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ANNOUNCEMENTS - June 15 through July 31

The most recent announcement is at the top of the page.  Scroll down to view preceding days.  Each page will contain a month's worth.

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

 

July 31

 

GVSA

Fall Preliminary Divisions available on-line! (7-27-2007)

All Divisions have been set up.  You may view them by clicking Schedules, then Fall 2007 and picking the Division you wish to see. 

Elite Schedules will be available online on Saturday.  Other preliminary Division schedules will be available next week, starting with the youngest age groups.

 

July 30

Referees - Take Note!  It isn't necessary to throw cards to be in control.

In addition to great fan support, the officiating of the tournament was highly praised.  “This is the first time, that I’m aware of, that not a single red card was warranted during any of the 84 games,” said Bob Wertz, US Youth Soccer Referee Chairman.  “There were a number of factors including the cooperation of the players and selection process of referees.  It was a job well done.”

....On the level of officiating and the first event with no red cards in recent memory, Brian Hall, referee instructor from U.S. Soccer said, “This was a fantastic example of what a group of referees who come together and use personality to manage a game. It showed the quality of youth referees that we have today, in that they were able to manage the games without any violent tackles and deal with it in such a way that the games were entertaining for the players and spectators and safety for all was never in question.”...

 

July 30 West Michigan Player wins National Title

"It is pretty crazy. I've been through a lot with this team and it is my first year and first time here" said Adam Grinwis, Adidas Golden Glove award winner who shutout PDA. "This week was a lot more than my expectations. I didn't know the teams were going to be so great. We played our best and that's why we came out on top."

read the whole story >>>

 

July 28 West Michigan Players win National Title in PKs!!!

Laura H (Unity Christian) gets takes the 1st PK and is successful.

Jill F (Unity Christian) blocks the first PK on her.  

Nicole D (East Kentwood) scored the game and Championship winning PK.

read the whole story...

“This competition helps us get better and helps us become the best. Being able to play against the best teams and top players in the country is such an opportunity that we’ve been given,” Bloomfield Force’s Laura Heyboer, the Adidas Golden Boot winner, said.  “This trip here is amazing. This is such good soccer, it is what you want to play in and it is who you want to play against. You want to be able to play against the best because you are going to make yourself better. To be given the opportunity to play the best is awesome. You can’t ask for anything better.”.....

....Bloomfield’s Jill Fleistra doesn’t shy away from penalty kicks. In fact, she enjoys them. “I like going to PKs. I perform well under pressure. I try to intimidate the kicker and when I can get a save its great,” said Fleistra who earned the Adidas Golden Glove today for her outstanding play this week.

July 26

Premier Clubs & Teams

Premier Clubs and teams that did not advertise in the MSYSA Premier TRYOUT issue had a surprise Monday when they opened the mail.  MSYSA notified them (and the Leagues that sponsored them) that a fine of $300.00 was due or they can't play in the MSPSP.

The rule regarding advertising in the TRYOUT magazine is a little confusing as it appears in MSYSA Rules but not in MSPSP Rules.  It has never been enforced.  

July 26

Labor Day Tournaments

West Michigan has not one, but two tournaments scheduled over the Labor Day weekend.

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

 

MILD Cup

Deadline is August 1, 2007

Read More >>>

 

 

Kalamazoo Kingdom Inv.

Deadline is August 1st, 2007

Read More>>>

 

July 26

GRASA U18 Boys Awarded State Cup Championship on a Technicality

GRASA U18 team has been recognized by MSYSA as the U18 boys State Cup Champion. The Wolves were disqualified for using an ineligible player during the finals and had the Championship taken away.  The GRASA U18 lost in the actual championship game to the Wolves, 3-1.

An interesting side note to this is that another West Michigan team played the Wolves in pool play and lost 2-1.  The ineligible player scored both goals in that game.

 

July 26

Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) announced today that a player from the clubs U17 MRL team was picked to represent the Columbus Crew at the inaugural MLS Youth Cup in Colorado. Dan Nederhoed, of East Kentwood's Varsity Squad, will join 19 other players and coaches from July 13 through July 20th, to compete against other MLS clubs for the Cup and the chance to represent the MLS in Spain next year. Domenico and Mark Barone from GRCJ's U18 team were also picked but can not go due to family commitments.  

    Read the story  

 

  MC Sports
July 26

West Michigan Players Travel

BRIDGEVIEW, IL (July 12, 2007) – Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that its Chicago Fire Juniors U-17 squad will compete in Soccer United Marketing’s inaugural Youth Development soccer tournament, the SUM U-17 Cup. The competition begins on Friday, July 13 at the soccer complex at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., held in conjunction with the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game. The tournament features 12 MLS U-17 Youth Development teams and will culminate in the championship game on the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park stadium field the morning of Thursday, July 19 at 10 a.m. MT.

West Michigan Fire Juniors  players taking part are Paul Austin, Seth Broekhuizen, Nate Schmitt, Tyler Vegter, Connor McMahon and Sean Magee. 

Read the story

 

July 24

Shocker!  An actual newspaper article about a youth travel club

Read the story...

July 24

Play for the Blossomland Cup opened on Sunday with the eight top regular season finishers doing battle.

In the first game of the day at Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, #6 seed Dura Mold upset #3 seed Diamonds United 2-1 on goals by Adam M. Hess and Sean Todman.  The Diamonds' Martin Hernandez scored in the 90th minute for the hosts, who finish the year at 9-2-1.  Dura Mold advances to Cup semi-final play with a 6-5-1 mark.

Number-two seed St. Joe Kickers handled #7 seed St. Stephens Villains 4-0 despite a slow start.  Andrew Pyzik opened the scoring four minutes from the first half whistle; the Kickers then scored three goals in the first eleven minutes of the second half with Tony Black, Jay Fettig, and Jason Girvan all tallying for the 10-1-1 Kickers.  The Villains finish at 4-7-1.

Number-five seed P&R FC shutout #4 seed Whirlpool United 2-0 on the strength of two Casey Janick goals.  P&R now stands at 8-4-0 while Whirlpool closes out the year with a 7-4-1 record.

And in a near upset, #1 seed Real Dowagiac kept their undefeated record with an 88th minute Rodolfo Hernandez goal to defeat #8 seed Niles RAP 2-1.  After an early Ismael Hernandez goal, RAP's Colin Smith tied the game up in the second half.  Real is now 10-0-2 while RAP ends the 2007 campaign with a 4-7-1 mark.

The BSL Cup semi-finals will be played on Thursday, with both games slated for 6:30pm.  Real Dowagiac will host Dura Mold FC at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac while the St. Joe Kickers take on P&R FC at their club in Arden.

Championship Day is scheduled for the St. Joe Kickers Club on Sun., July 29.  The consolation game will take place at 1:00pm with the championship match to follow at 3:00pm.

League Website   
 

July 23
Friday Night looks interesting!
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dan Duggan
(440) 846-7814
gm@buckssoccer.com
 
BUCKS HANDLE FEVER 3-1, LOOK TO HOST THIS WEEKEND'S PLAYOFFS 

Columbus, OH (July 22, 2007)- The Premier Development League (PDL) Champion 
Michigan Bucks dismantled the Ft. Wayne Fever at Columbus Crew Stadium on 
Sunday, as part of a Bucks/ Crew doubleheader. The game against the Fever was 
the last regular scheduled match of the Buck's twelfth regular season and helped 
steer the defending champs in the winning direction. After Fever forward David 
Bauer stole the ball and placed an untouchable shot past Bucks goal keeper Steve 
Clark in the 13th minute, the Bucks seemed to wake up and start pressing the 
match. It didn't take long before the Bucks dynamic duo of Kenny Uzoigwe and 
Nate Jafta went on a tear to lead the Bucks as the highest scoring team in the 
2007 PDL (48 goals in the regular season) for the second straight year.

Uzoigwe opened the Bucks scoring in the 16th minute on an assist from Nate Jafta 
(Lindsey Wilson College) and would return the favor a few minutes later when the Bucks leading 
scorer (15 goals) fed Jafta and put Nate in all alone on the keeper to make the 
score 2-0 in the 57th minute. The Bucks continued to pound offensively and 
finished the game with a total of 30 shots at Ft. Wayne goalie Zach Gibbons. 
The Bucks finished out the scoring with a strike by Alex Morisset (assist to 
Nate Jafta) in the 63rd minute to put the game away. The Bucks now prepare for a 
difficult week of training. With the win, the Bucks final regular season record 
is 11-2-3 (36 points) . 
The top seeded Bucks will play the SECOND game of 
Friday's Central Conference double header, when they take on the St. Louis Lions 
for the first time at 8:00 PM at Lake Orion High School.  In the first game of 
Friday’s double header, Chicago Fire Premier will take on the Thunder Bay Chill 
(Canada) at 5:30.  
The winners of both matches will square off on Saturday at 
7:30 (Lake Orion High School) with the right to represent the Central Conference 
in the North American Championship semi finals.

Tickets for Friday or Saturday’s matches are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 
Youth (under 5 free).  For a limited time only, the Bucks are offering a Central 
Conference Playoff pass that you can purchase for $11 Adults and $6 Youth and 
will allow you seating at ALL three of the PDL playoff games held on the weekend 
of July 27-28.  Tickets can be purchased on line until Friday at 12:00 noon.
 
For more information, please visit the Bucks web site at www.buckssoccer.com.   
July 22

2007 PSA College Soccer Combine

This event will allow athletes from throughout the region an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their talents to college coaches in an intimate training and game environment.  Participation is open to 2008 and 2009 graduates.  We are prepared to accept seventy (70) males and seventy (70) females with a priority given to out of state talent, athletes with exceptional grades and/or test scores, goalkeepers, and all-state honorees.

When: July 28th and July 29th, 2007

Where: Grand Rapids, MI

Cost: $175

Facilities: Northview HS and Kuyper College

Registration Forms & Information

 

July 22

 

LABOR DAY SOCCER TOURNAMENT IN KALAMAZOO

September  1 – 2, 2007

Start your youth soccer team’s fall season at the Kingdom Invitational Challenge (KIC) planned for Sept. 1-2 at River Oaks Park in Galesburg, Mich., a competitive tournament appropriate for travel through premier-level teams for boys and girls ages U-8 to U-18.

Deadline August 1st, 2007

269-226-2000

Read More>>>

 

July 21

3 v 3 Tournament

Coopersville Summerfest on Saturday, August 11, 2007. 

Boys, Girls, and Coed: U10, U12, U14, U16, U20, and adult

more info>>>

100 Team Limit, So Hurry!

July 14 BREWER PARK Availability

Looking for excellent natural grass soccer fields? Why not try Brewer Park conveniently located in
southern Kent County on 84th Street 2 miles east of US-131.

Call 336-1742 for info.
 

July 14

I thought it would be good to remind you of this.....

 

6 v 6 Summer Blast

 

Here is your chance to play small sided games at all ages (U12 and up).  Gather up some friends and teammates and travel to West Michigan for the ultimate in summer fun on August 3rd and 4th.

 

Low cost ($25 per player), great fields and easy travel should make the 4th year of this Tournament the best.

 

Check It Out Here...

 

July 14

Free Verizon Clinic in Grand Rapids featuring Mexican International Player Daniel Osorno!

 

We are proud to announce that Verizon Wireless has chosen Grand Rapids as one only eleven US cities in 2007 for a Free youth soccer clinic and autograph session. 

 

The event will be held at Grand Rapids Mackay-Jaycee Park on Saturday, July 21 and is open to all players from 5-17 years of age, but it is limited to the first 350 players to register.  All players attend free of charge and will also receive a Free Adidas soccer jersey, water bottle and sports sack in addition to the clinic itself.  The first 100 registrants will also receive a free soccer ball!

 

There is no cost or obligation, but you must register your child to participate at a designated Verizon Wireless store.

 

This is a great opportunity for your child to attend a professionally run clinic and meet an International Player!  We hope you can attend.

 

Please click here for registration details. 

 

July 14

TRYOUTS ran June 15-25 and as always, they proved interesting. 

You should take the time and read these articles as they offer insight into the sometimes muddled world of travel soccer.  I have placed some choice words from each article underneath the link.

The Perils of Profit-Driven Coaching

"...So the paid coaches bark at the players to prove to the parents that they're "teaching" and concoct training sessions that look more like River Dance rehearsals than soccer games..."

What the Future Holds for Youth Soccer

"...Parents have finally comprehended the fact that it's foolish to trust their children's soccer development to someone they're not paying lots of money..."

Clubs Face Major Transformation

"...Some "elite" and "premier" teams exist to fuel revenue growth and to cater to parents whose egos insist their child play on a team of distinction..."

 

July 14

Dual Roster of Players in MSYSA

Recent events involving the failure of people to do things correctly have led me to believe that posting this is in everyone's best interest.

Read the rulet>>>>

Players who play in a  US Club Soccer League (Champions League) do not need to dual roster when they play in an MSYSA league (MRL MSPSP or GVSA).

 

July 14

BRIDGEVIEW, IL (July 12, 2007) – Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that its Chicago Fire Juniors U-17 squad will compete in Soccer United Marketing’s inaugural Youth Development soccer tournament, the SUM U-17 Cup. The competition begins on Friday, July 13 at the soccer complex at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., held in conjunction with the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game. The tournament features 12 MLS U-17 Youth Development teams and will culminate in the championship game on the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park stadium field the morning of Thursday, July 19 at 10 a.m. MT.

West Michigan Fire Juniors  players taking part are Paul Austin, Seth Broekhuizen, Nate Schmitt, Tyler Vegter, Connor McMahon and Sean Magee. 

Read the story

July 14

New Referee Association Forms

Great Lakes Area Soccer Referee Association has formed and will be looking for members.  Their website is operational.                          GLASRA - CHECK IT OUT>>>>>

 

July 13

Here is the  3-on-3 Soccer Tournament at the Wolverine YMCA in Belmont, MI

U8-U20 Divisions July 28th  9:00 am Start Time

YMCA Member: $20/player Nonmember: $30/player (up to 5 players/team)

Please contact the YMCA for more information: 616-363-3000

Molly Schmid Teen Director
Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA
(616) 855-1447

July 13

Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) announced today that a player from the clubs U17 MRL team was picked to represent the Columbus Crew at the inaugural MLS Youth Cup in Colorado. Dan Nederhoed, of East Kentwood's Varsity Squad, will join 19 other players and coaches from July 13 through July 20th, to compete against other MLS clubs for the Cup and the chance to represent the MLS in Spain next year. Domenico and Mark Barone from GRCJ's U18 team were also picked but can not go due to family commitments.   --------------------     read more  ------------------------

July 4

It's Not Soccer But...it should be fun anyway...!!!!!!!!!!!

On Saturday July 7, the Grand Rapids Gazelles host the 18th Annual Rock Hard 7s Rugby Invitational Crown.

Join them at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center where more than 35 teams of Men, Women, and Boys and Girls High School teams will be competing.  (Map to Park)

Games are all day starting at 9 AM, there is NO admission charge and there is food and drink available to purchase on site.

Questions? call this man...

Justin Hickey
President - Grand Rapids Gazelles
616.745.5335
 
Here is the real fun....
 
POST TOURNAMENT PARTY:    

A Pig Roast will immediately follow the Tournament,

along with an 8:00 PM reception at McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon 58 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

For directions and a map click here

For directions and a map from the Official Tournament Hotel to McFadden's       click here

For directions and a map from the Tournament to McFadden's                                 click here

 

 

July 4 Players Needed at Georgetown Rangers
July 1

SUPER Y INFORMATION

There are two organizations that sponsor teams into the Super Y.  They are US Club Soccer teams which means that you can play for your MSYSA team (teams that play in the GVSA, WMYSA, CASL or GLCSL leagues)

 

Here are the direct links to the clubs involved and information.

Kalamazoo Kingdom

 

West Michigan Fire

 

July 1

New Club in GVSA

 

Ole Soccer, started by Jose Rodriguez held tryouts in June and formed 7 teams.  He is attempting to form an 8th.  Unfortunately his website is down and he is having trouble getting it back up and running.

 

July 1

Creative Soccer Academy

CSA offers technical and tactical instruction in Grand Rapids area. 

read more...

June 30 Saginaw 7/11 Tournament

*************GVSA teams win 9 of 15 pools************ 

  • West Michigan Fire teams win Boys U10, Boys U11, Boys U16, Girls U10, Girls U12, Girls U17

  • Hollandia wins U15 Girls

  • Flying Kick wins Boys U12

  • Muskegon Lakers win Boys U14,  finalist at Boys U12, finalist at Girls U12

  • Portage in finals of Boys U15 (I have included Portage since they play in the Elite Division sponsored by WMYSA.  The Elite division is the scheduling division made up of the strongest teams in GVSA, WMYSA and CASL that choose not to play Premier)

June 27

courtesy GVSA website

Olympic Development Tryouts

MSYSA is now registering players for the Michigan US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program tryouts.

 

The Michigan US Youth Soccer ODP, in conjunction with the United States Olympic Development Program, is available to all Michigan youth.  Our goal is to identify and develop soccer players capable of competing at Olympic and International levels.  It is designed to support youth needs at the advanced skill levels, and it stresses player identification and development to the players' highest potential. ODP players have many benefits and opportunities available to them, in addition to the exposure of top level coaching and training.

 

If you are interested in trying out for the US Youth Soccer Michigan ODP Program, please click on the ODP link here.........click here>>>.

 

Tryouts will be held in Northville on the first weekend in August. Tryouts are for boys and girls born in 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, and 1991. You MUST register online, as there will be no on-site registration. The last day to register is July 24th, however the last day to register without paying a late fee is June 30th.

 

For more ODP information.......click here>>>    the click on "What is ODP?"

 

June 27

Barone & Stacy Camps

Learn how to become a prolific goal scorer from the best in the state.

 

read more... 

June 27

3 v 3 Tournament

The Tri-Cities Strikers are pleased to announce that official team registration will be open beginning this weekend for the 11th Annual Tri-Cities Strikers 3-on-3 Summer Soccer Classic sponsored by Meijer.  The tournament is set for Saturday, July 21st at Harbor Island.

 

Read more...

June 27

Congratulations to PASS U14!

 

The team had a 3-0 weekend at the MRL playoffs in Sylvania, Ohio.  In their first game, PASS defeated Wisconsin State Cup Champion, Mequon United, 1-0.  Next, PASS defeated Wisconsin State Cup finalist, Madison 56ers, 3-0.  PASS ended the weekend by defeating Eclipse Select 5-1.

 

These results allow the team to be promoted to play in the Premier Division of the MRL in spring of 2008.

 

Posted earlier and now moved here for further reading

 

June 27

Fall Futbol Frenzy

 

Brought to you by the same folks that host the KISS Invitational.

 

August 11-12, 2007

Read more >>>

 

June 27

Premier Soccer Coaching College Combine

Sorry, it is last minute but I just saw this and no one emailed me... Tryouts are Saturday June 23

Read More  >>>>

I posted this here for those who wanted to check it.

 

June 25 Virtual Soccer announces Camps

Visit website              Camp News

 

June 23

Not a Merger but a Name Change

ALLIANCE RAPIDS

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.       Read more...

June 22

Another MERGER

USA (United Soccer Athletes) and the Hollandia Soccer Club of Holland agreed to join forces effective June 1, 2007. Hollandia will take the USA banner and will hold open tryouts on June 15th, boys and girls U-8 to U-12 from 5:30 pm to 7pm and boys and girls U-13 to U19 from 7:30pm to 9:pm at Hope College fields. Please bring water, shin guards, a ball and wear a white or light gray T-shirt.              Read more...

June 22

6 v 6 Summer Blast

 

Here is your chance to play small sided games at all ages (U12 and up).  Gather up some friends and teammates and travel to West Michigan for the ultimate in summer fun on August 3rd and 4th.

 

Low cost ($25 per player), great fields and easy travel should make the 4th year of this Tournament the best.

 

Check It Out Here...

 

June 22

Summer Speed Camps?

 

Read more >>>

 

June 22

West Michigan Fire U18 Boys

Taking advantage of the inability of the GRASA U18 Boys team that advanced to the finals of State Cup to attend, the Fire 18 was asked to go to the:

 US Youth Soccer MIDWEST Regional Championship

as the Wild Card from Michigan.

This would have been fun enough but the State Cup Champion, Michigan Wolves was disqualified due to a technicality and the Fire slid into a No #1 seed spot.

Follow their tournament schedule and results here...

Schedule

Standings

Many West side soccer people do not recognize the honor that this is but here at WMS, we do. 

Good luck boys! 

 

June 22 Premier Soccer Coaching - College Combine

Sorry, it is last minute but I just saw this and no one emailed me...         Read More  >>>>

June 21

PASS GRANTED PREMIER CLUB STATUS!

The new GVSA policy has begun to open the doors to playing in the State premier program,

Read more...

June 21

Unity Christian vs Flint Powers

If you were not there, this will make you wish you were

Read More >>>

 

June 21

Free Verizon Clinic in Grand Rapids featuring Mexican International Player Daniel Osorno!

 

We are proud to announce that Verizon Wireless has chosen Grand Rapids as one only eleven US cities in 2007 for a Free youth soccer clinic and autograph session.  The event will be held at Grand Rapids Mackay-Jaycee Park on Saturday, July 21 and is open to all players from 5-17 years of age, but it is limited to the first 350 players to register.  All players attend free of charge and will also receive a Free Adidas soccer jersey, water bottle and sports sack in addition to the clinic itself.  The first 100 registrants will also receive a free soccer ball!  There is no cost or obligation, but you must register your child to participate at a designated Verizon Wireless store.  This is a great opportunity for your child to attend a professionally run clinic and meet an International Player!  We hope you can attend.

 

Please click here for registration details. 

June 21
Due to several requests and general interest, the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors
select program will be holding a tryout for U7 and U8 boys for the purpose
of forming a U8 Boys team, on Tuesday 6/26 at 6pm at the Soccer Spot.
Further information is available in the flyer at the following link:

READ more>>>>>>

June 21 Muskegon High School is looking for a junior varsity boys soccer coach
for the 2007 season. If interested, please contact Mike Watson, director
of athletics, or send application materials to:

Mike Watson, AD
80 W. Southern Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49441
(231) 720-2823
(231) 720-2896 (fax)
mwatson@mpsk12.net
June 21
VARDAR WEST Makeup Tryouts

Make-up Tryouts Friday and Saturday, June 22/23, at the Sports X Change

 
Call with any questions: 877-4-VARDAR
June 20

Fall Futbol Frenzy

Brought to you by the same folks that host the KISS Invitational.  August 11-12, 2007

Read more >>>

June 19

Alliance FC - Round 2 of Tryouts

We appreciate everyone who came out to try-outs last weekend and were impressed with the quality. We strongly feel that the level of play for all of our teams has improved but, still have openings on a number of teams.

Read more...