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Past the Front Page 2008

Five West Michigan Players

Five players from West Michigan have lead their college team, Trinity Christian, to the National Championships of NAIA.

Mindi Prins, Nicole Billin, Leanne Visser, Sarah Faase and Jill Machiela play today for the opportunity to play for a National Title.

READ >>>

Watch it Live for $9.95 >>>

Technically this isn't a club of interest but rather a program. 

Last year, US Soccer developed the "ACADEMY" program for U16 and U18 boys.

It is now considered the road to the promised land for Elite soccer players.

Read Overview  >>>

Read Playing Specs >>>

Read Presentation >>>

Here is a link to a listing of all the clubs in the Academy program.

Take a look >>>

Communication

Team Mania / Team Caller  These are the best sites I have found (I looked everywhere).  If your team, club or organization is tired of using phone trees. Team Caller is the answer.  If you club is tired of trying to put together individual websites, Team Mania is the answer.  Take a few minutes and check out the great options available at a reasonable and affordable cost.

Woodland Sports - Real Soccer...Indoors

FIELDS: 2 un-boarded 

Read More >>>

PICTURES >>>

Want to play in College?

Spend $20 and educate yourself.

Read more >>>

STUDS UP!!!

YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE!

NOW THRU DECEMBER 24th

ENTIRE INVENTORY

40 - 70% OFF !!!

EVERYTHING IN STOCK

EGR Store Hours

654 Croswell SE, EGR 49506. Located next to Jersey Junction

616 451 7079

Monday to Friday:  3pm to 7pm
Saturday:  Noon to 5pm

ALL BRANDS - Adidas, Puma, Brine, STX, and more.

Shoes, shin guards, balls, gloves, jerseys, warm ups etc. Shafts, heads, bags, all protective, T's,
 

All sales FINAL, no returns, or exchanges, no discounts on gift certificates.

Player Development Project

Read More >>>

Brad Larson Scholarship

Details >>>

MSU Men Win Big Ten

Led by former Grand Haven player,  GK Avery Steinlage and former Holland Christian player David Hertel,  MSU wins the Big 10 Tournament.

Also on the team, former EK players Dom and Mark Barone and Matt Cebula, former FHC player Garret Back.

Read GR Press >>>

Read more >>>

MSU seeded 4th in NCAA and receive first round bye.

NCAA DI Bracket >>>

Read about game >>>

GVSU Women

The Grand Valley Women were upset by UW Parkside, 1-0 in the NCAA DII Tournament.  When the articles show up in the Press, I will link.

Read GVSU >>>

Read GR Press >>>

Read about 1st round >>>

Read about 2nd Round >>>

After reaching the final in 2006 and the semi-final in 2007, obviously

UPDATED - SUPER Y Finals

These are being held this week in Florida.  The teams listed below have made the quarterfinals and are considered to be among the top 16 teams in the country in their age group.

Read all the articles >>>

The two most interesting result of this extraordinary effort are as follows:

• Based on placing 7 out of 10 teams in the Finals, the Kalamazoo Kingdom is ranked as the #3 Club Y League in America.

• Based on placing 2 team out of 10 in the Finals, the Alliance Academy is ranked as the #19 Y League club in America

See the report >>>

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

Only four teams from the entire Midwest Region advanced to the Semi-Finals

One of those teams was from sponsored by a Club  from West Michigan, the Alliance 14 Girls.  The majority of that team is from the MSYSA U14 Girls State Champion, Troy Elite.  The team is coached by Andy Blasco.  

Kalamazoo Kingdom B U17 >>>

Day 1: win 2-1

Day 2: tie 3-3

Day 3: loss 1-0

Consolation game: 2-1

Last minute

Day after Thanksgiving

Woodland Sports offers 5 v 5 tournament for $40 per team.

The tournament is on but we have some holes to fill.

Call 241-4000 to see if your team could fit.

INFO & REGISTER >>

Advertise Your Business

West Michigan Soccer averages 100 K hits per week.  Our rates are extremely competitive.

Call 531-1000

Best Women's College Site

This site has been off the net for a month but now...back on...it is the best.

Not Soccer but...

I will occasionally put something on here that is not soccer but I think is  interesting. 

USA Today has a beautifully done county by county time lapse of the Presidential election results.

Take a good look at how close this election really was. 

Take a look >>>

5th Annual River City Soccer Classic

The Michigan Field Sports Complex in Lowell, MI will be the site of the 5th Annual River City Fall Soccer Classic on October 18th and 19th, 2008. This
exceptional facility was used for over twenty (20) years as polo fields and sits on ½ mile of beautiful Flat River near historic Fallasburg Park.
 

Read More >>>

High School Brackets

Division 1

John Conlon joins Elite Group

East Kentwood Wins 2nd

Division 2

Holland Christian's soccer future looks bright

Not Soccer but...

I will occasionally put something on here that is not soccer but I think is  interesting. 

USA Today has a beautifully done county by county time lapse of the Presidential election results.

Take a good look at how close this election really was. 

Take a look >>>

It is Official...

The US Womens National Team will host the China National Team on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit.

More information is available and here it is...

Ticket information >>>

Laura Heyboer Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year

Read >>>

Laura Heyboer named TopDrawerSoccer.com Freshman of the season

Read  >>>

MSU Women's Soccer Team Receives NCAA Tournament Bid

Read >>>

Calvin College Men’s Soccer To Open NCAA III Tournament Play in Delaware, Ohio.  They are ranked #15 in country.

Read >>>

Calvin Women’s Soccer Team To Host Four-Team NCAA III Regional.  They are ranked #4 in the country.

Read >>>

Coaching Job

BYRON CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER COACH

Address letters of application to:
Byron Center High School
Attn: Matt McDonald
8500 Burlingame SW
Byron Center, MI 49315
Posted: October 7, 2008 until filled

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of fundamental skills needed in the appropriate sport

• Previous coaching experience at the high school level

• Possess good communication skills

• Willingness to abide by the Byron Center Public Schools Athletic Code

• Dedicated to the task of building a strong team and program

• Willing to attend clinics

• Willing to run off season programs

• Willing to run summer camps/clinics

• Good disciplinary skills

• Exhibit strong leadership abilities

• Knowledge of MHSAA rules and regulations

• Good organizational skills

 

The Champions League still exists.

The USA Champions League has changed formats and now seems to exist as a center for teams to register and play extra games against other like minded teams.  It is called the Champions Challenge Games. 

These are the clubs that participated in the USA Champions League.

STATE CUP

Congratulations to the Grand Rapids Crew U14 and   U16 for advancing to the quarterfinals.

TKO U17 advanced to the semi-finals.

Here are the links to this years quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals .  A look at the brackets shows only three (3) teams from the west side in the quarterfinals, one (1) in the semis and none (0) in the finals.

The Hawks have a team in each of the finals.  The Gators & Vardar each have placed 2 in the finals. 

A Livonia club, (LCSC) had the extremely unusual accomplishment of placing 3 teams in the U18 quarterfinals and 1 team made it to the finals.

It is my opinion, that we have significant talent on the West side and there should be more teams making it to, at the least, the semi-finals, where anything can happen.

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

This isn't Soccer

However, it was worth a link.

take a look >>>

5th Annual River City Soccer Classic

Teams interested must act today or tomorrow.

They are looking for a u8/u9 Boys or Girls Team, a u10 Girls Team, a u11 Girls Team , Women's 30+, and Men's Open Players. 

If you have an interest in filling any of these spots,

Please call Abrahm Shearer at 616-682-4700.

Read More >>>

Advertise Your Business

West Michigan Soccer averages 100 K hits per week.  Our rates are extremely competitive.

Adidas College Rankings

take a look >>>

Brad Larson Scholarship

Details >>>

Field Size

Recent measurements of the "NEW" and "IMPROVED"  EGR Mehney field would seem to show a soccer field roughly 63 yards wide by 103 yards long.  Also, the touch line on the lake side is 1 yard longer than the touch line by the stands.  This would make the field not a perfect rectangle although no one would really notice.

This started me thinking that it might be interesting to list the sizes of the  West Michigan fields.

As I get them measured or receive information from a credible source, I will post them here.  In all cases, the   measurements are in yards

• East Grand Rapids:  63 x 103

• East Kentwood:        75 x 120

• Northview:               65 x 118

• FH Central:

• FH Northern:           65 x 116

• FH Eastern:

• Jenison:

• Grandvillle:

• Unity Christian:

• Cedar Springs:        70 x 120

Any school that wants to let me know how big their field is......

EMAIL ME >>>

College Soccer

Playing college soccer doesn't always mean that you are giving up your life.

Many colleges offer "Club" soccer as student activity.

Read More >>>

Keeping Up With Soccer News is Difficult...

...Here is something that I found that seems to do it.

FAR POST REPORT >>>

On that site is this article which is some of the most interesting news I have read in awhile.

READ IT >>>

Brad Larson Scholarship

Winners Announced

Joey Barone announced today that the following student-athletes were the recipients of the Brad Larson Memorial  Scholarships this year.  The money for the scholarships was raised through the First Annual   tournament last spring at Woodland Sports.

Congratulations to the following five recipients.

Thank you for your contributions to the soccer community as players, coaches, and referees.

Matt Bouchard: Thornapple Kellogg H.S.- Playing soccer and pursuing Elementary Education degree at Aquinas

Adam Carlson: Forest Hills Northern H.S.- playing GVSU Club soccer and attending GVSU.  Will be pursuing a Masters degree at U of M.

Kellie Irwin: East Kentwood H.S.- Playing soccer and pursuing an Interior Design degree at Adrian College.

Jeff Larson: Jenison H.S.- Playing soccer and pursuing a Business degree at Aquinas.

Jeovani Pantoja: Grandville H.S.- Playing soccer and pursuing a Sports Marketing degree at Aquinas.

Details >>>

Grand Valley State University Earn Fifth Straight Shutout with 1-0 Win at Tiffin and are ranked #1 in Div. 2

Here is an article you may have missed.

read more >>>

Is it a Goal?  You Decide...

take a look >>>

Hudsonville vs Rockford goes to PK's and a controversial ending leaves people to wonder...was it in or not?

After you watch the video a few time (it only lasts five seconds or so), play close attention to the side netting after the ball goes past the net.  The net waggles around just as it would if the ball went through the hole at the bottom.

Here are the questions I have.

Did the referees check the nets prior to the varsity game (the 3rd game that day)?  Rumor has it that the referees in the freshman game (the 1st game that day) were notified that the net was loose and they refused to do  anything about it.  There was also a JV game (the 2nd game that day) on the field that day as well.

At the end of the day, it probably doesn't matter too much either way but it should serve as a warning for all referees, coaches and players.

Referees should ALWAYS check the nets even though there have been previous games.

Coaches should ALWAYS check the nets just to make sure.

Players need to practice their PKs  since you just never know. 

Name Change

Bangu Tsunami changes name, merges with Wings SC and affiliates with Minnesota Thunder.  A busy year for those guys.

Read More >>>

Minnesota Thunder Academy

This created a big mess for the Minnesota State Assoc. 

Read more >>>

It looks like they had some other issues as well.

Read more >>>      And This >>>     And more >>>       And Finally >>>

New EGR Field

Recent measurements of the "NEW" and "IMPROVED"  EGR Mehney field would seem to show a soccer field roughly 63 yards wide by 103 yards long.

I say roughly because the tape measure also showed that the touch line on the lake side is 1 yard longer than the touch line by the stands.  This would make the field not a perfect rectangle although no one would really notice.

Since the new fields they are putting in these days are normally 65-75 yards wide and 110-115 yards long, I wonder what happened?

Someone should ask the school and the city if that is actually the size field they wanted to put in.

Someone did.  Apparently, the field they wanted is the field they got.  Without spending too much time on this, the reason they put in a small field is because of cost.

I don't think they checked with anybody that was involved with any type of soccer.

Changes to Web Site

Take a moment to review the website. 

The top half of the page will take on a new look. 

The left column will be for the news.

The center column will be for announcements

The right column will be for the club & team stuff.

The bottom half of all three columns now contains sections that have been moved from the original location either on the right column or the left column.

Eventually, each of the different headings will become a drop down box, making it easier to reach your interest.

USA 17-19 Girls take Mild Cup

Read More >>>

Traverse City Tournament

Perfect season, perfect place, perfect fields and perfect tournament!
 

READ MORE >>>

TBAYS is hosting the Autumn Classic soccer tournament this September 13th and 14th.  We need teams in the following age groups:

GIRLS

U9, U14, U15, U16 and U19/20

BOYS

U9 and U13

We would be willing to extend a
special rate for anyone that may be able to submit a last minute team.

Contact me directly.

Thomas A Singer

Tournament Director

231 - 933 - 8229  ext 12

EMAIL>>>

St Louis, Missouri

STL Soccer >>>

What is interesting about clubs in this area is that while they all have been very successful in the St Louis area, as well as Regionally and Nationally, most of them have plans underway to merge their teams at U15 and above with one or more of  of their former rival clubs. 

This is a trend in many of the larger areas as it becomes more and more difficult to compete on the Regional and National level unless you are drawing from a very large and well organized pool of players.

Here is a link to one of the articles...  

read article>>>

Need an Engineer?

These were Announcements & Team Accomplishments from last year

JULY    AUGUST  OCTOBER

Soccer Live Online

Welcome to Ole Ole Football a member of the number one network for live streaming football online. We provide over 25,000 members the ability to catch all the big games with live football online on your pc or laptop. Our dedicated member’s area has no hidden charges and allows you to login instantly after paying. What is more; our service requires no extra hardware and any software required is provided free of charge. If you would like to watch live football online take a look below for upcoming fixtures.

Take a look>>>

Fund Raising

Buffalo Wild Wings prides itself on being a strong community supporter, and would like to offer you a unique fund-raising opportunity....

Read More >>>>>

Troy Elite Cup 2008

This looks to be an interesting warm up for the fall season.  They had a rainout last year but are offering teams that come back this year $125 off the entry fee.

"...If you are a team returning from the 2007 tournament that was U11 or above in 2007 you must enter your 2007 team number (this number was emailed last year to the manager/coach  and can also be found on the tournament website home page menu)  in the comments section of the application and on the memo line of your check to receive your discount of $125.."

Read More >>>.

What is Fartlek?

It is Swedish for "asswhuppin"....

Read more >>>

Mild Cup

August 30-31, 2008

New Management, New Location

New Age Groups, New Weekend

Read More >>>>

Here is Something New!

Champions Challenge Games

GREAT COMPETITION!
All US Club Soccer teams from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio will be invited.

LOW COST!
$50 per Weekend League Fees
$25-$40 Per Game Facility Fees
$30-$45 per Game Referee Fees

FLEXIBILITY!
Choose Your Dates (Saturday and/or Sunday) and Number of Games (1-5).

READ MORE >>>

Are you looking for a good College to go to for education and still play soccer?

Read more >>>

Manage your own Team

The World's Best FREE Online Soccer Manager Game is available here.

play the game >>>

Kalamazoo Kingdom

FALL 2008 TOURNAMENT

AUGUST 29-30-31, 2008

Grand Rapids, Lansing, and South Bend are within 1 hour driving time.

DIVERSE COMPETITION   QUALITY FIELDS  CONVENIENT TRAVEL  GREAT COMPETITION   PROFESSIONALLY RUN

READ MORE >>>>

Brad Larson Memorial Tournament

Due to the success of the tournament, Founder Joey Barone announced today that there are four (4) $500 scholarships available.

Interested candidates must fill in an application and send it by July 21, 2008.

Scholarships will be awarded by July 30, 2008.

scholarship application >>>

Thank You>>>

Sunday, March 9th at Woodland Sports in Grand Rapids.  Games will run start at 12:30 and end by 9:00 PM 

read more >>>

application >>>

COMPLETED!  GREAT DAY!

READ MORE >>>

TEAM REGISTRATION >>>

TEAM ROSTER >>>

TRYOUT Page

In an attempt to make life easier for the soccer parents who are frantically searching for that next club I have compiled (as best I can) links to most of the clubs in west Michigan on one page.

You will also find all the Premier clubs Tryout links as well.

If I missed a club, it was not intentional, please email me and I will post it up.

Go to Tryouts >>>>

Soccer Club Board Members - Read This!

Club Costs

This is a difficult time for many parents.

 

A good friend of mine once described it as "...THE SILLY SEASON..." among other things. 

 

One troubling issue has always been the difficulty in obtaining solid information (prior to tryouts) about the actual cost of playing for a club and what the fees actually cover. 

 

This new page is part of my ongoing effort to bring factual information to the soccer community.

 

This has been updated to show the actual projected hard costs of the uniform package.  Your club may charge more.

 

Club Cost page

 

I will only post and/or link the information once I receive a hard copy of the costs and what they cover.

 

I challenge the clubs to post the information online (or send it to me) so it can be linked up here for all to see.

Something Completely Original

Those who know me, know that I spend way too much of a normal persons sleep time wandering the internet.  Occasionally, I will find something worthwhile enough to place on this site.  Enjoy!

TED - Ideas Worth Spreading

This is the segment that brought me to TED...........

Theo Jansen

Interesting Articles

This series of articles is written with hockey in mind but they apply to all youth sports, and in particular, soccer.

read more>>>

Good reading....

The OFFSIDE Story

Handling Injuries

SUPER Y gets its own page

read more >>>

Short-sided Games

Here is a great read for those coaches, & parents who do not understand why the children should be playing short-sided games at U12 and younger.

Here is a sample...

...The reason English football has a tradition of brick outhouse central defenders who cannot pass and perpetual motion machines in midfield without an ounce of the class of Cesc Fàbregas is because our youth football is geared to little else.

If you are big you go at the back because you can kick it a long way and on an adult pitch, unless someone can hoof it to safety, a team can get boxed in defending their penalty area with no end in sight until the inevitable goal is scored. The ability to cover a ludicrously vast distance, box to box, is obviously essential for a midfield player, so the game favours long-legged cross-country runners, not tidy little ball players....

Sound familar?  read the article>>>

What is Fartlek?

It is Swedish for "asswhuppin"....

Read more >>>

The Uneven Playing Field

By MICHAEL SOKOLOVE

From page 3:  "...AN A.C.L. DOES NOT tear so much as it explodes, often during routine athletic maneuvers — landings from jumps, decelerations from sprints — that look innocuous until the athlete crumples to the ground. After the A.C.L. pulls off the femur, it turns into a viscous liquid. The ligament cannot be repaired; it has to be replaced with a graft, which the surgeon usually forms by taking a slice of the patellar tendon below the kneecap or from a hamstring tendon. One reason for the long rehabilitation is that the procedure is really two operations — one at the site of the injury and the other at the donor site, where the tendon is cut..."

READ IT ALL >>>

When you read the article, you will find a warm-up program mentioned - the PEP Program.  Here is a link.

PEP Program >>> 

Websites Around the Country

 St Louis Soccer >>>                Chicago Soccer >>>

Project Freestyle

What is it?

Read More >>>

Time is running Out!

Coopersville 3v3 Soccer
When: Aug 9
Coopersville Mi
$75 a Team, 6 Player Limit
Everyone gets a Shirt
NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP

READ MORE >>>

Fund Raising

Buffalo Wild Wings prides itself on being a strong community supporter, and would like to offer you a unique fund-raising opportunity....

Read More >>>>>

Barone Soccer Academy

Joey Barone, former Calvin College All-American, announces formation of his Soccer Academy.

PHILOSOPHY
The hardest thing to do on a soccer field is SCORE GOALS. Regardless of what position you play, we will make you a better GOAL-SCORER! The camps place heavy emphasis on functional training in the offensive third of the field and are all about
SCORING GOALS. We will help you develop your presence on the field as a GOAL SCORING threat.

Read more >>>>  

"...If you want to score a goal, you have to hit the target..."       Fabio Capello

US CLUB REGIONALS

Indianapolis

Schedules, Standings >>>

Regional Championships

READ MORE >>>

Two Michigan Teams Advance to National Championship

U14 Boys - Grand Rapids Crew have been on the national radar for several years.  They recently earned the right to play for a National Title and travel to Arkansas... MORE>>>

U19 Girls - Bloomfield Force have repeated as Regional Champion and have earned the right to defend their National Title.  Read about last years trip to the Final Four....MORE >>>

U19 Force Wins another Title!

U19 Girls Bloomfield Force (the Club team of Laura Heyboer and Jill Flietsra) defended their National Title.  Laura Heyboer (2 time MIchigan Miss Soccer) and Jill Flietsra will be attending MSU this fall after finishing their High School careers with an unprecedented 4th straight High School Championship.

It is a storybook ending to a remarking youth career for both Heyboer and Flietsra.

U19 Force FC Schedule >>>

National Championships

All Schedules/Results >>>

U14 Crew Finishes 3rd in Country

U14 Grand Rapids Crew traveled to Arkansas to represent Michigan in National Championships.  Although they are ranked #2 in the country, it means nothing.  All 4 teams fighting for the Title are exceptional and there is no clear favorite.

The Crew represented themselves well, finishing 1-1-1 in pool play but did not advance to the finals. 

The first game was the problem as the travel to Arkansas and the heat created issues for them and they were able to finish only one of their many opportunities in the game against the eventual champion, losing 2-1.

It was a great year for this group and I know that all of your supporters wish you well in your hunt for next year.

Read more >>>

U14 Crew Schedule >>>

FLYING KICK U17 Boys

FK U17 boys set a new benchmark for West Michigan teams by winning the top group at the USA Cup in Blaine Minnesota.

USA CUP >>>

This is a wonderful weeklong, summer tournament that attracts many of the top teams from across the country and around the world.

To win their pool and playoff bracket,   they played teams from Ontario, Minnesota, Indiana, Connecticut and New York.

Pool Play Results >>>

Pool Play Standings >>>

CUP FLIGHT (A) Playoff Results >>>

PASS U10 boys win another tournament!

The Kalamazoo Crusader Cup was held last weekend and the PASS U10 boys easily won their preliminary games; 8-1 Crew Jr. Black; 10-1 BC United; 5-0 Kingdom Select. The final was a tight game against League rival Georgetown Rangers with PASS pulling out a 5-3 win to take the championship trophy home. Georgetown gave them a tough fight. The team is trained and coached by Mark VanSlooten, but assistant coach John Menhart coached the team throughout the tournament. Great Job TEAM!

2008 Boys High School Pre-Season Team Camp

Are you getting ready for your high school season?  Make sure your team is in top form before try-outs by attending the Roberts Soccer Academy High School Pre-Season Team Camp!  Our staff will have you prepared to tackle those grueling two-a-days and make sure you maximize your pre-season week.

Dates:          Monday, August 4^th - Friday, August 8^th 

Time:           Choose from 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm 

Location:           Aquinas College Game Field

Staff*

Matt Roberts

• Assistant Coach – Aquinas College Men

• Staff Coach – Grand Rapids Crew Juniors

• NSCAA National Diploma

• 2005 Boys MHSSCA Div. 3 Coach of the Year

                 

Questions?  Call Matt Roberts at 616-821-3115 for answers!

 

Anne Steinlage  - Spring Lake

Anne Steinlage has been training with the u-17 national in prep for the u-17 world cup. While in Florida, she has not been playing for Spring Lake soccer team.

http://www.ussoccer.com/index.jsp.html
 

Roster of US U17 Woman's National Team

GOALKEEPERS (3): Alexa Gaul (Naperville, Ill.), Taylor Vancil (South Elgin, Ill.), Kelsey Wys (Coral Springs, Fla.).
DEFENDERS (6): Zakiya Bywaters (Las Vegas, Nev.), Crystal Dunn (Rockville Center, N.Y.), Meagan Morris (Montclair, N.J.), Megan Oyster (Naperville, Ill.), Julia Roberts (Fredrick, Md.), Anne Steinlage (Grand Haven, Mich.);
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kathryn Bennett (Clyde Hill, Wash.), Amber Brooks (New Hope, Pa.), Cloee Colohan (West Point, Utah), Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick (Pleasanton, Calif.), Megan Jurado (San Jose, Calif.), Olivia Klei (Pleasanton, Calif.), Kristen Mewis (Hanson, Mass.), Samantha Mewis (Hanson, Mass.), Erika Tymrak (Bradenton, Fla.);
FORWARDS (6): Tani Costa (Honolulu, Hawaii), Victoria DiMartino (Massapequa, N.Y.), Alexi Harris (Plano, Texas), Samantha Johnson (Palmdale, Calif.), Caroline Miller (Rockville, Md.), Courtney Verloo (Tualatin, Ore.).

Lakeshore Soccerfest

Applications are now being accepted for the 12th Annual Lakeshore Soccerfest, being held May 23rd-25th.

In 2007,  a record number of 130+ teams attended, coming from Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Ft Wayne and more. 

Don't miss out, register your team today!!!

Read More >>>

Vardar-West Announces New
Partnership with Glasgow Rangers

Rangers Football Club today (Friday 7 March 2008) announced details of a partnership with Vardar-West Soccer Club as part of their highly successful Soccer Schools programme. Over the past three years, Rangers overseas camps have gone from strength to strength, with Soccer School activities taking place in America, Canada, Australia, Germany and Spain.

Read More >>>>

The 5th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Soccer Classic and High School Showcase

READ MORE...

Hamdi Rammal is Coach of the Year

...read the MSYSA story...

West Michigan Soccer page

FH Northern Grad goes D1

Brent Rosendall (FHN Class of 2007), is attending school and will be playing soccer for the University of Louisville. He was recruited by a few division one programs and eventually decided to except an offer from Louisville.

In order to make it easy to follow his career, I have added  a link in the college section (below left) and also here for the moment.

read more >>>

Two West Michigan Players

TJ VanSlooten (Northview) and Conner Fast (EGR) just got the invitation to travel to Barcelona, Spain with the Region 2 '92's National ODP team on Feb. 23. They will play in an international tournament against local Catalonia Leagues top youth teams such as Barcelona, Espanyol, Cornella , Damm, Europa, Mercantil and Badalona.

West Michigan Makes it Two in a Row

On Friday night, January 18, in Baltimore, MD, Soccer Coach John Conlon, from East Kentwood, received the 2007 National Soccer Coaches Coach of the Year Award (for High School Boys)...

...Read more >>>

Last Year, Coach Randy Heethuis, from Hudsonville Unity Christian, received the 2006 National Soccer Coaches Coach of the Year Award (for Private/Parochial High School Girls)...

...Read More >>>

WM Fire Jrs. U-15 Girls To Super Y Finals

The U15 Girls team beat Ohio Elite 6-1 in regular season play to solidify their place in the Florida finals.  WMFJ defeated such resilient teams as the Chicago Magic, Penns Forest, and Toronto to earn the berth in the finals. 

The Florida Super Y Finals schedule for the U15 Girls included games against FC Delco, Chicago Magic, and So Cal Blues in round robin play.  The Fire played a fine game against FC Delco earning a 1-0 win which failed to reflect Fire’s dominance of the game.  

The next match pitted the U15 Fire team against the rival Chicago Magic.  As they had twice in regular season play, Fire soundly defeated Chicago with a 1-0 win.  Head coach Dan Raben  said, “It was a good game we played.  Chicago is always a tough match and our girls played well.” 

Moving into the last match against So Cal Blues, the Fire needed to tie or win the game to move forward into the semi-finals.  Regretfully, the WMFJ U15’s conceded a goal about 15 minutes into the game and from that time on they fought hard but to no avail.  They lost 1-0. Coach Raben said, “The girls played very well.  I was proud of the way they played.  We pressed all second half and just came up short.  The girls played a great tournament.” 

The Fire went on to win their final game against the Mountain WFC 1–0.  Overall, the WMFJ U-15 girls had a great run in the finals.  Congratulations to the players and staff on the team for a hard fought season and excellent showing in the Super Y Finals.  Great job Coach Raben and girls. 

West Michigan Teams Win 3 State Championships!

The last 10 years have seen explosive growth in the numbers of children playing soccer but more importantly, a large number of of skilled players have also appeared.

Varsity teams from four West Michigan High Schools have reached the State Finals this year in all 4 Divisions.

East Kentwood (D1) wins State Championship.

Hudsonville Unity Christian (D2) wins State Championship.

Forest Hills Eastern (D2) lost to Unity in Semi-final.

Grand Rapids South Christian (D3) loses tough game in finals.

Muskegon West Michigan Christian (D4) wins State Championship.

Please join us in wishing them well. 

Nationally ranked Crew team makes semi-finals at Disney Showcase.  In pool play they defeated 2 top 10 teams.  Semi-final Results were not what you might expect from a high level game as they lost 5-1 to eventual winner and perennially strong, Dallas Texans 94.

Congratulations to the Alliance FC U-11b who won the Veterans Cup this past weekend in Evansville, Indiana. En route to the finals the boys scored 22 goals and allowed 2.In the last game they defeated Anderson Blitz by a score of 10-1.  The team is coached by Amy Dunwell and Szolt Bertalan.

The Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) U14 Boys MRL team won another very prestigious tournament in Tennessee over the weekend. On the way to the Germantown Invitational win the team defeated competition from Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma along with gaining an 8-1 goal advantage. “We played against national ranked competition with many Regional Olympic Development Program players, especially from the strong Region III that includes Texas.” said Coach Remco Bergsma. “The boys are coming together as a team and we are tactically becoming smart.” The U14 team has also had a very strong fall season in the National League (MRL) where they have gone undefeated and outscored their opponents 27-2. Add to that the Championships in both the NSR Cup in Saginaw, MI and the Mead Cup in Dayton, OH and it is quite obvious that the team is one of the best to ever come out of the west side of the State. The next endeavor for the team is to go down to Orlando over the Thanksgiving weekend to defend last years Championship at the Disney Juniors Soccer Showcase. We wish them all good luck.

The United Soccer Athletes U-17/19 Girls team that played in the Blue Division this past fall is truly a team made up of players near and far. The team has players from Michigan Lutheran High School, Lawton High School, Loy Norrix HIgh School, Holland Christian High School, Holland High School, South Haven High School, West Ottawa High School and Zeeland East High School. Eight schools in all! The team is coached by Dennis Yunke of South Haven, Corey Yunke of Grandville, and Dan Kievit (not pictured) of Holland.

The Stingers U11 boys, coached by George Moni, won the MC United Showcase tournament in St. Louis, Missouri this past weekend. They scored 36 goals in 5 games while allowing only 4 goals. I've attached a picture of the team. It would be great if you could post this on the West Michigan Soccer website on the Team Achievements page. Thanks so much - Tina

(Grant & Logan Juth's mom)

 

Five teams from Flying Kick went to Tbays Autumn Classic the weekend of Sept 15 and 16th. All five teams won their division. They were U9 boys, U12 B, U12 G, U14B, and U18 G.
 

Alliance FC

The u11 Boys Alliance FC team won the Midland Tournament outscoring their opponents by a margin of  40 to 2. While many of the tournaments across the region were cancelled this weekend, these boys enjoyed great weather and good competition.

The first year team was led by Landon Chamberlain, Bradley Dunwell, Nedim Mehonovic and Delano Capobianco and coached by Amy Dunwell and Zsolt Bertalan.

Alliance FC congratulates all the boys on this accomplishment!
 

As is typical for Labor Day weekend, many of the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (GRCJ) teams were in action in tournaments all over the Midwest. Both on the Select and Premier side, many stayed within the State of Michigan for some well organized tournaments at Vardar Cup, Kingdom Invitational Challenge and the MILD Cup. However, some teams ventured out of state as well.  We had quite a few Champions and runners up but the most notable were....

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The Grand Rapids Crew Girls U-12 team coached by Jeff Brown returned home from the NSR GOLD CUP in Naperville, IL as Champions. In 5 games, the girls scored 35 goals and only had 1 goal scored against them.

GV PASS

The GV-PASS U15 boys finished out a strong season this year by becoming one of only three U15 Michigan teams pre-qualified for the spring ’08 premier level Midwest Regional League, (highest level of the MRL), as well as seeing several players participate in Michigan’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). 

For the winter ODP training, five players from the U15 team advanced to the state pool for their respective age groups:  Justin Reamon, Tyler Tran, Erik Anderson, and Andrew Vanden Berg for the 1993 age group; and TJ VanSlooten for the 1992 age group.  Three of the five players moved on to represent the state of Michigan at the summer ODP regional camp:  Erik Anderson, Andrew Vanden Berg, and TJ VanSlooten. All three players appreciated the training sessions, strong coaching, and meeting other players from the twelve states participating in this year’s Region II ODP camps.  

The 1993 age group brought two teams of 18 players to the camp, an older team (January through June birthdays) and a younger team (July through December birthdays).  At the 1992 age group, the state brings just one team of 18 players.  All three boys’ Michigan teams advanced to their respective championships.  Erik was on the 1993 older team, which lost in a close 0-1 game to Ohio North; Andrew’s 1993 younger team won their championship in a 3-1 game against Minnesota. TJ’s team lost in a tight 0-1 championship match against Indiana. TJ’s success on the Michigan ‘92 team garnered him a spot at the Regional Holdover Camp and the ODP regional pool of players that will be called to play in different venues throughout the 2008 playing year, including a possible trip to South America in the spring of  08. 

GV-PASS U15 players also had a strong showing in the Super-Y league for 2006/07.  Of the eight players from the team who participated in Super-Y, three were identified to move to national identification camps.  Last fall, Erik Anderson and Tyler Tran participated in the 1993 Id2 Regional Camp held in Mattheson, IL.  TJ VanSlooten advanced to the 1992 National United Soccer League (USL) ODP Camp held in Tampa, FL. in February of 2007 and was named to the 1992 National Team.  He was invited to travel to Germany with this team, but was unable to do so because of a prior commitment to the Region II ODP camp in July.   

The entire GV-PASS team worked diligently to earn their spot in the top division of the MRL league.  While overcoming injuries and the transition of adding seven new players to the 2006-2007 roster, they worked hard to maintain the possession style of play that has made them so successful.  Congratulations to these players, and coach, Mark VanSlooten for their dedication and determination! 

The PASS Impact U10 boys
won the U10 division of the Michigan Challenge Cup this past weekend

Kalamazoo, MI (August 20, 2007)

The 2007 Kalamazoo Kingdom U14 girls Super Y team defended their 2006 Midwest Champions Title by going undefeated the second year in a row in the highly competitive United Soccer League’s elite youth soccer program. The Kingdom team defeated Chicago Magic, Penns Forest (Pittsburg), Mequoin United (Milwaukee), and the West Michigan fire by amassing thirty one goals while only allowing nine against them. The team will be returning to the North American Finals to represent the Midwest Division on November 15th in Tampa , Florida . The team consists of some the best U14 youth soccer players from all over the state of Michigan including several ODP state and regional players. The team is led again this year by Coach Chad Wiseman. This will be Coach Chad ’s fourth trip to USL’s North American Youth Finals. Chad Wiseman’s assessment of this years performance and chances at the finals are: “The team has earned a trip back to the North American Finals. They are very deserving of this opportunity. These girls work extremely hard and have a bunch of talent. I look forward to see how we will match up against some of the top teams in North America ”.

Roster: Lindsey Arnett-Portage Mara Bennett -Portage Kaitlin Brown-Ann Arbor Breanne Bye-Portage Lunden Carpenter-Portage Shelby Jarvis-Portage Samantha Kay-Portage Cayla Lentz-Portage Samantha Osterhaven-Grand Rapids Carlee Pallett-Plainwell Taylore Peterson-Portage Jordan Rakus-Holt Madison Sandmeyer-Portage Lindsay Shafer-Portage Sara Silvasi-Dexter Paige Wester-Portage Hailey Yondo-Caledonia Alex Heffron-Grand Rapids


Chad Wiseman
Assistant Coach, Western Michigan University Men's Soccer
Head Coach, Plainwell High School Varsity Girl's Soccer

Head Coach, Kingdom Reserves U14 & U15 Boys MSPSL
Head Coach, Kingdom Reserves U15 Girls MSPSL
Head Coach, Kingdom Reserves U16 Boys & U17 Boys Super "Y" League
Head Coach, Kingdom Reserves U14 Girls Super "Y" League

Email: chadwiseman19@yahoo.com
Phone: 269-569-2153

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Eight Players from the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors U-14 Boys Attend ODP Regional Camp this summer.

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The Grand Rapids Crew Jrs U-12 girls team coached by Jeff Brown, played in their first tournament to kick of the start of what looks to be a very successful season. This was the first time the girls played together as there are many newcomers to the team and the first time playing on the 11 v 11 field. The tournament was the NSR Cup in Saginaw and the girls lost to Vardar 3-2, came back to beat the Hawks B team 4-0 and the Hawks A team 4-1. The girls are working hard as they prepare for the NSR Gold Cup over Labor day in Naperville, IL.