Alliance Rapids       

 

(formerly Alliance IRS - see note below for more information)

We are pleased to announce the formation of Alliance Rapids within Alliance FC.  The approach of Alliance Rapids is very similar to that of the Alliance IRS program originally formed by Tom Ross and Brad Thomas in 2000. 

As soccer has changed in West Michigan in the last several years, and many clubs have offered a wide range of choices, we felt it was important to keep the inclusiveness of a great soccer program, but to refocus on offering a low cost volunteer based select soccer experience.  Our coaches have coached select and recreational soccer for several years, often with more than one soccer license. 

Our cost for 2007/2008 will be $275, much lower than most clubs, yet offering the same select soccer experience as clubs with good volunteer coaches.   In addition, next year Alliance Rapids teams will enjoy periodic training with Alliance FC staff coaches at the team’s normal practice nights and field.  

We also intend to provide some speed and agility training at the practice sites.  There is no additional cost for these programs.  Please note that higher cost premier and select alternatives, including Alliance FC, offer strong programs with paid coaches and is a good option for many soccer families. 

See below for FAQs.

 Try-out Information – Saturday – June 16th

 Age Group                        Location                     Time                              Registration

U9 Girls – U12 Girls              Woodland Sports         9:00am – 10:30am            8:30am

U13 Girls – U15 Girls            Woodland Sports         11:00am – 12:30pm          10:30am

U9 Boys – U10 Boys           Woodland Sports         1:30pm – 3:00pm             1:00 pm

U11 Boys                          Mehney Field (EGR)     10:00am – 12:30pm          10:00am    CORRECTED Time

U12 Boys                          Woodland Sports         1:30pm – 3:00pm             1:00 pm

U13 Boys – U15 Boys          Woodland Sports         11:00am – 12:30pm          10:30am

 

Any questions regarding Try-outs please email allianceirs@comcast.net or contact Tom Ross at (616) 676-0634.

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Directions to Woodland Sports

Click here for map (hit the control key and left click)

  • The entrance is actually located on Englewood Dr. (the light between between Kalamazoo Ave. and Breton Ave.).
  • The building is behind Aldi's and Extreme Audio (both actually located ON 28th St.)
  • Englewood Dr. is 3 miles East of US-131 and 28th St.
  • Englewood Dr. is 1.7 miles West of M-4 (AKA, East Beltline and Woodland Mall)

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Alliance Rapids (formerly Alliance IRS)

We are pleased to announce the formation of Alliance Rapids within Alliance FC.  The approach of Alliance Rapids is very similar to that of the Alliance IRS program originally formed by Tom Ross and Brad Thomas in 2000.  As soccer has changed in West Michigan in the last several years, and many clubs have offered a wide range of choices, we felt it was important to keep the inclusiveness of a great soccer program, but to refocus on offering a low cost volunteer based select soccer experience.  Our coaches have coached select and recreational soccer for several years, often with more than one soccer license.  Our cost for 2007/2008 will be $275, much lower than most clubs, yet offering the same select soccer experience as clubs with good volunteer coaches.   In addition, next year Alliance Rapids teams will enjoy periodic training with Alliance FC staff coaches at the team’s normal practice nights and field.  We also intend to provide some speed and agility training at the practice sites.  There is no additional cost for these programs.  Please note that higher cost premier and select alternatives, including Alliance FC, offer strong programs with paid coaches and is a good option for many soccer families.  See below for FAQs.

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Question – why the name change to Alliance Rapids?

A - The original Alliance IRS program became so closely aligned with being a step above recreational soccer, it was confusing what the program represented.  Alliance IRS was not intended to be recreational soccer.  Instead, it was built on the belief that many players needed to transition from recreational soccer to select and then to premier.  Players develop at their own pace, and we were pleased to be the first soccer organization in West Michigan to offer a wide range of choices.  Many of the first IRS teams were very strong and competitive.  However, with our focus on inclusiveness, some teams were in the lowest division and not as competitive as we would like.  Subsequent to the Alliance IRS program becoming part of Alliance FC in 2002, many clubs began to field many teams in different divisions.  Previously, other clubs would only field an “A” team and some “B” teams.  Now, nearly every club has teams that are similar to some of the Alliance IRS teams, but without being associated as recreational type soccer.  We felt it was best to change our name to represent our new direction.  For instance, in the current soccer season, the remaining Alliance IRS teams are now good select teams in very competitive divisions within GVSA.

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Question – how is Alliance Rapids different from the new Crew Jrs, West Michigan Fire or other similar clubs?

A – Alliance Rapids is very similar to the select teams from those other clubs.  We strive to be a low cost non-profit alternative of great soccer players while maintaining balance for players and families that have a lot going on in their lives, not just soccer.  For comparison, all Alliance Rapids teams pay $275 per player and that includes a new uniform that the player keeps after one year.  Other clubs charge double that price and use the uniforms for two years.  Please note that many clubs offer good soccer; we believe that Alliance FC offer great programs for high achieving soccer players that play strong competition within the Michigan Premier League, Champions League or GVSA.  Alliance Rapids is another choice and complements the strength of the Alliance Premier or Alliance Select programs.

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Question – how is Alliance Rapids different or similar to Alliance Fusion?

 A – They are very similar as both use volunteer coaches and are a lower cost than other clubs.  Alliance Fusion primarily attracts whole teams with a coach interested in having his or her team compete in the Champions League.  The Champions League is an excellent league with many strong teams throughout Michigan.  Alliance Rapids will only compete in GVSA.

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Question – how do I know what try-out to attend?

A – Alliance FC try-outs are on Friday June 15th and these are for both premier and select teams with paid coaches, as well as the Fusion teams.  Alliance Rapids has try-outs on June 16th at Woodland Sports.  These are separate try-outs and if you are interested in either alternative, you need to attend both or the try-out of your choice.  If you played on a team this year that was called Alliance Green (i.e. Alliance IRS/Rapids), you need to attend the try-outs on June 16th to join your team from last year.

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Question – how do I get more information for Alliance Rapids?

Answer:

Please email allianceirs@comcast.net

or

call (616) 676-0634, ask for Tom or Karen Ross.