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Snohomish Youth
Soccer Club Proudly announces its 2012 College Scholarship Recipient:
Kamryn Barney will be
attending Western Washington University. Kamryn currently plays for the
Snohomish United GU17 Black team. She also plays for Snohomish High
School where she received the Most Improved SHS Varsity Player and
Everett Herald Honorable Mention award. While with Snohomish United, she
also refereed for 2 years and gave time to coaching GU12 and Top Soccer.
Kamryn is attending WWU in the fall of 2013 in pursuit of a degree in
creative writing, journalism and environmental studies.
Snohomish United
Players Contribute to Region IV Championship Teams
please
click here (520k PDF) to see pictures
and players
With New Nike and
Eurosport Partnership, SYSC Achieves Uniform Excellence
SNOHOMISH, WA (November 29,
2011)—The Snohomish Youth Soccer Club has just signed multi-year
agreements with Nike and Eurosport, signaling a new push in the club’s
aggressive drive to be the best in the country.
An acknowledged leader in sports
apparel and sponsorship, Nike offers the club multiple advantages over
PUMA, the club’s outfitter for over 10 years. The four-year contract,
beginning in 2012, not only means higher quality uniforms and a
completely new look for the players, it gives the club more options in
coaches’ gear and player accessories.
The additional financial and marketing
support from Nike also played a major role in the contract negotiations.
“Nike’s partnership means that we get a percentage back, plus built-in
marketing support from the company,” said Club President Dennis Porter.
“It’s a smart move financially, and our players have never looked
better.”
The new contract with Eurosport, the
largest soccer-uniform provider in the world, adds another degree of
competitiveness to SYSC’s stellar game plan. Founded in 1984, Eurosport
works to promote soccer at all levels and to educate players, families
and referees about the game and its equipment. Eurosport, a major Nike
vendor, offers SYSC the finest soccer gear at the best price, plus
state-of-the-art educational tools. For more information about
Eurosport, visit
www.soccer.com.
Club Vice President of Competition
Gerard Legall sums up the feeling around the clubhouse. “We’re extremely
excited about this move. After long hours of deliberation and careful
consideration, we feel we have one of the best uniform contracts in the
state.”
Scott Uderitz, SYSC’s Technical
Director, echoes the sentiment. “This takes us to the next level. I
mean, how can you go wrong with the global leader in youth apparel?”
Snohomish County
Letter
Download (29k PDF)
US National Team
Selection- Kees Westra
Kees Westra has recently received an invitation to play on the U14
National Team at the 2011 Thanksgiving Interregional in California. This
event features ODP teams from each region and 2 US National teams. Kees
only knows he is one of 36 players selected for the 2 national teams.

Earlier in the summer, Kees was
selected to the Boys U14 US National Player Pool. Kees plays on United
B97 Black, and is coached by Anthony Sardon. Kees was one of 13 Region
IV players selected. Selection was made after the ODP camp in
McMinnville, Oregon.
As part of this player pool, Kees also
traveled to Carson California to participate in the National
Identification Camp and train at the US Soccer National Training Center.
Kees began his soccer career with
Snohomish at U9, and has continued his development only at Snohomish.
U11 through U13 he was coached by Scott Uderitz. Current Coach, Anthony
says, “I am extremely excited for Kees to have this opportunity. I also
know that his teammates are very excited for him as well. He is a player
with a bright future in the game, because he is not only talented, but
also possesses good character and an eagerness to learn. He has natural
leadership qualities that are developing and I am also excited to see
what he takes away from this experience and how it will make him a
better person and player. “
Janelle and Scott comment that, Soccer
is Kees’ passion. This past year has provided Kees with so many great
opportunities; EPD, ODP Regional Camp, National ID Camp, and now a spot
on the U14 Boys National Team roster. It’s exceeded all his expectations
…he’s livin’ the dream. We hope, through hard work and focus,
opportunities will continue to come his way. This whole summer has
really been an unbelievable ride - we just never expected so much. It
was just exciting he got to attend the regional ODP camp in Oregon (that
was his goal this year), and it just took off from there.
Former coach and Club Technical
Director, Scott Uderitz says, “I couldn't be happier for Kees and his
selection to the National Team. This shows that hard work and dedication
really do pay off. Kees not only is a fantastic soccer player, he is
also an amazing person. I enjoyed coaching Kees and watching him develop
as a player over the last three years. I know this is a huge
accomplishment for Kees but I also know that he is not even close to
reaching his full potential. His hard work and positive attitude will no
doubt take him to many more successes in life. Kees is the first player
from Snohomish United to ever be placed on the US National Team and we
want to congratulate him and wish him continued success in the future.”
Club President, Dennis Porter states,
"The club is extremely excited for Kees and his family. It's great to
see young student athletes succeed and fulfill their dreams. I want to
thank his parents for having the foresight to keep Kees within the
Snohomish family. In the past, it seems our players would leave SYSC for
other clubs on the eastside or down south; our coaches putting in all
the hard work in developing these kids ultimately for other clubs. Kees
is an indicator of the quality of our coaching staff, with a player’s
dedication and hard work, there's no need to go anywhere else. Our
premier side of the club, Snohomish United, is more than capable of
getting young men and women to the next level. Kees will be the first of
many elite athletes from the Snohomish youth soccer family."
Look for follow up stories in the club
newsletter.
Snohomish Youth
Soccer Association would like to congratulate the flowing winners of the
2011 college scholarships
- Nick Wright who played for
Daniel Struk BU18 team. Graduated top of his class at Snohomish High
School. He plans to go to Gonzaga or Western WA. University.
- Jordan Steranka who played
for Daniel Struk BU18 team. Graduated top of his class at Glacier
Peak High School. He will be attending Western WA. University.
- James Eschrich who played
for Kevin McGibbons’s BU18 team. Graduated from Glacier Peak High
School with honors. He will perusing a degree in Business.
- Michael Windrim who played
for Daniel Struk BU18 team. Graduated from Glacier Peak High School
ranked as #1 in his class. He plans to attend a 4 year university.
2011 Bigfoot
Finalists
|
BOYS |
|
Winner |
Score |
Runner-up |
Score |
Division |
Age |
|
Crossfire Premier B11 Brisbon |
9 |
NW Nationals B00 Red |
1 |
Gold |
BU11 |
|
MRFC Strikers |
2 |
WPFC '00 Navy |
0 |
Silver 1 |
BU11 |
|
FPSC FURY B00 Red |
5 |
Crossfire Premier B10 Raftery |
3 |
Silver 2 |
BU11 |
|
GRFC B99 Blue |
2 |
Snohomish United B99 - Black |
1 |
Gold |
BU12 |
|
SHSC Revolution B99 Black |
3 |
Seattle United West B99 Blue |
1 |
Silver 1 |
BU12 |
|
Monroe FC B99 |
5 |
WA Rush B99 Swoosh |
0 |
Silver 2 |
BU12 |
|
FWFC Storm 98 Green |
2 |
GRFC B98 Blue |
1 |
Gold |
BU13 |
|
ISC Gunners B98 B |
3 |
RV Slammers B98 Orange |
1 |
Silver 1 |
BU13 |
|
FPSC FURY B98 Red |
3 |
SGESC FUSION BOMBERS '98 |
0 |
Silver 2 |
BU13 |
|
FPSC FURY B97 |
4 |
GRFC B97 Blue |
1 |
Gold |
BU14 |
|
Snohomish United B97 - Red |
5 |
Kent United B97 |
1 |
Silver |
BU14 |
|
GRFC B96 Blue |
3 |
NSC Arsenal U15-Sabatini |
2 |
Gold |
BU15 |
|
GRFC B96 Red |
2 |
FC Edmonds Hurricane |
0 |
Silver |
BU15 |
|
Seattle United B95 Tango |
2 |
Pacific FC Fire 95' |
1 |
Gold |
BU16 |
|
GRFC B95 Red |
3 |
North Kitsap Dynamo 95 |
2 |
Silver |
BU16 |
|
WFC Rangers BU17 Gold |
1 |
Westsound FC 94 Black |
0 |
Gold |
BU17 |
|
PSC Hurricanes |
4 |
FC Crush |
2 |
Silver |
BU17 |
|
NWN |
5 |
ISC Arsenal B93 Red Cramer |
4 |
Gold |
BU18 |
|
GIRLS |
|
Winner |
Score |
Runner-up |
Score |
Division |
Age |
|
DOS FC G00 Red |
3 |
Eastside FC G00 Red |
0 |
Gold |
GU11 |
|
WA Rush G00 Swoosh |
2 |
WSA Rapids Red |
1 |
Silver 1 |
GU11 |
|
DOS FC G01 Red |
1 |
FCE Storm |
0 |
Silver 2 |
GU11 |
|
GRFC G99 Blue |
4 |
ISC Gunners G99 B |
1 |
Gold |
GU12 |
|
Nortac Sparta 99 |
1 |
WSA Rapids Navy |
0 |
Silver 1 |
GU12 |
|
NW Nationals G99 Blue |
1 |
Orting FC White Thunder |
0 |
Silver 2 |
GU12 |
|
Snohomish United G98 - Black |
3 |
GRFC G98 Blue |
0 |
Gold |
GU13 |
|
Kent United G98 Green-Timian |
4 |
WFC Rangers GU13 Royal |
1 |
Silver 1 |
GU13 |
|
ISC Gunners G98 B |
1 |
DOS FC G98 White |
0 |
Silver 2 |
GU13 |
|
GRFC G97 Red |
2 |
SHSC Revolution G97 Black |
1 |
Gold |
GU14 |
|
Snohomish United G97 - Red |
2 |
MRFC G97 White |
0 |
Silver |
GU14 |
|
GRFC G96 |
2 |
Snohomish United G96 - Black |
0 |
Gold |
GU15 |
|
FPSC FURY G96 Red |
4 |
FC Alliance G15 White |
0 |
Silver |
GU15 |
|
Crossfire Select G95 Wyrick |
3 |
Snohomish United G95 Black |
2 |
Gold |
GU16 |
|
Lake Hills Storm |
1 |
Crossfire Select G95 Hill |
0 |
Silver |
GU16 |
|
GRFC G94 Red |
1 |
Reign 94 Purple |
0 |
Gold |
GU17 |
|
NSC Fury 94 |
4 |
FC Alliance G94 Gold - Reiter |
0 |
Silver |
GU17 |
|
GRFC G94 Blue |
3 |
DOS FC G93 |
1 |
Gold |
GU18 |
|
BIFC G93 Azzurri |
2 |
WFC Rangers GU18 |
0 |
Silver |
GU18 |
Snohomish Youth
Soccer Club Welcomes Coaching Director Scott Uderitz
SNOHOMISH, WA (February 21, 2011)–With the
signing of new Coaching Director Scott Uderitz, SYSC has at its helm not
just a hometown boy made good, but also a seasoned soccer pro with the
goal of a national title in his sights.
A retired U.S. soccer midfielder who
played one season in the National Professional Soccer League, one in the
Continental Indoor Soccer League and three in Major League Soccer, he
brings to the club impeccable credentials, an abiding passion for the
game and an infectious enthusiasm that will raise the level of play for
many seasons to come.
Born in Edmonds, Uderitz has deep roots
in the community and an equally extensive background in the sport. After
attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he played from 1989
to 1992, he signed with the Cleveland Crunch of the National
Professional Soccer League. Uderitz took his game indoors in 1995, when
he joined the Las Vegas Dust Devils of the Continental Indoor Soccer
League.
In February 1996, Scott was chosen by
the Kansas City Wizards in that year’s MLS Inaugural Players Draft. He
played 28 games that year, but the following year brought a major
injury–he tore the MCL in his right knee–forcing him to miss the entire
season. He returned in 1998, starting 18 games out of 22 played. In 1999
he retired from professional play.
While his background is impressive,
Uderitz’s passion for soccer and family ties to the game are no less
noteworthy. After his retirement he returned to Washington State, where
he instructed in the SYSC system. He recently passed his National “B”
license qualifying him to educate at an elite level. Scott coaches the
Snohomish United U13 boys team, one of the state’s best, as well as a WA
ODP U15 boys state team which just won regional’s and is now vying for a
national title.
Uderitz is vocal about his passion for
the game and his new position as SYSC’s Coaching Director. “I’ve been
involved with this club since 2005 and I’m so excited about this
opportunity. It’s a great fit and is something I’ve wanted for a long
time. This isn’t a stepping stone to something else, it’s been my goal
and my dream.” He adds with a smile, “Hey, my own kids, niece and
nephews are in this club, so I’ve got some pretty tough critics to
please not just in the club and on the field, but at home too!”
SYSC Gerard Legal VP of Competitive
Play adds, “To have someone of Scott’s caliber in the role of Coaching
Director is outstanding. We know Scott is committed, a man on the rise
and is here for the long term, his drive to succeed is going to push
this club to the top at all levels. It’s an understatement to say he’s
the right man for the job.”
SNOHOMISH UNITED
U-16 PREMIER
Late last May, with select
soccer tryouts over, and high school soccer over; the first day of
practice for the ‘new’ Snohomish United U-16 Boys’ team was upon us. Two
groups of boys stand yards apart, each group individually chatting,
comparing recent high school seasons, and kicking soccer balls around.
One group dressed in the red of Snohomish, the other, a mixture of worn
practice tees. Coach Kevin Blokker walks on the pitch, views the two
groups, his 2010-11 team, hails the guys over, and makes introductions.
So begins a very successful year for Snohomish United U-16 Boys.

Back row L to R: Coach Kevin Blokker,
Tanner Palisance, Logen Flem, Ian Beegle, Brendan Aune,
Trevor Tyler, Alex Kopp, Forrest Paul, Robert Whited, Kieren Raney.
Front Row L to R: Blake Sander,
Jarek Thomas, Grayson Steele, Kyle Reynolds, Alex Daza, Ryan Bash, Kerry
Millick, Brennen Countryman
The U-16 team for 2010-2011 consists of
17 talented athletes, a combination of 9 boys from the 2009-10 Snohomish
United team, and an additional 8 from the 2009-10 Rush team. Kevin
Blokker, a new coach to all them, took on the challenge of uniting two
groups of boys, who previously faced each other on opposing teams, in
order to mold this group of soccer aficionados into a strong ‘united’
soccer force. With the work and commitment of these 17 boys and the
expertise of Kevin, the U-16 team has experienced great success this
season. The strength of the U-16 team was first demonstrated in the
success of their summer tournament season. Snohomish United U-16 Boys
placed 2nd in June at the Firecracker Tournament, 1st in July at the
Snohomish United Invitational Tournament, and 2nd in August at the
Snohomish Bigfoot Tournament. Though Snohomish United U-16 had
previously been viewed as a strong club, the summer play gave them the
recognition as a force with which to be reckoned.
League play commenced in September. The
Snohomish United Boys U-16 continued to demonstrate their newly united
strengths. A winning season was built upon a dominating defense.
Snohomish United placed first in their league with the least amount of
goals against, only 4 scored against them out of their 14 games,
enabling them to be promoted to Tier 2 in 2011. Their final record was
11 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.
Next up for this now ‘United’ soccer
team, the State Championships. In mid-December, the boys faced the
challenge of having to ‘play in’ in order to participate in the highest
level tournament, and again they met this challenge head on. The boys
traveled to Yakima in a snow storm and played in 6 inches of snow. They
slip and slid into a close loss, yet came back the very next day to beat
the same Yakima team on Snohomish’s own turf in order to qualify for the
most competitive cup in the state. January sees them as one of only 16
teams participating in the highest state cup and competing against 15
other dominant teams. Though they are seeded fourth in their bracket,
Snohomish United has started out strong, winning 1-0 in a highly
competitive match with WSA Juventus in Camas, Washington. The boys and
coach are now eagerly looking forward to their next two games, where
they will match their outstanding defense and strong offense against
Westsound A team on January 23 at 3pm at Snohomish High School and
Greater Renton FC on January 30th.
After the completion of the state
tournament, the U-16 team will participate in the HPFC College Showcase
in Tukwila. During the past summer and fall, a number of the U-16 boys
have traveled on the Snohomish College Caravan as well as attended the
Snohomish Scholar-Athlete Series in eager anticipation of showing off
their talents to attending college coaches, in order to achieve their
dreams of playing college soccer upon high school graduation.
Congratulation Snohomish United U-16
Boys on a tremendously successful 2010-11!
SNOHOMISH UNITED
SUCCESS STORIES
Our first success story involves a player who has not even entered high
school let alone graduate. John Magnus has been selected to represent
the Region IV 97 boys in Orlando, FL over Thanksgiving weekend at an
interregional tournament. The tournament will consist of 10 teams; 2
national teams and 2 teams form each region.
John’s
journey began last year when his coach, Pat Henderson, recommended him
for participation in the Regional Training Center (RTC) program. Once a
week he would train with other top players born in 1997 from around
northwest Washington. While training to improve their skills, they were
also competing for a spot in the Olympic Development Program (ODP). At
the end of several weeks of training, John was recommended for the state
ODP pool.
The ODP pool is formed out of the seven
RTC pools around the state, approximately 45 boys were chosen. From this
2 teams of 18 were formed to compete in tournaments the last 2 weekends
of May. Although John was placed on the A team, he spent a fair amount
of time on the bench at the first tournament, but fought hard when he
was in. The next weekend, they traveled to Portland and played ODP teams
from other states. The team traveled as professionals (no parents
allowed) and played against some of the best in the country. John
arrived home exhausted as this was a high pressure event.
John then attended a Regional Camp in
McMinnville, OR in June. He was one of 420 boys born in 1997 to attend
the Region IV Camp. The trained each morning, attended class in the
afternoons, and played scrimmages in the evening. At the end of the week
30 boys were selected to the National Pool Camp, 3 from Washington (1
from Eastside and 2 from Crossfire). John and 29 others (a total of 4
from Washington) were selected for a Regional Pool Camp to be held the
last week of July in California.
John again only had a few days to
impress new coaches. This camp, for John, was less stressful. He started
the camp placed on the B team, called home saying he had struggled the
first day. After a good meal on Tuesday, he felt he performed well and
even scored against the A team. On Wednesday he was placed on the A
Team, and by the end of the week all 4 Washington players were starting
on the A team. John normally plays winger for United and the ODP team,
and was now playing center mid.
John wakes up each morning to practice
foot skills before school and shooting in the yard after school in
preparation for his November trip. John is thankful for the coaching and
encouragement his coaches, Pat Henderson and Brent Aune, have given him,
and the support of his parents.
Snohomish United makes impact as starting Freshman Goalkeeper:
#25
Sam EvansSam is off
to a great start in his college career with a perfect 4-0-0
record as the lone freshman started for the Chico State
Wildcats.
Some may call it lucky, but Sam says
many fortunate events came together for him to win the spot as the
starting goalie. Last year’s goalie graduated, and this year he was
competing against a returning sophomore, a JC transfer and a red shirt
freshman. A month before camp the sophomore broke his collar bone and
will be out half the season. Sam was the biggest of the three left, and
with and inch or 2 and 20 pounds on the competition, Sam had the edge
and was able to win the starting spot.
Sam calls his club experience funny as
he never played for a club more than a year and a half, with his last
club being Snohomish United. He says he went from rags to riches, and
each year the teams progressed farther in state tournaments and into
regionals.
Sam works hard to maintain his starting
spot. As a freshman he realizes he can be targeted is they lose a game.
Great job, Sam. Keep it up. |
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Snohomish United College Success Stories
On September 3, Snohomish United Alumni and University of
Washington Freshman starters John Crenshaw and Michael Harris
connected for the lone goal in the 20th minute against
Evansville to tie the game. In a late drive Evansville was able
to go one-on-one with the goalie and knock in the winning goal.
John and Michael played last year for
Coach Gary Harris on the Snohomish United U18 black. Both men were
highly decorated in high school for soccer and other sports.
Across town, ex-teammate, Brady Ballew
is a regular freshman starter at Seattle University. Brady scored his
first collegiate goal against UC Davis in a 1-0 win on September 19.
Brady, was also a decorated high school
stand out. Not only did he play with John and Michael at Snohomish, but
John and Brady played together at Marysville-Pilchuck, while Michael
played at Shorecrest.
On September 24th, all three were set
to meet on the pitch for the start of the Husky Fever Classic. Final
score 2-0 UW wins. Brady did get off 2 shots.
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Northwest College Caravan
The
1st Annual NW College Caravan was completed last week after a 5 day trek
down the I-5 corridor. The College Caravan is a bi-annual trip that
serves as a practical stepping stone for high school student-athletes
who aspire to compete at the college level while obtaining an
undergraduate degree. Departing on August 4th, twenty-eight (28) high
school-age scholar-athletes from the Snohomish-East-side region took to
the road to explore a variety of northwest universities. [READ
MORE] (3.2MB PDF)
With New
Acquisition, SYSC Boasts the State’s Largest Privately Owned Soccer
Complex
SNOHOMISH, WA (April 28, 2010)—In a
bold step forward for the organization, the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club
has recently purchased another substantial parcel of land, making it the
state’s largest youth soccer club landholder.
The 21-acre addition is adjacent to the
club’s existing complex, and increases its total size to 50 acres. For
an organization that had previously leased its property and paid off in
full the original acreage only a year ago, this aggressive move is
indicative of the club’s drive to join the ranks of the best of the
best. “SYSC is not only one of the few soccer clubs that owns its own
property, we’re now firmly in the elite class of clubs anywhere in the
country,” said Dennis Porter, President. He added, “It’s our goal as the
Board of Directors to upgrade the facilities to give our players the
very best experience, and the purchase of the additional land clearly
does this. We’re moving quickly toward becoming a North Region
powerhouse, and that’s a fact.”
The club currently hosts the biggest
youth soccer tournament in Washington State and the second largest on
the West Coast–and the increased site will be a major source of revenue
for the club as well as the local community. “With our new, improved
facility, we estimate that the club will pump between $1 to $1.5 million
into local communities and the Snohomish County coffers. At a time of
economic challenges, this is a windfall, and we’re extraordinarily proud
to play our part,” stated James Shipman VP, of Operations.
The acquisition comes on the heels of
another notable achievement. Last Fall, the SYSC was selected as a
Sounders FC Youth System’s North Regional Training Center, one of only
five such sites to be chosen. This partnership between the new
professional soccer team and the SYSC is another important step in the
development of the North Regions most promising players, as it brings
together the most talented boys and girls in five different age groups
once a week to train with the top coaches in the state.
SYSC Announces New Coaching Director and Youth Director
The Snohomish Youth Soccer Club is
proud to announce the recent hiring of two key directors. Dave Chesler,
the club’s new Technical Director, Dave brings with him impeccable
coaching credentials: He’s a licensed US Soccer National A coach; a
licensed US Soccer National Staff Instructor (15 years A, B, and C
Courses); and the current head coach of the US Soccer U18 Women’s
National Team. In addition, he was an NCAA Div. I Men’s Head Coach at
Fresno State; an NCAA Div. I Men’s Assistant Coach at the University of
Washington; and a Premier Club Soccer Director at Northshore, WA,
Central Valley, CA, and for the Boise Capitals, ID.
Hal Uderitz, Boys’ Director and club
icon, said of Chesler, “Dave’s from here, but he left to pursue other
opportunities in other places. Besides being a great coach, he’s a
skilled teacher, and we’re honored to have him back. With Dave at the
helm, the club will be even more of a success.”
Before Washington State Youth Soccer
mandated that every state recreational soccer club have a Youth Director
on staff, SYSC had the good fortune to hire Daniel Struk to fill the
position for SYSC recreational coaches and players. With 40 years’
coaching experience ranging from all ages of girls’ and boys’ youth
soccer to college and semi-pro, as well as playing as a semi pro in the
U.S. and abroad and a licensed US Soccer National “A” coach, Daniel
brings to the role a passion best summed up in his coaching philosophy:
“This is an extremely personal
topic for me. I believe in the unique talents and desires in the
individuals I have the pleasure to work with. My intention is to
find what it is that makes each player and coach tick, and to awaken
them to the essence of their potential. If I can assist or partner
with them to grow in confidence to take challenges on, I am fully
gratified. Soccer is their sport and I simply try to inspire or
assist them in their growth. We’re going to implement a bunch of
exciting new programs and I can’t wait to get started.”
Of both directors, SYSC President
Dennis Porter says, “Hiring Dave and Daniel is just another move in
keeping with our boards long term mission- to constantly look to improve
the soccer experience for each and every one of our families. Both
directors are here for the benefit of the players, parents and coaches,
and you couldn’t ask for more qualified and experienced leadership.”
Truly United
This past weekend Snohomish United Soccer Club hosted its annual
Invitational at Stocker Fields. We're proud of all our teams as everyone
fought to the finish and nearly every age bracket had a Snohomish team
represented in the championship game! This year a respected Snohomish
coach, Robin Ross, took on a new challenge and took the role as head
coach of the new GU-11 KAI, while still coaching the GU-18 Premier team.
Over the course of two years, Ross has led the GU-18 squad to a State
title, Regional Title, National competitors, two League Titles and two
League promotions, along with various competitive tournament Wins. This
year, as the U-18 girls head into their final season of soccer at the
top premier level, they've taken on a mentoring program with Ross's
younger team. Once a week the U-11's train with the U-18 squad and learn
the key components of the game. While bonding with the older girls, the
younger girls get additional one-on-one help with foot skills, gain
tactical and technical knowledge of the sport, then see their hard work
transcend into their game.
This past weekend at the United
Tournament, the GU-11 KAI took first place after a well-fought battle
throughout the weekend. Offensively, the team is brilliant, but over the
course of the weekend the U-11's developed their defense quickly which
helped them succeed in their final match. The mentoring program is
exactly what Snohomish Soccer Club advocates: "United".
As the U-11's kickoff for each game, the
entire U-18 team is visible sitting on the sidelines supporting the
girls, and vice versa, the U-18's can rely on the younger girls to be
supporting them too.
At half time for each game, both teams
came together and gave feedback about what they were seeing occur on the
pitch during the game. It makes for a positive learning experience and
helps all the players, both young and old, see the game from a different
perspective.
After the U-11's celebrated their
championship victory from their very first tournament, they headed over
to the U-18 team who was resting after their semifinal win in
preparation for the championship game. The U11 KAI team waited an hour
later to support their U18 mentors in their final match of the
tournament. After winning in a Shootout, the U-18's were honored with a
U-11 team tunnel!
More to the point, the mentoring program
has proven to be successful in developing the young athletes so they can
have their journey of many victories and carry on the legacy the U-18
squad started. The GU-11 KAI has a long road of success ahead of them
and their journey has only just begun.
By - Krista Bartkowski & Melanie Plata
GU-11 Lilly
Runner Ups @ PSSA Skagit Firecracker Soccer Tournament
The June 18-20 tournament proved to be a fun and successful time for the
GU-11 girls. Coming off a jamboree weekend which was a good
organizational tool for the firecracker weekend the team stepped onto
the field Saturday morning to sunshine and smiles. Each game found them
getting better and more confident and coming out of bracket play they
edged out the second place team by one point to clinch first in pool
play. Sunday morning was a semi-final 8 a.m. game against Pacific F.C.
that ended as a nail biter with United on top 3-2 and progressed them to
the final at 5 p.m. against Synergy. This was a very physical game
pitting two good teams head to head. At the final whistle Synergy
prevailed but the sheer determination and heart United showed to compete
with this caliber of team was second to none and well earned their
place.
Congratulations
Scholarship Winners!
Snohomish Youth Soccer Association wishes to congratulate Lorraine
DeLand and Brady Ballew winners of the SnYSA 1st ever college
scholarships.
Lorraine graduated from
Henry Jackson HS with a 3.74 GPA and will be attending Shoreline CC
then onto the Central Washington University for Science and Physical
Therapy. Lorraine has been involved in Girl Scouts since 1999.
She has been on missions trips to Cambodia and Mexico. She played
for Kevin Blokker’s GU18 team.
Brady graduated from
Marysville Pilchuck HS with a 3.49 GPA. Brady will be attending
Seattle University. He has been active in DECA, National Honor
Society and ODP Captain. He played for Gary Harris’s BU18 State
Champion team.
United
Player Goes Pro!
Ben Dragavon is a 25 year old member of the MLS pool of goalkeepers.
He has been training with the Seattle Sounders FC since January.
Dragavon is a WWU and Monroe High School grad who has fond memories of
his years playing for Snohomish United. The following is an interview
with Dragavon reflecting on his time with the Snohomish club.
READ FULL STORY...
U17 Boys Shine at USA
Cup
National Sports
Complex, Minneapolis, MN - July 19th 2009
After qualifying from their extremely competitive group stage, Snohomish
United U17 Boys Black team set up a mouthwatering semi –final tie
against the youth academy team of the 11th richest soccer club in the
world, Tottenham Hotspur FC of the English Premier League who beat
Rockford Raptors 6-0 to confirm their path into the championship rounds.
READ FULL STORY...
U17 Girls Play in
National Championships
After being crowned Region 4 champions earlier this summer, the final leg of the
Snohomish United U17 Girls Black Team’s journey for national glory awaited them
in Raleigh, NC. The Team, coached by Robin Ross, had an excellent build-up to
their journey by preparing themselves with several Friendly’s and Training
sessions.
READ FULL STORY...
(106K PDF)
United
Players travel to Cambodia this Summer
10 girls from our
United family have been blessed with the amazing opportunity
to travel all the way across the world to Battambang,
Cambodia for two weeks this July to share their passion of
soccer with underprivileged girls. Our team consists of 10
United players and 2 coaches along with youth leaders from
Mill Creek Foursquare Church. We will be working alongside
the SALT Academy (A program that trains Cambodia Youth about
life skills through soccer) to train and equip girls soccer
teams in Cambodia. The girls we will be working with are
from orphanages and many have been rescued out of human
trafficking.
READ FULL STORY...
Snohomish
TOP’s Board Member Named Volunteer of the Year
By Dana D. Oppelt, Snohomish
United
Washington State
awarded Linda Kautz, Volunteer of the Year, based on her
dedication and devotion to youth soccer. Linda is the clubs’ TOP’s
soccer board member and has been involved in Snohomish youth soccer
since the early 80’s. TOP’s is an acronym for The Outreach
Program of Soccer. It is a program for young athletes with
disabilities. Linda grew the volunteer run program to become the largest
in the state! Linda continually supports her three children and four
grandchildren in soccer, and she continues to play on an over 50 league.
Linda has worked diligently to gain community support and recruit
dedicated volunteers for the program she believes in so deeply. Her
enthusiasm of youth achievement and her love of the sport have won her
the title of volunteer of the year. Her daily compensation however is
the results she sees from the TOP’s players and families.
Thank you Linda for all that you have
done and continue to do.
Costa Rica MVP
Michael Harris Returns Form
Costa Rica as a MVP. During the Region 4’s ODP tour of Costa Rica
Michael Harris played in all 4 games - 3 against professional clubs, and
the 4th against the U17 Costa Rica National Team. They played against
Brujas in the first game and Michael was very impressed by the
oppositions very fast and strong forwards, the score ended 0-0.
The
2nd Michael and his team went up against Heredia Soccer Club. Michael
was further impressed by this teams wide players and how aggressive in
the attacking 3rd they were, again this game ended in a 0-0 tie (Michael
plays in the defense, two 0-0 games) Michael was also named MVP of this
game by the opposing team.
The next game was against
Alajuela who in Michaels opinion were the best professional club team he
went up against and who have a deep history of success both Nationally
in Costa Rica and Internationally, the game ended in a 2- 1 loss.
The last game was against
the U17 Costa Rican National Team, Michael reported that this team were
very skilled, fast, athletic in every department of the team, this game
ended up in a 3-1 loss.
Michael’s typical day
while in Costa Rica - He woke up and had breakfast at the hotel with
the team, then the team would go off to training, come back and eat
lunch, then a short break before their game. During his breaks he would
take a nap, walk down the street to the local market, or have an ice
bath.
The day after the first
two games the team had a day off and all 4 US regional teams went up
into the mountains for a white water rafting trip. On the last day
Michael and his team mates went to visit a local orphanage and played
with the kids for an hour.
In Michaels words “It made
me realize how fortunate we are here in America. The people and players
in Costa Rica were friendly and made us feel really welcome. It was a
once in a lifetime experience for me to play against teams of this
caliber and I learned a lot. I have made friends from around the west
coast area and have met some players who I will be seeing in my future
soccer career!
Thank you Snohomish Youth
Soccer Club for all your support, and backing”.
United
Player Called up to Represent the Regional Team in Costa Rica
Now 17, Michael Harris has been
successfully playing with Snohomish United for many seasons, with
several highlights including being crowned P1champions and reaching the
finals of the State Cup.
Last year Michael was selected to
travel to the UK where he trained with Snohomish United’s very own
official affiliated professional soccer club Southampton FC, which
further assisted to develop his skills and expose him to the world of
professional soccer. Since returning from Southampton FC, Michael has gone from strength to
strength with a slew of Division 1 University soccer programs interested
in him.
Michael has now been selected to
represent the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Boys 1991
region 4 team to compete in the US Youth Soccer ODP Boys 1991
International Tournament in Costa Rica, March 9-13 2009.
Michael will have the opportunity to
compete against the Costa Rica youth National Team, as well as three
other dominate clubs: Alajuela, Brujas and Heredia.
We will continue to update you on
Michael Harris as he continues to excel, well done Michael we are very
proud of you.
Washington Youth Soccer Honors Snohomish
TOPSoccer Program Director
Linda Kautz, Snohomish TOPSoccer Program Director, received a prestigious WHAPPED (Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) Award in the Adaptive Category.
For approximately a decade, Linda’s role as a coach and founding member of the Snohomish TOPSoccer program has had a phenomenal impact on hundreds of children and their families with both physical and or intellectual disabilities. Over the years, Linda has not only instructed players in the game of soccer, but also taught buddies how to work with these special needs individuals.
Linda’s sharing of her professional knowledge and experience has been pivotal in the success and growth of all Washington Youth Soccer TOPSoccer programs across the state.
Her influence has not only been felt at the local and state level, but on a national level as well. A few years ago, Linda authored a basic guide for working with TOPSoccer buddies. This guide has become the basis for a training guide that has now been adapted both at the Regional and National Youth Soccer levels.
Washington Youth Soccer is proud of Linda and wishes to congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award.
Interested in learning more about Snohomish TOPSoccer? Join Snohomish TOPSoccer and other local clubs at the Snohomish Indoor Soccer Dome on Sat., Nov. 15, and Sun., Nov. 16, for a day of fun!
TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, age 8-19, who has a mental or physical disability. For more information on TOPSoccer, visit
www.snotops.org.
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