investors. All the pieces, I think, are coming together.”

MLS currently stands at 20 teams and will add a team in Atlanta in 2017, Minnesota in 2017 or 18, Los Angeles in 2018, and a possible future franchise in Miami. That leaves four additional spots available with Sacramento, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati, San Antonio, San Diego and, now, Nashville competing for the final spots. Unfortunately, no city from Alabama is currently on the list.

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UPPER90MAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ALABAMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Executive Director Update

Tom Condone Executive Director Alabama Soccer Association

I am proud to introduce the inaugural edition of Upper90 Magazine, the new magazine that will promote the development of soccer at all ages and levels in Alabama!

We look forward to an outstanding partnership with Upper90 Magazine, producing a setting whereby relationships are forged to push the game forward.

From 2014 through 2016, ASA has doubled youth membership from 11,939 to 23,344. This is a significant achievement, as we have been ranked #1 out of 55 state associations in the largest percentage increase of youth player registration numbers, two years in a row! We remain committed to leading, educating, and serving the soccer community throughout the state of Alabama, and Upper90 Magazine will assist in delivering on our mission as a premier customer service organization.

Over the past year, we have been involved in discussions with our parent organization, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and U.S. Youth Soccer, regarding the rule changes to the youth soccer structure and the future of soccer in America. These player development initiatives will bring change and improvement such as small sided games, an increased focus on player development, and the deemphasis of winning at the youngest age groups.

To assist with these initiatives, we are excited about the implementation of the ASA Youth Academy.

We believe this environment will allow players to grow and learn in a pool format versus a team format.

This will help reduce the focus on achieving team results and place a proper focus on individual player development. By emphasizing the players as the center of all decisions, we bring a “player-first� mentality to development.

It is important we invest in the environment at the grassroots level and deliver information to members at the base of the pyramid. ASA has continued its partnership with the National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) to provide youth coaches in Alabama with top-rated education clinics and courses. ASA is thrilled to have an alliance with both the USSF and the NSCAA, expanding educational opportunities and giving quality instruction to our coaches.

Upper90 Magazine and ASA strive to create a soccer climate that promotes participation, success, and, most of all, enjoyment. Player development is paramount, and by working together, we can achieve this goal and have an enormous impact on soccer players all across Alabama. ASA appreciates all you do to bring the game of soccer to your community. Thank you for your hard work and contributions.

See you on the fields,

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

5

WELCOME TO THE YOUTH ACADEMY PROGRAM

Auburn Thunder Briarwood SC BUSA

Capital City Daphne Strike Fairhope SC

Homewood SC Hoover SC Hueytown

Huntsville FC NorthStar Opelika Crush

Trussville United Tuscaloosa United VHSC

ALABAMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION

ASA YOUTH ACADEMY FOR U10/U9 PLAYERS — A TWO-YEAR COHORT PROGRAM Promoting player development over team development in a child centered environment.

Here is what Club Directors are saying…

“BUSA is very excited to join the ASA Academy Program. It is exciting to see our state taking the necessary steps to help grow and develop our youngest players with a systematic developmental model. We are very excited to be a part of the Academy and look forward to a great year of positive growth and development.”

– Andrew Brower Executive Director, BUSA

The mandates handed down from the U.S. Soccer Federation gave us a great opportunity to introduce the Youth Academy to our membership.

This approach is vital if our players and clubs want to keep producing and competing against high caliber organizations from other states.

An Academy Program focuses on the complete development of each player. A properly organized Academy provides an educational environment for boys and girls to learn through playing; the main emphasis is of enjoying the process of technical development and gradual tactical understanding. The main goal of the ASA Youth Academy is to promote player development over team development in a child-centered environment.

The training grounds are where great teachers can help further the technical development of each player in an environment that encourages players to make mistakes. Each applied club will adhere to the following set of standards: • Each club shall designate a Youth Academy director • Clubs must establish a well-planned and progressive curriculum • Every Youth Academy coach must possess the USSF F License and the USSF E License within 1st year of coaching in the Youth Academy • Clubs will hold a minimum of two parent education/interactions per season • Players will be entered into the pool from assessments/evaluations rather than “tryouts” We truly believe that this program will be a positive foundation of development for players, coaches, parents, referees, and administrators by providing educational opportunities for players (and their parents) in the Basic Stage of the Long-Term Athlete Development Model.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the ASA Youth Academy, go to www.alsoccer.org/leagues/youth_academy/

“Huntsville FC has led the charge with organized pool play and parity team concepts for the past three years. In doing so, our pools have expanded up to 4x and keeps kids in the game during this critical phase of their development. The new Youth Academy with Alabama will integrate nicely as it provides the necessary forum to get games in an organized system and allows Directors to create the proper matchups.”

– Marty Clark Executive Director, Huntsville FC “Fairhope Academy is looking forward to the implementation of the new ASA Academy program. The ages targeted with the Youth Academy are the most important ages for a young soccer player to grow and love the game. The concept of the individual player development vs the team development should be very attractive for each player looking to grow and develop.”

– Nick Cooper Director of Coaching, Fairhope Soccer Club “The implementation of a Youth Academy Program in Alabama is in the best interest of our player’s long-term development. Having a pool of players playing together based on ability and giving clubs the flexibility to move players around is key. Also being able to set up competitive matches in a healthy environment will foster the growth of our players.”

– Manny Sanchez Vice President and Director of the Emory Folmar YMCA “We are excited about the new Youth Academy that Alabama Soccer is launching this fall. I am a big advocate for developing better players ahead of better teams at the U9-U10 level and this program will help us do that.”

– Ryan Leib Director of Coaching, Briarwood SC THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

7

ALABAMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION

COACHING

ALABAMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION COACHING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

EDUCATION

Coaching Course Schedule August-December 2016

DATES

COURSE

LOCATION

MEMBER FEE

NON-MEMBER FEE

US Soccer E License

Birmingham, AL

$125

$150

October 7-9

US Soccer D License Instructional Phase (1st Weekend)

Birmingham, AL

$125

$150

October 16

ASA Coaches Symposium

Birmingham, AL

TBD

TBD

December 2-4

US Soccer E License

Birmingham, AL

$125

$150

December 9-11

US Soccer D License Performance Review Phase (2nd Weekend)

Birmingham, AL

$125

$150

December 10

NSCAA Level 1 Goalkeeping Diploma

Gadsden, AL

TBD

TBD

SEPTEMBER September 16-18

OCTOBER

DECEMBER

ALABAMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION STAFF

8

Tom Condone

Lynn Bertovic

Alabama Soccer Association 4678 Valleydale Road, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35242

Executive Director tom@alsoccer.org

State Administrator lynn@alsoccer.org

205-991-9779 (Office) 205-991-3736 (Fax)

Zac Crawford

Martha Disko

Technical Director zac@alsoccer.org

Administrative Assistant martha@alsoccer.org

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

10

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TEAM SPORTS HQ TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW DICK’S SUPPORTS SPORTS LEAGUES, VISIT DICKS.COM/TSHQ Limit one coupon per customer. Must be used in one transaction. Minimum purchase of $50, excludes tax and shipping charges. Cannot be combined with any other offers, team discounts, Uniforms and FanWear purchased through DICK’S Team Sports HQ or used for gift cards, licenses or previously purchased merchandise. Not redeemable for cash, gift cards or store credit. No reproductions or rain checks accepted. Returns or exchanges where a ScoreCard Reward or other discount was applied may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes DICK’S Team Sports HQ Uniform and FanWear purchases and clearance items. Clearance items have .X3 or .X7 endings. Some exclusions apply. See store and DICKS.com/Exclusions for details. Valid 2/1/16 through 1/31/17.

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iSTAMP Individual Soccer Training Activities Make Professionals

I DRIBBLING

ACTIVITY

With 10 cones, a soccer ball, and the determination to be the best player you can be, the I dribbling activity will help you fine-tune your skills with quality and repetitive touches on the ball. Don’t just want it, make it happen!

Colin Barnes

Assistant Coach at University of Alabama Women’s Soccer

THE I DRIBBLING ACTIVITY IS INTENDED TO WORK ON agility and dribbling. All players can improve on their change of direction and change of speed. The dribbling portion is most applicable to attacking midfielders, forwards, and other attackers, as well as defenders looking for quicker feet. The space between cones can be increased or decreased based on the needs of the player, as some might want to make it into a fitness component more specific to soccer than just running distance.

ACTIVITY SETUP 8yd

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Start in the corner cone of the bottom base of the I. Dribble the ball around the cone at the middle of the base and through the middle four cones at the stern. Enter on the right side of the ride side of the first cone. Exit the last cone to the right and around the upper right corner cone of the upper base. Get to the middle cone of the upper base and stop the ball.

2. Side shuffle across the opposite corner and turn and run back to the ball.

3. Collect the ball and dribble back through the middle four cones again starting on the right side and exiting to the right corner cone. Round this last cone and finish the sequence at the same cone you started.

• Right foot only.

• Left foot only. To do this in the left direction, start in the opposite corner and enter on the left side of the first middle set of cones and exit to the left corner cone.

• Make it more challenging. Try multiple runs, there and back twice.

• Shuffle it up. Try side shuffles in both directions.

10

1yd

4yd Start/End

4yd

ACTIVITY KEY DRIBBLE

SIDE SHUFFLE

RUN

TIPS FOR IMPROVEMENT

VARIATIONS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

HOW TO RUN

1. Small touches to change direction 2. Keep center of gravity low 3. Quick second touch from opposite foot through middle set of cones will prevent the ball from going wide and slowing you down.

4. Start slow and find your rhythm — quality over quantity.

Colin Barnes is a volunteer coach with the University of Alabama women’s soccer team. He also works for Alabama Soccer Association with the Olympic Development Program on state staff and Coaching Education Courses, plus was on Region III ODP staff for the boys. Barnes holds the USSF “A” License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, USSF National GK License, and USSF National Youth License.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

THE HARDER YOU WORK THE HARDER IT IS TO LOSE

GROUP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

S E T E L H T A E T I L E R O F PERSONAL TRAINING TRAINING LENGTH The typical training session is 2+ hours HEARDMONT PARK SCHEDULE Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am

Coach Oyeleke Payne PLAYING HISTORY Nigerian Youth Academy 3SC FC Alabama A&M COACHING LICENSES US Soccer “E”, “D”, “C” TALENT SCOUT Southeastern US Scout with AJ Sports Group

VETERAN PARK SCHEDULE Sunday 2:00pm is the 5k soccer run.

“Developing a good soccer player requires time, passion, hard work, and a love of the game.

In order to help a young player reach his/her potential I believe it is important to focus on these four pillars or fundamentals of training: Physical, Psychological, Technical, and Tactical .”

PROVEN RESULTS JACK HOPKINS Your training is definitely not for the faint of heart, but that is also what differentiates it. It is wonderful to know that Jack now has so many more tools to work with on the field than he had before. Speed and strength can only take you so far!

JILL HOPKINS Jack’s Mom

EMAIL COACH PAYNE: COACH@PAYNETRAINING.COM TO LEARN MORE!

COACHES CORNER Practice Plans, Training Eduction, and Advice From Coaches Around The State

COACHING EDUCATION KEY TO CONTINUED GROWTH

The development of a good soccer coach isn’t all about getting to the next license, but a lifelong process of learning, listening, and discovery.

Zac Crawford

Technical Director at Alabama Soccer Association

AS OUR PLAYER REGISTRATION NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW IN Alabama, it is vital that we continue to educate coaches so that they can best serve our players. I’m blessed in that my role is to lead and train coaches to improve their craft. Coaching Education is a powerful tool that can help transform the game in our state and in our country.

However, we all know that obtaining a coaching license does not necessarily make one a great coach, and we also know other coaches that are great at their craft but have never taken a coaching education course. As a lifelong learner, I’m always striving to maximize potential, improve as a coach and leader, and “keep the axe sharp” by seeking out as many educational opportunities as possible.

Education can occur in many different settings, formal and informal.

Informal settings can include working with a mentor within your club, utilizing feedback from a Director of Coaching, or from simple networking and relationships. ASA member clubs/associations can request to host a Youth Module Course, which includes an hour of online modules followed by two hours of field sessions conducted by one of our staff instructors.

Moreover, I can come out to visit clubs to run demo sessions for coaches and meet with them to discuss topics relating to game management, preparation, training, etc. Also, with today’s technology, one can video record a training session and later watch it to self-critique.

The formal setting usually requires a mixture of both theory (classroom) and practical (field sessions) where candidates are led through a series of lectures, interactions, and live training sessions on the field. Alabama Soccer Association delivers the coaching courses for U.S. Soccer, NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America), and U.S. Youth Soccer.

This past summer was an active one concerning formal coaching education. Over 130 coaches participated in courses from all three methodologies. The state was canvased from Fairhope to Huntsville with the U.S. Soccer E License Course, which focuses on athletes ages 9-12

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

12

and the 7v7 to 9v9 game. One course was hosted in conjunction with the ODP State Team Mini-Camp July 1-3, and out of the 21 candidates, 13 were ODP players ages 16 or older — a requirement for the course.

ASA provided scholarships for these players as a way to give back to them for their commitment to the program as well as to help grow and promote the game. What a joy to see these older players giving back and serving as role models for younger players in Alabama.

Another opportunity occurred with the National Youth Coaching Course, formally the National Youth License. Twenty-five coaches from across the nation came to Birmingham to learn how to coach players ages five to 12. This five-day course was instructed by Virgil Stringfield, an original author of the course, Bob Bigney, the New Mexico State Technical Director, and me.

Each day was spent discussing the cognitive, psychomotor, and psychosocial characteristics of players in each age group for U6, U8, U10, and U12. Out of the 25 candidates, 20 were from Alabama and 13 of them had recently taken an E or D License with me in the last two years. The local candidates included three club directors, an art teacher, a referee, and other coaches from across the state. Candidates conducted field sessions with children, which were captured on video and reviewed from the instructional staff and fellow candidates.

Dillon O’Hare, a coach at BUSA, said, “Many people told me how influential and inspiring the course was, and none of them were wrong.

This course has given me the tools I need to continue to make a difference in the lives of the kids that I coach.”

With all of the different options of coaching education available here in Alabama, I hope that all coaches will continue to strive and not simply think that they have arrived. If you or your club has an educational need, please reach out to me at the State Office and I will do my very best to help deliver content that helps meet the needs of our ever-growing game.

Zac Crawford holds the USSF ‘A’ License and National Youth License, the NSCAA “Premier diploma” and “Advanced National Goalkeeping” diploma, and a TOPS Soccer Level 1 Certification. He also earned two master’s degrees (Cognitive Psychology in 2003 and Human Performance with an emphasis in Sport Management in 2009) from the University of Alabama.

UPPER90MAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

SPORTS MEDICINE Sports Medicine 101 – Injury Prevention, Treatment, and Player Safety

TREATING ANKLE SPRAINS The most common soccer-related injury is an ankle sprain. Research suggests sprains account for 20 to 30 percent of injuries in this particular sport.

Rehabilitation and recovery varies depending on the level of the sprain.

Ricardo E. Colberg, M.D.

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

THE HIGH INTENSITY OF SOCCER DEMANDS ATHLETES TO ENGAGE in constant running, striking, cutting, and sliding. These actions often put players at risk for ankle and foot injuries.

Ankle sprains are graded as Grade I (mild), Grade II (moderate) and Grade III (severe). The amount of rehabilitation and recovery varies depending on the level of the sprain.

Grade I injuries stretch the outside ligament. This causes pain on the outside of the ankle with mild swelling and difficulty walking, but no bruising. Symptoms usually resolve within three days, and the athlete may return to participation as long as he or she is pain-free. If the symptoms persist or the athlete has sustained multiple ankle sprains, the athlete should seek medical attention.

Grade II and III sprains, as well as high ankle sprains, require immediate evaluation by a sports medicine physician. Grade II sprains involve a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and a full tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). This degree of sprain limits the ability to walk, creates instability and causes local bruising and swelling. Furthermore, Grade III injuries involve the complete tear of both the ATFL and the CFL and prohibit weight bearing on the injured leg. Severe diffuse bruising and swelling will develop. Finally, high ankle sprains create pain on both the inside and outside of the ankle. This injury typically involves the ligaments connecting the bones above the ankle joint and may require surgery.

In order to recover most efficiently, it is essential athletes begin treating ankle sprains upon the time of injury, regardless of severity. Athletes can respond by following the R.I.C.E. acronym: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest is a critical component, as it allows the body time to heal naturally. Apply ice to the injured area in 10-minute intervals every one to two hours. (Note: Recent studies suggest that more than 10 minutes at a time may cause a reactive inflammatory reaction in the tissue.) To alleviate swelling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

and bruising, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage by starting near the toes and wrapping until the bandage reaches above the ankle.

• Rest, give your body time to Finally, elevate the ankle heal naturally above the level of the heart.

• Ice, 10-minute intervals In addition to R.I.C.E., athletes every one to two hours may take an over-the-counter • Compression, wrap with an anti-inflammatory medication elastic bandage or acetaminophen for the • Elevation, above the level of pain. Common treatments the heart offered by a sports medicine physician for ankle sprains include prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications, immobilization with a walking boot or ankle brace, and referral to a physical therapist for a rehabilitation program. In fact, the most common cause of ankle sprains is having a prior ankle sprain that was not rehabilitated appropriately by a physical therapist with a strength and conditioning program.

Although most athletes fully recover from ankle sprains with no longterm problems, athletes need to take proactive measures to avoid these injuries. Developing good habits can alleviate unwanted pain and weeks on the sidelines. Encourage athletes to warm up on flat surfaces before engaging in any sports activity. Running hills can provide effective training. However, it needs to be done in moderation. Incorporating strength and conditioning programs that include exercises standing on a single leg at a time improves balance and strengthens the ankle.

In addition, athletes must train and perform in good cleats, replacing them regularly. This way, we can minimize injuries and keep our athletes healthy on the field playing soccer.

RESPOND WITH R.I.C.E.

Ricardo E. Colberg, M.D., is a sports medicine and non-operative orthopaedic physician at Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. He serves as team physician for the Alabama Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) and the Birmingham Hammers semi-pro soccer team.

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COLLEGIATE CORNER UNIVER

Collegiate Soccer Advice and News for Players and Parents

SITY

UNIVERSITY

THE TRANSITION OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL While soccer skill and talent are always on the college recruiter’s radar screen, there are other qualities that can help you increase your chances of getting a scholarship to play soccer at the next level.

Rocky Harmon

Executive Director of Vestavia Hills Soccer Club

MORE THAN EVER, GIRLS AND BOYS FROM ALABAMA ARE FINDING themselves at the top of recruiting lists at major colleges around the country.

While the cream of the state’s crop is rising to the top at an unprecedented rate, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of landing a scholarship to play soccer at the college of your choice.

First, it is important to be in a daily training environment where you’re getting pushed by good coaching and other good players. Players often overlook that and try and go to where everything is about exposure, exposure, exposure, when really it should be about training, training, training.

You do need to attend ID camps and to make sure you’re on a team that can get you seen by college coaches, but you don’t have to play in all the different leagues that are all about exposure. While it is important to go to a few events a year, the biggest thing you can do is be in a program that’s convenient for you, where your coach is knowledgeable, and where you’re being pushed. If you’re in that environment you can play anywhere.

If you’re a player who works hard in a club where you’re being pushed with coaches that you respect, and in an environment that you enjoy and are having fun, then you can go to a college ID camp and get noticed.

It’s more about what are you doing every day to make yourself better as opposed to “do I get to go to Arizona for a tournament?”

When it comes to actually settling on a college, one mistake I believe a lot of young people make is not casting a wide enough net. They’re too selective and they’re too judgmental about a program without ever giving it any serious consideration. Drive over there. Meet the coach.

Walk around the campus. Check it out. You’re not too good for that school. Everybody thinks they’re too good for this school or that school, but they’re not too good for it. If you’re too good for it, you’ll be the best player on the team as a freshman.

So many people dismiss small colleges because they’re not Division I or they’re not UCLA. I think kids need to humble themselves

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

14

and look at all the different options out there because you could be happy at a variety of places. I played at Division II University of Tampa, and it was definitely four of the best years of my life, playing college soccer at an unknown school that had just started a program that got better and better. During my senior year, we finally made the NCAA tournament, lost in the first round, and the very next year they won a national championship. I wasn’t too good for the University of Tampa.

It worked out just fine for me.

Conversely, don’t feel pressured to attend a Division I school that is interested in you if your heart is somewhere else. What we see a lot of times, especially among our girls, is a player being courted by Division I programs but she doesn’t want to play Division I college soccer. She might have a 32 ACT, a 4.3 GPA, and she wants to play at a Division III school, which may have very good academics and very good athletics.

Many of our kids put academics ahead of the soccer, and that’s not a terrible idea. We’ve only had three or four people go on and play professional soccer from our club, so the idea that you’re going to get a real job after college is probably a realistic plan.

Rocky Harmon is the Executive Director of the Vestavia Hill Soccer Club. He can be reached at rocky@vestaviasoccer.com.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules Interpretation, Small-Sided Games, Parent Conduct, and Referee Advice

BECOMING A SOCCER REFEREE Being a soccer referee can be a rewarding experience, but it takes hard work, dedication, and maturity to do the job right. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Pat Miller

State Referee Administrator (SRA)

IF YOU’RE A SOCCER FAN AND/OR PLAYER AND also looking for a fun, active part-time job, becoming a soccer referee might be the perfect gig for you. You get to spend weekends outdoors, get a workout running up and down the soccer pitch, and ensure a safe and fair contest for the players involved. Still, there can be some negatives, such as bad weather and a difficult parent from time to time. Still, being a referee can be a fun and rewarding experience. Think you’re ready to give it a shot? If so, then here are some things you need to know.

To become a referee in the state of Alabama, you must successfully complete an Initial Entry Referee Clinic, register and be at least 14 years old to be assigned to games. You can attend an initial entry clinic as long as you turn 14 by Feb 1 of the registration year. For example, if you are 13 and wanting to attend a clinic on August 8, 2015, but you will only turn 14 on Jan 16, 2016, you can attend the clinic and register but you will only be approved to referee on or after your 14th birthday.

Clinics are held throughout the year starting from August 1 of the current year and continuing until March 31 of the following year. The Grade 8 Initial Entry Course has two parts, some training done online and the rest spent in a classroom. Go to www.alasoccerref. com/becomeref to get additional information on how to become a referee.

Once you pass the course, obtain your license and start working games, remember, professionalism is the key to earning respect and moving up the ladder. Demonstrating professional behavior will earn you respect from players, spectators, media, and fellow officials. Unprofessional behavior will result in loss of respect for you and for other referees.

On the field, regardless of whether you are refereeing a U8 game or an MLS game, you should always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Off the field, your demeanor, locally or when traveling out-of-state, should be impeccable as well. Remember, you are representing the state of Alabama when you referee a match, whether in Alabama or outof-state, and will be judged by your off-the-field demeanor as well as how you perform on the field. Still interested? Check out the referee code of ethics below: • • • • • • • • • • • •

LEARN MORE

I will always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position I will always honor an assignment or any other contractual obligation I will attend training meetings and clinics so as to know the Laws of the Game, their proper interpretation and their application I will always strive to achieve maximum team work with my fellow officials I will be loyal to my fellow officials and never knowingly promote criticism of them I will be in good physical condition I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing fairness I will do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work I will not make statements about any games except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game I will not discriminate against nor take undue advantage of any individual group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin I consider it a privilege to be a part of the U.S. Soccer Federation and my actions will reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates

To learn more about becoming a soccer referee in Alabama, go online to www.alasoccerref.com.

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UPDATE Soccer Developments Throughout Alabama

Stay up-to-date with soccer happenings at all levels, from the Alabama Olympic Development Program (ODP) to youth and adult leagues around the state of Alabama.

Olympic Development Program (ODP) ODP Sets New Records During the final weeks of June and July, Alabama becomes the center for the Southeast’s elite youth soccer world as 12 different state associations descend on Alabama for ODP Region Trials. The University of Montevallo hosted the girl’s event, while the University of Alabama hosted the boys. Alabama sent nearly 300 players to camp between the birth-years of 1999-2004. In total, Alabama contributed 17 teams to the Region III trials this year. All Alabama teams had full rosters and even contributed to teams they played against in order to help them fill their rosters for matches. Second teams were formed in numerous age groups and Alabama was one of the few states capable of bringing a 2004 boys group to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama ODP has focused on educating and developing players according to the Region III and U.S. Soccer playing style. In ODP, we and players, great strides have been made in the past three seasons focus on the 1-4-3-3 system and teach possession soccer. Due to this for Alabama ODP. For the second year in a row, even our second-team adherence to the curriculum and focused effort from both the staff players are attracting the attention of the region staff coaches.

BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN HOME SOCCER SCHEDULES

MEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Huntingdon vs. BSC September 1, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Huntingdon vs. BSC September 1, 2016 at 5:00 PM

Franklin vs. BSC September 4, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Piedmont vs. BSC September 6, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Louisiana Col. vs. BSC September 5, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Covenant vs. BSC September 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Hendrix vs. BSC September 24, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Emory vs. BSC September 16, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Covenant vs. BSC September 27, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Hendrix vs. BSC September 24, 2016 at 12:00 PM

Emory vs. BSC October 4, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Oglethorpe vs. BSC October 14, 2016 at 5:00 PM

Oglethorpe vs. BSC October 14, 2016 at 7:30 PM

Berry vs. BSC October 16, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Berry vs. BSC October 16, 2016 at 12:00 PM

Millsaps vs. BSC October 22, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Millsaps vs. BSC October 22, 2016 at 4:00 PM

BIRMINGHAMSOUTHERN 16

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www.bscsports.net

BOYS SELECTIONS ’99 Boys: Colin Armstrong, Devin Benton, Liam Condone, Michael Green, Tomas Judd Parker, Wessam Toutanji ’00 Boys: Mason Hemstreet, Clay Holstad, David Rice, Christopher Richards, Joseph Sullivan, Selim Tunagur, David Wrona ’01 Boys: Ian Krajna ’02 Boys: Issac Franklin, Patrick Guffey, Erasmo Herrera, Marshall McCraney, Jeremiah Scott, Anthony Shaw, Ethan Souphanthong, Kenneth Toledo, Kyle Toutanji, Jackson Wrobel GIRLS SELECTIONS ’99 Girls: McKenzie Nowin, Brittney Rankins, Katie Thomas ’00 Girls: Madison Martin, Elizabeth McClellan, Julia Pack, Hailey Whitaker, Abigail Jacobs, Kileigh Whited ’01 Girls: Hallie Meadows, Haley Shea Greene, Tara Katz, Hannah Guthrie ’03 Girls: Haley Duca

limited in practice to 30 minutes per week and guidelines either limit or completely eliminate no more than 20 headers per player, per week. heading during practice and games based on • Players 10 years old playing up in an older age. The guidelines include the following: age group should still not be heading the • Players 10 years old and younger are ball at all in practice or games. prohibited from heading in practice and in games. In addition, since U11 competition • Regarding substitutions, any player suspected of suffering a head injury may may have players 11 years old, those be substituted for evaluation without the players are prohibited from heading in substitution counting against the team’s practice and games as well. total number of allowed substitutions • For players 11-13 years old, heading will be during the game. allowed in games; however, heading should be

For more details on the U.S. Soccer Federation’s heading guidelines, go to www.ussoccer.com.

Birmingham Premier League (Adult Soccer)

Maccabi Wins BPL 7v7 League Summer Season Maccabi has won the Birmingham Premier League 7v7 crown defeating Lou’s Pub 5-1 in the final game of the 2016 season. The win capped off an 8-1-2 season for Maccabi, as they nudged ahead of EBSCO on goal differential for the champion’s spot.

The BPL is now entering its second season as an ASA-sanctioned league, launched by local Birmingham adult amateur soccer players, and offers year-round 7v7 and full eleven-a-side divisions.

For more information about BPL or entering a team, contact Don Ruttenberg (don@soccerpeace.com) or visit bpl.soccer

TROY

TROJANS

For more details, go to www.alsoccer.org/odp

2016 SOCCER SCHEDULE

U.S. Soccer Federation

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

14 vs Alabama (Exh.)# 19 @Gardner Webb 21 @Samford

Heading a Thing of the Past?

TROY TOURNAMENT 26 BELMONT 28 JACKSONVILLE ST

U.S. Soccer Federation Releases Concussion Initiative, Mandatory Heading Guidelines In an effort to prevent concussions among younger athletes, the U.S. Soccer Federation recently released a statement outlining regulations regarding heading as part of its comprehensive concussion initiative. The

30 ALABAMA STATE

2 4 9 11 16 18 25 30

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OCTOBER

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@Georgia Southern* @South Alabama * COASTAL CAROLINA* TEXAS STATE* @ULM * @Little Rock*

* Sun Belt Match #Gulf Shores, Ala.

TroyTrojans.com @TroyTrojansWSOC

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Alabama native Chandler Hoffman celebrates after scoring a goal for his USL team Louisville City FC. Photo Credit: Louisville City FC.

Chandler Hoffman putting Alabama on the soccer map

By Loyd McIntosh

Alabama native Chandler Hoffman has been turning heads and opening eyes since he was in grade school. Now he’s putting Alabama on the soccer map one goal at a time.

Alabama’s soccer community has heard for decades how far behind the rest of the country we are in developing soccer talent. Of course, there is some truth to that. After all, when 100,000 people will show up for a glorified college football scrimmage each spring, it can be hard for the other kind of football to break through. There has been progress, though. One only needs to look at the success of collegiate programs like UAB and Spring Hill, the number of players from Alabama signing

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scholarships at elite universities, and the raucous fan support for men’s and women’s national team games as examples. Still, Alabama isn’t yet known for developing players into elite soccer professionals. However, Birmingham native Chandler Hoffman hopes to change that perception for good.

A product of Oak Mountain High School, Hoffman has gone where no native Alabama soccer player has gone before. Now lighting up

Hoffman in action during a USL Louisville City FC match. Photo Credit: Louisville City FC.

Hoffman handling the ball for the Los Angeles Galaxy

scoreboards with Louisville City of the United Soccer League (USL), Hoffman has set records at UCLA, played alongside legends like Landon Donavan and David Beckham, held down roster spots with four Major League Soccer squads, and even played against top international professional soccer clubs like Manchester United, AC Milan, and Juventus. A hard worker with a knack for finding the back of the net, Hoffman says he believes the Heart of Dixie is poised to be a new hotbed of soccer talent on a national level. “I think I’ve definitely opened some eyes and opened some doors for people,” says Hoffman, via phone shortly before a U.S. Open Cup match with the Indy 11, a North American Soccer League (NASL) squad.

For his part, Hoffman realizes the experiences he’s had as a kid from Alabama are anything but normal. While on breaks from his professional career, Hoffman comes home to coach camps throughout the state, encouraging kids to imagine the possibilities and to think big. “I try to get the kids to see that it is possible and that they can think ‘someone’s done it from exactly where I am,’” he says. “I try to get them the extra belief and motivation that it is possible.”

Hoffman’s journey began in the late 1990s with his family in north Shelby County. Like many boys his age, Hoffman played a variety of sports, including baseball and football for a short time, but it was soccer that caught his attention at an early age. As he grew older, Hoffman excelled on his club teams displaying his natural talent for scoring goals. By the time he entered junior high, he had some inkling that he would like to play soccer on the college level. However, Hoffman fell in love with southern California after his club team played in a tournament at

Hoffman celebrates another goal with Louisville City FC. Photo Credit: Louisville City FC.

Hoffman celebrates winning the MLS Championship with Gyasi Zardes.

Hoffman goes for goal during his college days at UCLA Photo Credit: Daily Bruin

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the StubHub Center, home of the MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy. At that moment, Hoffman made up his mind — he was going to play college ball at UCLA. “A lot of coaches said ‘you need to set more realistic goals. You know, nobody from Alabama has ever played soccer at UCLA,’” Hoffman says. He soon realized that getting noticed by coaches at elite programs like UCLA was an uphill battle for an Alabamian, despite his success on the field. His letters to coaches received routine responses asking him to attend summer camps, and standard “we’re not terribly interested” replies. Realizing he was up against a wall, Hoffman decided he had to get actual eyeballs on him in action. “I was pretty determined and I’ve always liked to defy the odds a little bit, so I started thinking of ways I could get seen.”

While playing for Oak Mountain High School, Hoffman discovered that a teammate’s mother was capturing video of each game. Hoffman obtained copies of the files and put together his own highlight reel, posting it to YouTube and then sending it out in emails to coaches and recruiters. Within weeks, he was fielding requests from elite coaches from around the country wanting to see him play in an upcoming tournament in Illinois.

During the first game, close to 40 coaches lined the field to get a look. Hoffman scored a hat trick. Game number two saw the number of coaches increase to close to 80. Again, Hoffman scored a hat trick. By his final game, over 120 coaches watched Hoffman score two more goals. Life changed for the teenager immediately. “After that weekend, it was pretty much any school I wanted to go to with full scholarships to a lot of them,” Hoffman says. “It was pretty wild.”

Hoffman earned a scholarship to UCLA, breaking records and turning heads during his three years with the Bruins. His first days on campus were a little intimidating, however. Despite being heavily recruited in high school, Hoffman had little name recognition with the other players and recruits at UCLA, many of whom had spent time competing with National Youth Team and other elite squads. “The first couple of weeks at UCLA were a culture shock from how things were in Alabama to how they are in Los Angeles, California,” Hoffman says.

“So it took a little time to get used to it.”

Hoffman began his freshman year just happy to make the travel roster for the Bruins’ first game of the season.

Entering UCLA’s first home game as a substitute, Hoffman scored two goals inside of 12 minutes, earning a spot as a starter the rest of the season. After his freshman year, Hoffman earned the opportunity to train with the LA Galaxy, an experience that was almost too good to be true. “One minute I’m just getting acclimated to training at UCLA, the next minute I’m playing with David Beckham and Landon Donavan and Cobi Jones,” Hoffman says. “It was crazy.”

Things didn’t always go Hoffman’s way, however. He fractured his fibula during the first day of preseason training for his sophomore season in 2010, putting his plans to go pro following the season on hold. Hoffman bounced back in a big way in 2011, scoring 18 goals, setting and tying records held by such greats as Cobi Jones and Joe-Max Moore. Hoffman did turn pro after his junior year, signing a Generation Adidas contract with the Philadelphia Union, eventually being traded to the Galaxy. Since then, Hoffman has seen time with the Houston Dynamo, as well as several USL teams, including the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and his current club, Louisville City.

Although not currently in the MLS, Hoffman is having a terrific year in Louisville — he has six goals at the time of this writing — at a time when soccer is experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity. Louisville City currently averages 8,000 per game and all USL games are streamed live on YouTube. It’s a great time to be a professional soccer player, especially one from humble beginnings in Birmingham, Alabama. “I always wanted to see the world and travel and see where soccer can take me,” he says. “It’s been a pretty cool journey.”

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Chandler Hoffman poses for a photo in his BUSA gear.

Hoffman with Los Angeles Galaxy and US Men’s National Team legend Kobi Jones.

Hoffman dribbles away from a defender during a Vestavia Jets club match.

Hoffman displays his ‘91 Jets Championship medal in front of the family truckster.

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Its Hammer Time!

Members of the Magic City Brigade make some noise prior to the conference opener with Chattanooga FC. Photo Credit: Loyd McIntosh

LONG-AWAITED SEMI-PRO SOCCER CLUB LAUNCHES IN THE ‘HAM One need only take a drive around Birmingham to understand the city is smack in the middle of a serious renewal. Everything from funky new restaurants, public parks, bike paths, and baseball stadiums are springing up like dandelions in the front yard. Fortunately for Birmingham, a group of young, energetic, civic-minded, and possibly insane, soccer fans has put their passion to work bringing a high-level soccer team to the Magic City — the Birmingham Hammers.

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As the newest members of the National Premiere Soccer League (NPSL), a semi-pro league with more than 80 teams all across the country, the Birmingham Hammers recently wrapped up their first official season, drawing fans of all ages, while making a case for Birmingham as a real-deal, soccer-passionate city. For the team’s founders, getting to this point hardly seems real. “Three years ago we were talking about getting started and working with a couple of local designers on branding and now we’re in the league,” said John Killian, vice-president, and co-founder of the Birmingham Hammers. One of five young professionals who share a passion for soccer and the city, Killian said the timing couldn’t be better for soccer to finally take hold in Birmingham.

“I tend to think that the growth is maybe more representative of an overall interest in a renewed civic pride in Birmingham. Also, the sport has grown so much in the past decade,” Killian explained, citing the success of the Women’s National team and interest in the Men’s National team, both of which has played matches in Birmingham in the past. “I think those two factors really sort of hit at the right time.”

On Saturday, May 14, the Hammers hosted Chattanooga FC in Birmingham’s first-ever home division match at the SHAC. One of the better NPSL teams in the country, Chattanooga FC has been to the league championship three years in a row and averages well over 5,000 fans per game. In 2015, Chattanooga hosted the NPSL title game drawing 18,000 fans, the largest crowd to see an amateur soccer game in the U.S. In other words, the Hammers were facing some serious competition.

In the end, Chattanooga FC defeated Birmingham 1-0 in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 2,000 soccer fans, many of them wearing Hammers gear — T-shirts, jerseys, and scarves — all decked out in the official colors of white, gold, and red. At the far end of the bleachers, a boisterous group of fans banged drums and played instruments while trading chants and songs with Chattanooga’s fan section on the other end of the sideline. The Hammers played valiantly, allowing the only goal midway through the first half on a header from a set piece. The rest of

Defender Kevin Francis goes up for the header against the Chattanooga FC attacker.

Photo Credit: Len Louis

Assistant Coach Zac Crawford with Head Coach Joel Person

Hammers fans enjoying some pre-game action

Captain Alex Brown (5) leads the Hammers out for the pre-game walkout for the first ever NPSL match versus defending National Runners-Up Chattanooga FC. Photo Credit: Len Louis

the game was fast, intense, and physical, with tons of back-and-forth action.

Despite the loss, there was plenty to be happy about, says Evon Noyes, another co-founder of the Birmingham Hammers. “I’m happy about it,” Noyes said. “Chattanooga is a very well-attended and well-funded organization, that is well-oiled with great players. Obviously, we wanted to win, but taking a one-nil loss to them is not something to brush off.”

Watching the game, one could sense a rivalry in the making. The tension on the field was matched only by the action in the stands. Chattanooga’s fan base not only supports their team at home but on the road as well.

At least two charter buses brought fans from the River City for the game, many of whom tailgated for several hours prior to kickoff. Others dragged drums and other instruments 90 minutes down I-59 as well, creating a contingency of fans almost twice as large as the home team fan base in attendance. The spectacle gave many local fans a glimpse of what is possible. “This is a great, huge success. I mean you saw the crowd tonight, probably around 2,000 or around there,” said Forrest Collins, founder and president of Magic City Brigade, the Hammers’ unofficial fan club. “It’s the atmosphere and the passion that I love the most.” “(Chattanooga) started right where we are right now, so there’s no reason why one day we can’t get to that level,” added Hammers Head Coach Joel Person. A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Person played college soccer at the University of Mobile and has held down several coaching posts throughout the Southeast over the last decade. Also serving as the director of coaching for the Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club, Person believes the Hammers will have an important role to play in promoting the sport throughout the state.

“Everyone I’ve talked to is so happy that we’re doing this whether it’s other coaches, parents, or players,” Person said. “They are just real excited about what we’re doing and it’s a real honor to be a part of it.”

For many of the players, the chance to play for Hammers is a rewarding experience. The NPSL is A Hammers fan shows off his self-made shirt as part of the officially an amateur league, supporters group, the Birmingham Brigade THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SOCCER IN ALABAMA

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Birmingham Hammers midfielder Deandre Robinson holds off a Chattanooga defender during the first half of the conference opener.

Photo Credit: Len Louis

BIRMINGHAM HAMMERS 2016 ROSTER AJ Adcock Devin Benton Jack Ball Gerard Babero Alex Brown Karl Chester Liam Condone Diego Da Silva Rami Dajani Callum Donnelly Srdjan Dujkovic John Evans Kevin Francis Norris Howze Hunter Holstad Eduvie Ikoba ​Andrew Ingram Soham Kathuria Anthony King Stephen Kosmala

Paul Ledsham Bradley Louis ​Gael Mabialas Edmond Michael James Nanje Julio Noel Pachinno Roberts Deandre Robinson Jordan Sinclair Harrison Smith Jon Michael Stern Andrew Tortorich David Valverde ​William White Watterson Young

which means the vast majority of the players come from the college ranks and are looking to find a club team in order to keep in shape in the offseason. Being on the Hammers, however, means having the opportunity to establish something new. “It’s a massive step to building toward getting a professional club in the state of Alabama. It’s the next step,” said Bradley Louis, the Hammers’ starting goalkeeper and a standout at the University of West Alabama. Louis is a junior at UWA, a program that was only established four years ago. Now accustomed to being on the ground floor of a new soccer program, Louis relishes this opportunity to leave a legacy and, hopefully, build a case for an eventual professional team in Birmingham. “I definitely think it’s possible,” Louis said. “The sport’s building and I think the Hammers being in Birmingham is only going to help bring youth players through and make the sport more popular. I think that’s what is needed. It’s not necessarily financial backing or sponsors or that kind of thing. It needs to be popular with the youth.”

If one word could sum up what the Birmingham Hammers are doing for the local soccer community it would have to be “optimism.” As far as almost all in attendance, Birmingham is ready to become the next great soccer town. “I think the sky’s the limit,” said Killian.

“It used to be the wisdom of the times that Birmingham is an event city and that we’ll show up for big events, but it’s not a city for sustained crowds or support, which I think is blatantly untrue,” he added. “I think the Barons have shown that. As soon as they set a new attendance record, they break it. We are in a different city than we were 10 years ago.”

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FOCUS The World of Top-Flight Soccer Up-Close

Up to date news and information regarding top-flight soccer at all levels — from the USL and NASL development leagues to Major League Soccer and top global leagues.

WAYNE ROONEY COMING TO AMERICA? In what may be the hottest rumor in American pro soccer, recent media reports out of the United Kingdom are stating Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney could be on his way to a Major League Soccer roster. In an August 19 story in the U.K. Mirror, several MLS bosses went on record saying they have more than a passing interest in the 30-year-old superstar, especially the reigning MLS champs, the Portland Timbers.

The article quoted Merritt Paulson, owner of the Timbers, who said the league as a whole are ready to throw “big dollars” at Rooney should he decide to leave the Barclays’ Premier League in the near future. MLS franchises will have their work cut out for them, however, with the market for Rooney’s services around the globe super competitive. Last March, Shanghai SIPG of the China Super League offered Rooney a brain-exploding three-year deal worth nine

figures after tax. Rooney struggled to hold on to his starting spot with Manchester United, missing several games toward the end of the 2015-16 Premier League season due to a knee injury. Still, Rooney is an exciting player and a prolific goal scorer with a name recognized in soccer circles the world over, and luring him away from Jolly Ol’ England would be a major coup. Attracting him to America could help build on the success the league has enjoyed since David Beckham, another Manchester United alum, bolted for sunny Los Angeles a decade ago. While Rooney is on the downside of his career, Paulson believes a 30-plus Rooney would still be a major shot in the arm for the MLS. “I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him,” says Paulson. “I think he would be a great signing for MLS — 100 percent MLS would be attractive for him.”

At the time of this writing, Rooney has appeared in three games for Manchester United, with one goal and two assists. For his career at United, Rooney has scored 246 goals in 524 games.

YOUTH CLUBS TAKE MLS TO COURT In an effort by American youth clubs to gain compensation for players succeeding in professional leagues — a commonplace in other nations — the Dallas Texans, Crossfire Premier, of Washington, and Sockers FC of Illinois, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the MLS Player Union (MLSPU), and Clint Dempsey, DeAndre Yedlin, and Michael Bradley, successful players who were developed by these three youth club, respectively.

The three clubs charge that the MLSPU is threatening to interfere with negotiations with U.S. Soccer and the MLS to establish a training compensation system in America. The complaint, filed in federal court in Texas states: “This action arises from the threat by the MLSPU on behalf of, and along with the individual Defendants, to bring an antitrust suit against the U.S. Youth Clubs for attempting to obtain solidarity fees and training compensation from professional soccer clubs arising from international player transactions in accordance with the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (“RSTP”) of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”) (Ex. A).”

The three clubs are seeking judgments that would allow any U.S. youth club to collect fees for the international transfer of American players — mandated under article 21 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players — as well as arrange a domestic compensation system with the U.S. Soccer Federation and American professional leagues, including MLS. “It is unfortunate and sad that these supposedly non-profit organizations have chosen to sue us,” said Dan Kennedy, a member of the Players Union’s Executive Board in a statement released on

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the MLSPU website, mlsplayers.org. “The Players Union is the players’ organization, and this lawsuit is frivolous and untimely.”

“The FIFA system that these clubs are seeking to exploit would be immensely damaging to the development of soccer in the United States,” said Bob Foose, executive director of the MLS Players Union. “By filing this lawsuit against all players even before FIFA or U.S. Soccer has acted, these youth clubs have revealed their true colors. Their focus appears not to be on the development of players, but instead on ensuring themselves a piece of the action when a player makes it professionally. Parents should take notice. We will aggressively defend ourselves, our members and all players against this baseless suit.”

According to the complaint, the three clubs believe they are owed compensation from the international transfer of several players, specifically Dempsey, Yeldin, and Bradley. Dempsey, an MSL star with the Seattle Sounders, previously spent time with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premiere League; Yeldin has played for Tottenham and Sunderland; and Bradley has played for SC Heerenveen in Denmark, Borussia Mönchengladbach of the German Bundesliga, and Chievo and Roma of Serie A in Italy before signing with Toronto FC of MLS. The clubs involved released a statement regarding the lawsuit against their former players. “The U.S. Youth Clubs had to name the players, Dempsey, Yedlin and Bradley, as well as the defendant class of players, solely for a legal reason to maintain the Complaint. Our clubs have no desire to, in essence, sue their own kids and don’t really believe the players are needed here to resolve this, but the law is what it is. The U.S. Youth Clubs have asked the MLSPU to stipulate that the players are not needed to maintain this action and if they agree, the U.S. Youth Clubs will immediately drop the players.”

Photo Credit: Brent Flanders

Photo Credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock.com

However, in an early July report on ESPNFC.com, Foose said the training compensation and solidarity payments would create “a significant anti-trust risk for the federation,” as well as claiming they would make it difficult for players to land opportunities with clubs overseas, calling the payments “a tax” on their transfer. Conversely, the clubs believe they are simply entitled to the same consideration other youth clubs around the globe are afforded as stated in Article 21 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players which states “If a professional is transferred before the expiry of his contract, any club that has contributed to his education and training shall receive a proportion of the compensation paid to his former club (solidarity contribution).”

“The training compensation and solidarity fees sought here by U.S. Youth Clubs is paying for past fee scholarships to create more fee

Photo Credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock.com

scholarships, and lower fees for existing soccer players. Everyone in U.S. Soccer but MLSPU views adherence to the FIFA RSTP (Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players) as a method to bring revenue into the U.S. youth soccer system, both amateur and professional, to open up soccer to all potential players from all economic backgrounds,” reads a statement issued by the three youth clubs. “The U.S. Youth Clubs do not believe that these rules violate U.S. antitrust laws. The MLSPU simply disagrees with this specific rule of the FIFA RSTP and policies behind it, and holds its antitrust sword over the heads of anyone who would seek to enforce the international FIFA RSTP or implement some form of it within the U.S. The MLSPU position here is isolationist, regressive and limits the progress of U.S. soccer for both women and men.”

ns

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205.383.7441

COACH LISA HARRELL

BUILD CONFIDENCE, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUE WITH SESSIONS TAILORED TO THE NEEDS AND Under sta Positio nd Your GOALS OF THE INDIVIDUAL PLAYER n & Th R e ole Yo u Pla The Fie y on ld

• 18+ years of coaching experience throughout the Southeast

GROUP SESSIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Former Div I collegiate soccer player • Former North Carolina Jr. Olympic Development player

DRIBBLING: Fast Break Aways & Maneuvering Skills Around Opponents

BALL HANDLING: Volleys, Turning, Trapping, First Touch, Balance & Coordination

• Trained by US Team members Mia Hamm and Carla Overbeck.

Shooting & Finishing Techniques

Training Circuits

Corner Kicks & 1 V 1 Defense

Strategic Positioning

“The game of soccer can impact a child’s life by giving them the life skills and confidence in pursuing their dreams” - L. Harrell

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www.cranksoccer.com info@cranksoccer.com 1121 Morgan Park Road • Pelham, Al 35124

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NORTH DISTRICT

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Huntsville Futbol Club

IN NORTH ALABAMA, SOCCER IS GROWING, AND PLAYERS ARE DEVELOPING at unprecedented levels thanks to the work of the Huntsville Futbol Club. The club’s current level of success is largely due to the vision and dedication of the club’s leadership and parents, all of whom have embraced new concepts and ideas and, in the process, have created one of the most forward-thinking clubs in the northern part of the state.

The club’s leadership launched a pool system three years ago among the younger age groups, moving away from the old method of team creation based on skill level. While there was some resistance from a few parents at first, the plan has already provided results, including three girls state championships — two U11 and one U10. “Those pools at the younger levels are up to 40 and 50 players deep whereas before this plan we put in place they may have been 16 or 17 players deep,” explained Marty Clark, executive director for the Huntsville Futbol Club. “The real future of the club is very strong because of these pools we’ve created through parity teams and concepts based around player development, not team development.”

Huntsville also has a comprehensive college preparation program, equipping talented players with the skills necessary to successfully navigate the recruitment process. The club also has a relationship with Stoke City of the English Premiere League, which provides coaching support as well as giving qualifying kids the opportunity of a lifetime to train with youth academy in England in the spring.

The Huntsville Soccer Club is also putting an emphasis on coach development. They are currently one of the only clubs in the state that provides 100 percent reimbursement for all coaching education expenses — licensing fees, travel, lodging, food, and course work. Clark says the club’s commitment to developing great coaches sets them apart from other clubs in the area. “You can never have enough quality coaches for one, and the time it takes to really develop a quality coach is about five years in my estimation,” Clark said. “For north Alabama, we absolutely have the most robust and talented staff in our history, and our success backs that statement up.”

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MARTY CLARK

Executive Director USSF “C” License Brazilian “C” License NSCAA Advanced National Diploma TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED: Recreational | Competitive | ECNL ADDRESS 3322 South Memorial Parkway Suite 609 Huntsville, AL 35801 PHONE: 256.489.2849 WEBSITE: huntsvillefc.org

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Birmingham United Soccer Association

PERHAPS NO OTHER SOCCER CLUB IN THE STATE HAS EXPERIENCED AS MUCH growth in recent years as Birmingham United. By the time the spring season ends in June 2017, more than 6,000 kids will have played soccer for BUSA, three times more than the club registered just three years ago. During that time, the club has grown from 30 competitive teams to more than 70 this fall. Andrew Brower, executive director of BUSA, said with that kind of unprecedented growth, it was important to have a plan in place to ensure the quality of the soccer programs for everyone wearing BUSA colors. “I think one of the things we’re really excited about is to be able to now have a holistic program from top to bottom that covers soccer from the ages of 3 all the way to our semi-pro WPSL women’s team for kids that are playing in college and beyond,” said Brower.

In order to ensure all players receive as much personal attention as possible, BUSA hired several new directors in the fall of 2015 who Brower says has “really helped improve the level of soccer leadership in Alabama.” Children in BUSA’s recreation program receive specialized instruction, and the club’s Wednesday night program ensures each team is seen and trained by a director throughout the fall and spring.

The club also provides additional specialized goal-keeping, and scoring and finishing instruction. These programs, Brower believes, helps bring coaches and players closer despite the club’s size.

The glue that holds it all together, according to Brower, is the coaching staff, which, he says, is the best in Birmingham. “I think the thing that separates us from other people is we have really good coaches, and they really understand and know the game, but they’re better people. I think their character is exceptional, and I think they’re really responsible for a lot of the growth or our organization,” said Brower.

“They’re the lifeblood of the organization.”

BUSA is also well-known for preparing players for the next level, whether that means obtaining a college scholarship or exploring options in professional soccer.

For instance in 2016, BUSA had 28 seniors go on to play college soccer. The club has also placed players in professional academies, including Tanner Tessman, a 16-year-old now living in residency and playing with the FC Dallas Academy Team, and Carter Emack with the Philadelphia Union.

ANDREW BROWER Executive Director

USSF “A” License NSCAA Advanced National Diploma USYS “Y” License NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I and Level II KNVB Dutch License US Soccer National Training Center Staff -Atlanta Market ASA Coaching Education Staff TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED: Recreational | Competitive | Intramural ECNL | WPSL Soccer ADDRESS 3576 East Street Birmingham, AL 35243 PHONE: 205.977.9038 WEBSITE: birminghamunited.com

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SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Capital City Streaks

MONTGOMERY’S TOP CLUB PROGRAM HAS EXPERIENCED UNPRECEDENTED growth and success over the last few years. Under the direction of Soccer Director Manny Sanchez, the Montgomery YMCA Capital City Streaks has grown to close to 350 competitive players on 29 teams, the largest in history and more than three times the number of kids since the fall of 2011 when the program only had 107 players on club rosters. There are also over 400 recreational players playing in the club. The growth in numbers has also helped Capital City Streaks reach a new level of respectability between the lines. “We’re excited about the explosion of numbers of players, and we’re having success not only in the growth of numbers but also on the field,” said Sanchez.

For instance, in the fall of 2015, the Streaks U18 Girls squad captured the Alabama Division I Championship, advanced to regionals, and won the 2015 Atlanta Cup. During their run, the U18 girls won 21 straight games before losing to the Tennessee state champs in the second game of the Regional tournament in Little Rock, Arkansas. Other successful teams include the U12 Boys and U10 Girls teams who each won State Cup championships last spring.

Sanchez, one of only 11 A-licensed coaches in the state, says the Capital City Streaks is blessed to have several highly qualified and long-serving coaches leading the club’s young people. Coaches Scott Brandhuber and Charlie Brightwell have close to 20 years of experience coaching with the Capital City Streaks, while Ryan Strong, who also coaches at Prattville High School, has been coaching with the Streaks for close to 12 years. All coaches are licensed under the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) or National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA).

However, what Sanchez says truly sets the Capital City Streaks apart from other clubs are the facilities. “I think we have one of the best facilities without a doubt in the Southeast,” said Sanchez. This may not be a matter of opinion, either. The Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex boasts 10 full-size fields, an indoor arena, and two championship soccer stadiums, each capable of seating up to 4,000 spectators.

The recently renovated complex has hosted the State Cup final four for the last three years and the Men’s NAIA National Championship in 2012 and 2013. “Our kids love playing in the stadium,” said Sanchez. “Nobody, in reality, is in the same position we are when it comes to facilities.”

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MANNY SANCHEZ

Vice President/Director of Coaching USSF “A” License • UEFA “A” Intro NSCAA Premier Diploma USSF National Youth License “NYL” NSCAA Goal Keeper Level I and II NSCAA National Youth Diploma TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED: Recreational | Competitive | Adult ADDRESS 300 Brown Springs Road Montgomery, AL 36117 PHONE: 334.396.9754 WEBSITE: capitalcitystreaks.org

SOUTH DISTRICT

Daphne Strike Soccer Club

IF THERE IS ONE WORD THAT MIGHT BEST DESCRIBE DAPHNE SOCCER CLUB, it’s cooperation. Realizing that there is indeed strength in numbers, Daphne Strike and the neighboring Fairhope Soccer Club forged a partnership in the fall of 2015 to help develop and retain players as they head into their teen years. The agreement resulted in the Gulf Coast Rangers Soccer Club, a competitive program for youth ages 13-19 along the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. Daphne Strike Director for Coaching Gerardo Flores said the idea behind the Gulf Coat Rangers is to pool resources and to be able to provide a quality soccer experience for kids who want to continue their soccer careers at an age when many kids begin to develop interests in addition to, or instead of, soccer. “It’s no so much numbers, to be honest, but the retention of players that is the key for us,” said Flores. “The idea is to keep our current players and to have a place for those interested players to play.”

Flores says the goal of the Daphne Strike Soccer Club is to develop an interest in soccer among younger kids, making them more of a fan rather than a cutthroat competitor, and feed them into the Gulf Coast Rangers Program.

While the sport is growing in the region, Flores says the population isn’t large enough to replace players who get burned out by the time they reach junior high, a problem in which he says many soccer coaches and clubs are guilty. “I think we’re at fault a little bit as clubs because if we don’t provide the right message, we end up losing players at those ages when there is another interest, socially, athletically, or they want to shift to academics,” Flores said. “I feel we don’t make it seem as though they can do all those things. We almost force them, and we end up pushing them away.”

Once kids enter the Rangers competitive club, Flores said he believes the Gulf Coast Rangers are on par with many clubs in larger communities, placing an emphasis on quality coaching and skill development. Last year, for instance, the club established a connection with the Glasgow Rangers of the Scottish Premiere League and has positive relationship with all the men’s and women’s college programs in the area at the University of South Alabama, University of Mobile, and Spring Hill College.

GERARDO FLORES Director of Coaching

USSF “B” License USSF National Youth License “NYL” NSCAA DOC Diploma NSCAA National Youth Diploma TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED: Recreational | Competitive | Adult ADDRESS Al Trione Sports Complex 8600 Whispering Pines Rd Daphne, AL 36526 PHONE: 251.591.5180 WEBSITE: daphnestrikesoccer.com

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT

’06 BOYS

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The Huntsville Futbol Club had a lot of success in tournaments and in the state league in 2015 and 2016, and the ’06 Boys squad was one of the most successful teams at HFC during the season. In the fall, the ’06 Boys claimed the U10 First Division Championship. The team went undefeated in group play to advance to the championship game, a game that would prove to be the highlight of the year. In the championship game, the ’06 Boys earned their first-ever victory over their primary rival in north Alabama, the Rocket City United, 3-2 to bring home the state title.

The team’s success wouldn’t be possible without the involvement of the parents. They have all trusted in the club’s vision and the new pool process and have seen the improvement. Their support is an important part of the success of the ’06 Boys squad.

LEFT TO RIGHT

Tyler Taylor, Tyler DeOrio, Tyler Greges, Philip Walker, Evan Shields, Alex Austin, Cameron Bell, Jack Elkins, Dalton Chaffin

TOP ROW

Coach Babaylele Sodade

’05 BLUE GIRLS The success of the Huntsville Futbol Club’s ’05 Blue I Girls squad is a direct result of a vision the club’s leadership put into place three years ago. The new pool system has created an environment that is placing an emphasis on individual player development rather than team development. The result has been growth in numbers, better player development, and success on the field, including state champions for the ’05 Blue I Girls.

In the spring season, the ’05 Blue I Girl’s squad captured the Division II State Championship going undefeated in Group A, with wins over Auburn, Homewood, and BUSA Elite to bring home the State Championship.

The success of the ’05 Blue I Girls team is further validation of the new pool system at Huntsville FC. After putting the pool system in place, the younger girls program grew from 16 or 17 players deep to close to 50 players deep. “For Huntsville, that’s unheard of for a market this size,” says Clark. “These girls really are the success story of our pilot program.”

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LEFT TO RIGHT

Kacey Powell, Madison DeOrio, Brianna Tinsley, Bonnie Frost, Eleanor Waring, Norah Connell, Olivia Plant, Carley White, Jayla Gillespie, Sarah Kate Mitchell

TOP ROW

Coach Marty Clark

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

’00 ELITE BOYS The BUSA U16 Boys Elite team was one of the standout squads in 2015-16. After a successful regular season, they advanced to the quarterfinals in Regionals, only being eliminated in overtime. The star of the squad was defender David Wrona, leading the ’00 Elite Boys in scoring, netting five goals in pool play. Brower says he believes the team’s future is bright if the last season’s success is any indication.

Wrona, along with Carter Emack and Tanner Tessman, were invited to train at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Atlanta. Jamie McClendon, the squad’s head coach, said their selection was an impressive accomplishment for the players and team. “Having three players invited to the U.S. Soccer Training is a testament to the training environment BUSA has established throughout the year,” he said. “I am very proud of these three players as I know they will do well in Atlanta.”

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT

Brooks Rice, Jack Bapst, Gunther Rankenburg, Mitchell Kingren, Eli Sellers, Griffin Felton, Evan Poole, Ethan Harradine, Chris Richards, Selim Tunagur, Coach Trey Knox

BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT

Clay Holstad, Stanford Massie, Mason Hemstreet, Jackson Saunders, Sam Nadler, David Wrona

’03 ELITE GIRLS Another team on the rise at BUSA is the ’03 Elite Girls team. Made up of a group of players who gelled throughout their time together in 2015-16, Brower said the girls on this squad developed a special chemistry and were committed to improving all season long.

The ’03 Elite Girls won the Under 13, Alabama Division I Championship in May, defeating Briarwood Soccer Club 5-0 in the semifinals, then defeating Vestavia 4-3 in the finals, a come from behind victory after being down 0-2 at halftime.

After a successful regular season, the ’03 Elite Girls also advanced to the Region 3 Regionals in Greenville, South Carolina, when a loss stopped their run in the quarterfinals. “We’re also excited with our ’03 Elite Girls,” said Brower. “I think they did a really good job of improving as the season went along.”

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT

Jordan Lynn, Riley Thompson, Isabel Smith, Helen Dorough, Kensley Harrell (Goalkeeper), Kaylee Dressback, Kori Ingram, Emily Scott, Keeley Jones

BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT

Haley Duca, Grace Ellis, Ellen Anderson, Kaitlyn Maynard, Sydney Patzke, Kaleigh Rice, Kierson McDonald, Reagan Waggoner

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT

’01 CCS BOYS ELITE

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The Capital City Streaks 2001 Boys Elite squad has consistently fielded teams that compete at the highest in all state competition. Rich in talent, skill, intelligence, and diversity, the squad fields players from seven different countries, and four different continents. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, these boys have come together to learn, train, and play the beautiful game at a high level. The training environment is rich and positive, and as the individual players improve, so does the team.

The players truly care for each other, and the team strikes a perfect balance of competition and friendship. In fall 2016, the Capital City Streaks will welcome the addition of four new players, who will further solidify the team, which is poised to improve on its past accomplishments.

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT

Donovan Renn, Cole Salle, Femi Adediji, Luke Adams, Chris Loomis, Harrison Scott, Hayes Colvin, Bron Scott, Henrique Rizzo

BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT

Kobey Stoup, Blake Millero, Thomas Rizzo, Michael Roque, Cobi Keel, Carson Davies, Carlos Cruz, Jack Loftis, Daniel Choi

’97 CCS GIRLS ELITE The Capital City Streaks 1997 Girls Division I squad was, without question, one of the premiere teams in the Southeast in 2015-16. Coached by Manny Sanchez, the club’s coaching director, this U18 team won 21 straight matches en-route to a State Cup title. The team advanced to the Regional Tournament in Little Rock, Arkansas, defeating the Georgia state champions in their opening match.

Their only losses of the year came in the next two matches, a 2-1 squeaker to the Tennessee state champs, followed by a loss to Triangle Football Club, in what Sanchez said was an exciting game despite being on the losing end. “It was a crazy game. They scored on four corner kicks to beat us 4-3,” Sanchez explains. “In the girl’s game, if you have someone who can head a ball, she can do a lot of damage. It was a fun game to watch, other than we got eliminated from regionals because we couldn’t defend corner kicks.” Regardless, this group will be remembered as one of the best teams in the history of the Capital City Streaks.

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BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT

Kayla Keel, Emily Buster, Sydney Owens, Hannah Long, Brenna Katz, Gracie Trulove, Tessa Evans

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT

Coach Manny Sanchez, Maggie Chambers, Cami Rogers, Megan Aaron, Rebecca White, Savanna Cooper, Aliya Seebrat, Cindy Howard, Lauren Saunders

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

’07 BOYS DAPHNE STRIKE SC While the Daphne Strike Soccer Club’s primary focus is player development, there are a few special teams that are raising eyebrows and pointing to an exciting future for the club. One of those teams is the ’07 Boys team. This group of boys has been together for three seasons and has developed a special chemistry together. They regularly play pick-up games together when away from practice and official games and are passionate about the sport.

“They come out to training full of energy and eagerness to improve,” says Gerardo Flores.

“This group of boys brings passion to every game and practice. We’ve seen consistent growth and development each month with these boys, and a lot of that comes down to the effort and work ethic they put into training.”

The team was coached by Steve Morisani during the fall 2015 season and are now in the hands of coach Matt McArthur, who has led the squad since the spring of 2016. Flores says the leadership of the team’s coaches and parents is key to its success. “We’re fortunate to have a group of parents that support both the players and the club’s style of coaching,” says Flores.

“We’re also fortunate to have had coach Steve Morisani and now coach Matt McArthur who continue to instill the passion and love for the game.”

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT

Kipper Miller, Troy Krebbs, Roman Hise, Nick Gelarden, Coach Steve Morisani, Sam Sternberg, Will Alves, Malone Ngando, Ben Biggs, Ethan Spuler

’05 GIRLS DAPHNE STRIKE SC The development of female players is a major focus of the Daphne Strike Soccer Club, and one of the shining examples is the success of the ’05 Girls squad. “We do have some exciting groups coming up,” says Flores. The ’05 Girls had a very exciting spring season and are showing a lot of excitement about the growing interest in soccer among female athletes in our community.

The success and growth of the ’05 Girls squad is a direct result of the pool play philosophy put in place in Daphne a few short years ago. Whereas in the past, the focus was on team development, now players are given more one-on-one training and the attention they deserve to not only foster their skills, but also develop a passion for the game.

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT Dinuki Wickramanayake, Faith Faucher, Tori Hite, Zoe Wise, Lexi Tsounis, Kiley Minshew, Coach Dean Logan

BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT

Swayze Razzano, Lindsey Child, Grace Houston, Avery Clabaugh, Kayley Patterson, Ryan Pierce

NOT PICTURED Maya Hise

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PLAYER SPOTLIGHT 38

Tyler DeOrio

Huntsville Futbol Club (HFC) Tyler DeOrio is a young and talented player with great individual skills but is a team player as well. He can easily dribble past everyone on the opposing team and go for goal by himself, but likes to get his teammates involved, looking to pass first.

Although Tyler is an attacking-minded player, he also knows when he has to defend and cover for his teammates. Tyler’s coach Marty Clark appreciates Tyler’s level commitment and finds him a joy to coach. “You can tell he wants to get better,” Clark said. “He also knows when it’s time to focus and when he can joke around with his teammates and coaches.”

HUNTSVILLEFC.ORG

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Bonnie Frost

Huntsville Futbol Club (HFC) Bonnie Frost is an attacking midfielder for her ’05 Girls squad with a knack for finding the back of the net. She has scored many goals for Huntsville in state and tournament play and is a fierce competitor with advanced technical ability and an uncanny vision of the field. She moves off the ball extremely well and is committed to excellence. Bonnie was selected from the Huntsville FC/Stoke City ID camp to attend the National Camp and ultimately earned a spot in England at the Stoke City camp last spring. During her trip to the UK, Frost had the opportunity to train and play with top players from Stoke’s Youth Academy.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Tanner Tessmann

Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) An outstanding player on BUSA’s ’02 Elite Boys and ’00 Elite Boys squads, Tanner Tessmann might be on his way to becoming the next great player from the state of Alabama.

A product of the North Shelby County community in the Birmingham suburbs, the attacking mid-fielder relocated to Dallas in August to begin a residency with the FC Dallas USSDA Academy Program. BUSA Executive Director Andrew Brower says Tanner is one of those special players with tons of natural ability as well as a strong work ethic. “I think the thing that separates Tanner from other players is his ability on the ball is tremendous, and his ability to engage and take players on one-on-one is very good. He is also a very good athlete,” said Brower. “He has good size, good frame, but he puts a lot of time into improving himself and to making himself really be a prolific player at the highest level.”

BIRMINGHAMUNITED.COM Madison Martin

Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) Meet Madison Martin, but if you want to become friends with BUSA’s star of the ’00 girls squad, don’t dare call her by her given name. Everyone who knows her calls her by one name only: Goose. Brower says Goose is a talented player with great field awareness and soccer knowledge that, among other skills, has caught the eye of several college programs, including LSU, where she is currently committed.

“She is a player that maximizes her technical ability and maximizes her athleticism and has just turned out to be a fantastic player because she encapsulates good ability on the ball with a really good understanding of the game and is a great competitor at the highest level.”

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PLAYER SPOTLIGHT 40

Kobey Stoup

Capital City Streaks (CCS) While there are several outstanding players on the Capital City Streaks 2001 boys Squad, one stands out: Kobey Stoup. A great, all-around athlete, Kobey has great speed, is tenacious, and, perhaps most importantly, possesses a highly competitive spirit. He has earned spots on the Alabama Olympic Development Program team, regional pool, and was recently invited to train with the 2002 National Pool as a 2003 Player. “Kobey is a sure team player, as much as anyone I have coached,” said Manny Sanchez, director of coaching for the Capital City Streaks. “He outworks most players, but does not demand what others can’t give. He leads by example and only offers constructive comments to teammates. In short, he gives the team everything he has and brings out the best in others.”

CAPITALCITYSTREAKS.ORG

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Tara Katz

Capital City Streaks (CCS) The Capital City Streaks 1999 Girls Elite team is a special squad with five players in the Alabama Olympic Development Program. Among those players is a talented teenager named Tara Katz.

Capital City Streaks Director of Coaching Manny Sanchez says Tara provides leadership and a deep understanding of the game and was a key to the team’s success in 2015-16.

“Tara has a lot of natural ability and is a technically gifted player. Her vision on the field is already at the next level and she is an all-around team player.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Colin Spuler

Daphne Strike Soccer Club (DSSC) Colin has been with Strike since the age of 7. Colin is part of a big soccer family and has played organized soccer since the age of 4 but has been kicking a ball since he could walk. His father, Jonathan Spuler, played collegiately at Oral Roberts University.

Colin is now entering his final year with DSSC on the DSSC ’05 Academy Boys. Colin’s team in particular has experienced much success in its time together, many of the team staying together from U9 - U12. Colin enjoys playing wherever his coach puts him, but his preference is alway to play center-midfielder.

Coach Dean Logan expressed that Colin is constantly pushing himself to be the best. He practices on his own, asks questions, and doesn’t shy away from challenges. He’s the type of player any coach would want to work with. We’re lucky to have him and his family from the youngest of ages to present.

Colin will be advancing to the Gulf Coast Rangers FC in his next season.

DAPHNESTRIKESOCCER.COM Tori Hite

Daphne Strike Soccer Club (DSSC) Victoria joined the DSSC ’05 Academy Girls team when she was 7. Victoria has reached new heights each season at Strike SC and has improved dramatically in all areas of the game. We are fortunate that she and her family have become huge fans of the game, and they have supported Victoria every step of the way.

The Hites have been one of the many families at Strike SC who have stuck through the process and stayed clear of chasing trophies for the weekend success. The Hites have shown great support of Strike’s player-centered environment, and Victoria has reaped the benefits.

Coach Gerardo Flores stated that Victoria may be one of the most improved players to come through our Academy. She plays any position willingly and is constantly looking to improve a part of her game. She’s a joy to coach, and we’re excited to see where her determination and great attitude will take her.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE SKLZ GOALSHOT The perfect training device for players looking to gain an edge in their goalscoring ability, the Goalshot by SKLZ emphasizes the four scoring zones where even the best goalkeepers are vulnerable. It offers instant feedback and helps players easily identify the ideal placement to find the best shot location for ultimate scoring opportunities — the upper and lower 90 of the net.

The Goalshot helps players visualize their shot location before making contact with the ball, blocking shots that are outside the areas where players are four times more likely to score. The instant feedback improves a player’s chances of scoring through practice and repetition.

The SLKZ Goalshot is designed to fit any 24' x 8' goal and is easy to set up.

It also comes with its own carrying bag for easy portability.

$300

ADIDAS JUNIORS ACE TRAINING GLOVES Young goalkeepers will gain confidence in the net with the Adidas Juniors’ Ace Training Gloves. Featuring soft latex palms, these gloves deliver a cushioned grip while maintaining durability and touch in all types of weather. The glove’s design provides great contact area while handling the ball, half-wrap wrist straps offering a custom fit, and vented cuffs providing freedom of movement.

$15

NIKE ORDEM 4 16-17 PREMIER LEAGUE BALL The official ball for the 2016-17 Barclay’s Premiere League season, the Ordem 4 is Nike’s most innovative and visually exciting match ball. Developed specifically for elite players, the Ordem 4 was developed around three key elements: construction, material, and graphics. The ball features a new bladder system ensuring accurate flight and optimal touch. The Ordem 4’s graphics, a stunning combination of wide black stripes, purples, blues, and yellow-greens, follow a design principle called “Flow Motion” providing maximum visibility while the ball is in play. The Ordem 4, with slightly different color schemes, will also be used for the 2016-17 La Liga and Serie A seasons.

$160

WOMEN’S USA 2016 OLYMPIC JERSEY Show your support for the home team in the official U.S. Women’s Olympic team jersey. The Dri-Fit jersey sports a red stripe around the ribbed collar, with USA stitched on the left chest, and the family Nike swoosh on the right. Add your name and number for an additional charge.

$90 42

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

ADIDAS X 16+ PURECHAOS FG JUNIOR The days of boring, black-only soccer boots are officially over with the arrival of the new X 16+ Purechaos FG Junior by Adidas.

Combining function with eye-popping color and design, the X 16+ Purechaos is bound to get you noticed on the pitch this fall. The shoe’s Techfit upper hugs the foot, creating a custom fit in just a matter of moments, while the PureCut sock system covers the laces producing a clean strike each time you touch the ball. Along with the functionality, it is wrapped in a super-modern style in silver-metallic with black-and-solar-red accents.

$150

2016 was the year of the underdog. From Iceland’s improbable run during the summer’s Euro League competition to Leicester City’s almost impossible Premiere League Championship, this was the year the newcomers forced their way into the elite club. Be a part of this historic turn of events with these official team jerseys.

ICELAND OFFICIAL TEAM JERSEYS Inspired by the Icelandic national flag, the official away jersey for the tiny Arctic nation is white with sky blue-and-red stylized stripes running through the team’s badge. The inside of the back collar features the words “Fyrir Iceland” which means “For Iceland” in the nation’s official language, Icelandic. There is also a small image of the Icelandic flag on the outside back collar.

$90

LEICESTER CITY OFFICIAL TEAM JERSEYS The reigning champs of England will defend their title in this newly design V-neck jersey.

Deep blue with all-over vertical striping, the jersey sports the familiar King Power logo prominently on the chest in white lettering, with the Puma logo in gold on the right chest and the Leicester City team seal on the left.

$90

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS ASA-SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS Tournaments sanctioned by the Alabama Soccer Association (ASA) have an ASA logo next to the tournament date.

SEPTEMBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016

SEPTEMBER 3-5 GCR LABOR DAY WEEKEND TOURNAMENT Host: Gulf Coast Rangers FC

Trione Soccer Complex, Daphne, AL

SEPTEMBER 10-11 PUBLIX SUPER CUP U8 - U19 • GIRLS

Host: Snap Soccer Director: Nick Cooper

SEPTEMBER 17-18

PUBLIX SUPER CUP U8 - U19 • BOYS Host: Snap Soccer

Director: Nick Cooper

SEPTEMBER 16-18

BATTLE AT THE JACK U9 - U19 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: River City Soccer Club

Director: Andy Dye

OCTOBER 1-2 BIRMINGHAM BASH U10 – U18 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: Birmingham United Director: Kevin Laux OCTOBER 8-9 CAPITAL OF DREAMS CHAMPIONS CUP U9 – U19 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: YMCA/Capital City Streaks Director: Manny Sanchez OCTOBER 14-16 HFC KICKS INVITATIONAL U9 – U18 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: Huntsville FC Director: Henry Mpagi OCTOBER 22-23 11TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BLAST U9 – U19 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: Fairhope Soccer Club Director: Nick Cooper

We Need Your Help!

What good is a soccer magazine covering the state of Alabama without soccer events from around the state? If you have events from your home club that you want to list in our calendar of events, please email Loyd McIntosh, managing editor, and put “Events” in the subject line.

Email: loyd@upper90magazine.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER 11-13 ALABAMA RECREATIONAL SOCCER SHOWDOWN U9 – U19 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Director: Jason Woodall

NOVEMBER 19-20 ALABAMA JUNIOR CUP U9 TO U12 • BOYS & GIRLS Hos: Premier Soccer Services Director: Scott Spencer

NOVEMBER 19-20 CHOCCOLOCCO INVITATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS Host: FUSION F.C. Choccolocco Park Oxford, AL NOVEMBER 19-20 COASTAL ACADEMY CUP U8 - U14 • BOYS & GIRLS Host: Daphne Strike Soccer Club Daphne, AL

LEADERS ARE MADE NOT BORN Team Building Retreats YMCA Camp Cosby YMCA Hargis Retreat

10

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