Capital of Dreams Champions Cup
Montgomery, Alabama
Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex
October 5-6, 2013
Early Bird Discount
$45 off until August 1, 2013 Use Discount Code EARLY45
Welcome to the Capital of Dreams Champions Cup! This tournament is for teams looking a great weekend filled with some highly competitive matches! All games will be played at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex, home of the 2012 and 2013 NAIA Men's National Championships. This is one of the top complexes in the South. To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit the tournament website by clicking here.
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2013 Charlotte Invitational
U11-U18 Boys Tournament and U15-U18 Girls and Boys Showcase Weekend
August 17 and 18, 2013
Registration deadline Aug-2nd, 2013
CLICK HERE
U9/U10 Academy and U11-U18 Girls Tournament Weekend
August 24 and 25, 2013
Registration deadline Aug-9th, 2013
CLICK HERE
Homecoming: Woodstock natives Lavery, Mizell catch on with Atlanta Silverbacks
Mark Lavery and Cody Mizell were at a bit of a crossroad. Searching for opportunities to keep their professional soccer dreams alive, the Woodstock natives needed a “right place at the right time” kind of break.
Fortunately for the pair, the Atlanta Silverbacks provided just that, signing both county standouts to contracts in May.
“The funny thing is, I felt like I went all over the world trying to find a team to sign me and I end up playing where I’m from,” said the former Etowah High star, Lavery, who started his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2008 before finishing as an NCAA Division III First Team All-American at Atlanta’s Oglethorpe University in 2011. “Last summer, I played with the Georgia Revolution, an Atlanta-based amateur team, but I didn’t have anywhere to play in the fall. In the spring, I went to Iceland and trained with a couple of teams. They had interest but could not sign me because of financial reasons, so I ended up just coming home. Then, just one day before they started their season, Atlanta signed me.”
While it took nearly a year-and-a-half to come wide open, the door to Atlanta for Lavery actually began to open just after college, when he attended the Info Sports Combine in Florida.
“We had a pretty successful season my senior year at Oglethorpe, going 17-4 and making it to the NCAA tournament for the first time, and I was told that I was going to be invited to the (Major League Soccer) Combine,” Lavery recalled. “But that fell through because MLS didn’t end up inviting any Division III guys.
“I was kind of left wondering what to do, so I went to the Info Sports Combine. I wasn’t a big fan of it because it was kind of crazy there. They had around 350 players. It went pretty well for me and I played in the all-star game at the end of the week, but nothing came out of it.”
Or so he thought.
Among the talent evaluators at the combine was Brian Haynes, a former player Trinidad and Tabago’s national team, who spent five seasons playing MLS. Several months after the combine, Haynes took over as Silverbacks’ head coach.
“I worked with him at the combine for three or four days and got to know him a little,” Lavery said. “It ended up that he played with my old club coach. So, I went out to work with them and things started to work out and fall into place.”
“People think that I’m just getting to know Mark, but I remembered him from the combine,” Haynes said. “When I saw him and found out he wasn’t playing for anybody, I told him he needed to come train with us. I knew what kind of player he was, and I’m glad he’s under contract with us.”
While Haynes was familiar with Lavery, Mizell fell into his lap by chance.
After starting keeper Joe Nasco received a red card and was suspended for a game, the Silverbacks were in need of a keeper to back up second-stringer Eric Ati for a game.
Mizell was there to answer the call.
“I had some pro options out of college,” said Mizell, who, after graduating Woodstock High School a year early, became an all-conference keeper at Clemson University, before turning pro following his junior year. “I went to Orlando City (of the United Soccer League) after Clemson for a bit, then got a call from the Philadelphia Union (of the MLS) asking me to come into their preseason. I made all the cuts, but, unfortunately, the organization had some financial issues and I ended up not getting a contract.
“After that, I got the call from Atlanta.”
Initially expected to be a temporary roster fill in for Nasco, Mizell stuck.
“It started off as someone getting a red card and needing a back up, but Cody is more than a back up,” said Haynes. “When evaluating a goal keeper, you look for two things: If they have good hands and if they’re a good shot blocker. Cody has soft hands and is a great shot blocker.
“He’s also a great young man, and I see great potential in him.”
Although they are still trying to work their way to a bench spot and eventually crack the lineup, both Lavery and Mizell said being able to work with the team daily is improving their games.
“It’s a huge thing for me to be out there every day,” said Lavery, who spent the early days of his career as a forward and midfielder but is playing as a defender for the Silverbacks. “Basically, I had a year off without playing at a high competitive level, so it’s been an adjustment. There’s a big difference in the speed of the game and the athleticism from playing DIII soccer. You have to think and react faster. But I’m paying my dues and starting to get comfortable.”
“I’m still young and trying to learn from the older, more experienced guys like Joe and Ati,” Mizell said. “I had a fortunate situation that got me in here, and everyone has taken me in and been nothing but professional. I couldn’t be in a better place right now. It’s awesome to be back in Atlanta.”
As for his position change, Lavery said he’s still learning.
“It’s been a transition because I’ve been so offensive-minded my whole career and always want to move forward,” he explained. “I played center back my senior year at Oglethorpe, and it’s one of those positions that you can only get better through experience. But I’ve worked hard to get myself to a respectable level. You just have to do things the right way and be fundamentally sound in the back.”
“The best place I see for him is in the back where the game is in front of him,” Haynes said of his decision to have Lavery as a defender. “At this level, I think the midfield may be a little too quick for him, but he’s done a great job in the back, and I’m not finding any faults in his game. I’ve very happy with him.”
With the spring half of the season coming to a close July 4, Haynes said he hopes to get both Lavery and Mizell into action during the second-half of the season, which begins Aug. 3 and runs into early November.
“I think they both have a good future in professional soccer,” Haynes said. “And as far as I’m concerned, I want to be able to move players up to the next level (MLS).”
“This is another step to get up the table in the U.S. soccer circuit,” Mizell said. “But you don’t focus on that. At the end of the day, you just want the club to do well, so you go out, work hard, wait for your opportunities and take them when they come.
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We already have teams from AL, FL, GA, and TN registered for our:
2013 SSA SUMMER CLASSIC
ATLANTA, GA
August 10/11th Click here to register
DEADLINE IS JULY 24TH 11PM
Teams from clubs such as BUSA, FC Alliance, Concorde, GSA, Tampa Bay United, Tophat, and UFA have already applied, so we're expecting another great weekend of soccer for U9 - U18/19 girls and boys teams of all levels of competitiveness!
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Central Soccer Cup
One of the best complexes in the country!
Elizabethtown, KY
October 19-20, 2013 Click here to register
Welcome to the Central Soccer Cup! This tournament is for teams looking for a great weekend filled with some highly competitive matches! To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit the tournament website by clicking here.
Don't miss this Tournament . . . apply now if you haven't already done so!
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Rollie File Jamboree
Morristown, TN
August 10th: U13 to U18 August 17th: U8 to U12
Welcome to the Rollie File Jamboree! Always a fun, low cost way to kickoff the Fall season. 3 Game Minimum + Awards. To view more information about the Jamboree and to register, please visit the website by clicking here.
Don't miss the fun. . . some divisions almost full.
Reserve your spot: Apply today, pay later. Details on site.
U10 below $150 - U11 and up $195.
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Kennesaw State Soccer Announces 2013 Schedule
Slate highlighted by Carolina Nike Classic and Seven Home Matches at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium
INTERVIEW | FULL SCHEDULE | PDF SCHEDULE
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State soccer and head coach Rob King announced a challenging state of competition for the 2013 season, including participating in the Carolina Nike Classic where the Owls will face off against reigning national champion North Carolina and national quarterfinalist Duke, as well as contests against six teams that made appearances in their postseason conference playoffs and seven home contests at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium.
“We have got some great opponents on the schedule this year,” King said. “Obviously we are playing against the defending national champions in North Carolina, which we also did back in 2004 after we had won the Division II national championship. We played against UNC, who had just won the Division I national championship and it was a great experience for our girls.
“It was also a chance for them to see what it’s like at the very, very highest level. We’ve got an outstanding group of 2013s coming in and what better way to start then by showing them the gold standard for women’s college soccer.”
After home exhibitions against Wofford (Aug. 9) and Clayton State (Aug. 17), Kennesaw State will officially kick off the 2013 season in Knoxville, Tenn., with a pair of matches in a tournament hosted by the University of Tennessee. The Owls open against Tennessee Tech on Friday, August 23, followed by a first-ever meeting with Big 12 opponent Oklahoma on Sunday, August 25.
The competition continues to build in the second week of the season when Kennesaw State travels to Chapel Hill, N.C., for the Carolina Nike Classic and will battle against two of the top programs in the nation.
KSU first matches up against 2012 national quarterfinalist Duke, who finished the 2012 season ranked at No. 8 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tire National Poll on Friday, August 30. The Owls will then get a chance of a lifetime on Sunday, September 1, when KSU goes toe-to-toe with tournament host and 2012 national champion UNC in the finale of the Classic.
The difficult nonconference schedule continues the following week as the Owls renew their rivalry with Georgia State with a Friday, Sept. 6 match in Atlanta.
Four weeks into the 2013 slate, KSU returns home for five-straight contests at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium, including one of the marque games on the schedule for the home opener as the Owls challenge Southeastern Conference (SEC) foe Mississippi on Friday, Sept. 13.
The Owls wrap-up nonconference action against Samford in a rare Tuesday night match on Sept. 17, followed by a first-ever meeting against Troy on Sunday, Sept. 22.
After falling short of its goal of winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship in 2012, KSU will look to return to the top of the league standings as it opens A-Sun play with a pair of home matches, facing off against Lipscomb on Friday, Sept. 27, and Northern Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 29.
“There is a lot of parody in our conference, with not much between any of the teams,” said King. “I think it has shown that almost anybody can beat almost anybody else depending on when and where the game is. It’s exciting, but it also means that you have to have 100 percent focus on every single game, home and away.”
The Owls then hit the road for three-consecutive conference matches at USC Upstate (Oct. 4), East Tennessee State (Oct. 6) and arch rival Mercer on Friday, Oct. 11.
Kennesaw State returns home for its final two matches of the regular season at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium, battling Stetson on Friday, Oct. 18, before the Owls look to celebrate Senior Day for Kelsey Barr and Tasia Williams with a win over 2012 A-Sun champion Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday, Oct. 20.
The conference and regular seasons conclude with road contests in Jacksonville, Fla., against Jacksonville on Friday, Oct. 25, and North Florida on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The 2013 edition of the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship will begin on Saturday, Nov. 2, with the first round matches, followed by the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, and the championship match on Sunday, Nov. 10. The location of the tournament will be determined by the regular season champion.
The Owls are set to return 12 letterwinners, including eight starters, from a team that posted the ninth-winning season in program history and first since 2009 with a 10-8-1 overall record and a third-place finish in the A-Sun at 6-2-1, while also advancing to the 2012 A-Sun Championship. Among those returnees are A-Sun Scholar-Athlete of the Year and conference first-teamer Katrina Frost, as well as second-team honorees Barr and Jewelia Strickland and all-freshman team member Danielle Gray. KSU will also welcome in nine newcomers to the squad, including seven freshmen and a pair of SEC transfers.
“I think we laid the groundwork last year with our returning players and then brought in a lot of good players this year as well,” added King. “I think we have set the foundation and are ready to get started this year with a very challenging schedule.
“There is a lot of soccer being played and a lot of people are working very hard right now. Expectations are high for this year, but we know there are some great challenges there and if you need motivation, when you are playing the national champion in several weeks’ time, that’s it.”
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State soccer and head coach Rob King announced a challenging state of competition for the 2013 season, including participating in the Carolina Nike Classic where the Owls will face off against reigning national champion North Carolina and national quarterfinalist Duke, as well as contests against six teams that made appearances in their postseason conference playoffs and seven home contests at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium.
“We have got some great opponents on the schedule this year,” King said. “Obviously we are playing against the defending national champions in North Carolina, which we also did back in 2004 after we had won the Division II national championship. We played against UNC, who had just won the Division I national championship and it was a great experience for our girls.
“It was also a chance for them to see what it’s like at the very, very highest level. We’ve got an outstanding group of 2013s coming in and what better way to start then by showing them the gold standard for women’s college soccer.”
After home exhibitions against Wofford (Aug. 9) and Clayton State (Aug. 17), Kennesaw State will officially kick off the 2013 season in Knoxville, Tenn., with a pair of matches in a tournament hosted by the University of Tennessee. The Owls open against Tennessee Tech on Friday, August 23, followed by a first-ever meeting with Big 12 opponent Oklahoma on Sunday, August 25.
The competition continues to build in the second week of the season when Kennesaw State travels to Chapel Hill, N.C., for the Carolina Nike Classic and will battle against two of the top programs in the nation.
KSU first matches up against 2012 national quarterfinalist Duke, who finished the 2012 season ranked at No. 8 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tire National Poll on Friday, August 30. The Owls will then get a chance of a lifetime on Sunday, September 1, when KSU goes toe-to-toe with tournament host and 2012 national champion UNC in the finale of the Classic.
The difficult nonconference schedule continues the following week as the Owls renew their rivalry with Georgia State with a Friday, Sept. 6 match in Atlanta.
Four weeks into the 2013 slate, KSU returns home for five-straight contests at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium, including one of the marque games on the schedule for the home opener as the Owls challenge Southeastern Conference (SEC) foe Mississippi on Friday, Sept. 13.
The Owls wrap-up nonconference action against Samford in a rare Tuesday night match on Sept. 17, followed by a first-ever meeting against Troy on Sunday, Sept. 22.
After falling short of its goal of winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship in 2012, KSU will look to return to the top of the league standings as it opens A-Sun play with a pair of home matches, facing off against Lipscomb on Friday, Sept. 27, and Northern Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 29.
“There is a lot of parody in our conference, with not much between any of the teams,” said King. “I think it has shown that almost anybody can beat almost anybody else depending on when and where the game is. It’s exciting, but it also means that you have to have 100 percent focus on every single game, home and away.”
The Owls then hit the road for three-consecutive conference matches at USC Upstate (Oct. 4), East Tennessee State (Oct. 6) and arch rival Mercer on Friday, Oct. 11.
Kennesaw State returns home for its final two matches of the regular season at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium, battling Stetson on Friday, Oct. 18, before the Owls look to celebrate Senior Day for Kelsey Barr and Tasia Williams with a win over 2012 A-Sun champion Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday, Oct. 20.
The conference and regular seasons conclude with road contests in Jacksonville, Fla., against Jacksonville on Friday, Oct. 25, and North Florida on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The 2013 edition of the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship will begin on Saturday, Nov. 2, with the first round matches, followed by the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, and the championship match on Sunday, Nov. 10. The location of the tournament will be determined by the regular season champion.
The Owls are set to return 12 letterwinners, including eight starters, from a team that posted the ninth-winning season in program history and first since 2009 with a 10-8-1 overall record and a third-place finish in the A-Sun at 6-2-1, while also advancing to the 2012 A-Sun Championship. Among those returnees are A-Sun Scholar-Athlete of the Year and conference first-teamer Katrina Frost, as well as second-team honorees Barr and Jewelia Strickland and all-freshman team member Danielle Gray. KSU will also welcome in nine newcomers to the squad, including seven freshmen and a pair of SEC transfers.
“I think we laid the groundwork last year with our returning players and then brought in a lot of good players this year as well,” added King. “I think we have set the foundation and are ready to get started this year with a very challenging schedule.
“There is a lot of soccer being played and a lot of people are working very hard right now. Expectations are high for this year, but we know there are some great challenges there and if you need motivation, when you are playing the national champion in several weeks’ time, that’s it.”
Eric Wynalda Has Earned a Chance to Manage at a High Level in the US
The Atlanta Silverbacks completed an improbable run to win the NASL Spring season title with a three to nothing victory over Minnesota United on Thursday night.
The victory came a year and one day after Eric Wynalda made his coaching debut for Atlanta against Carolina. At the time the Silverbacks sat at the bottom of the NASL table and had earned fewer points in a season and a half of NASL play than any other side had in a single season.
This begs the question about Wynalda. Despite all of the criticisms and “yes men” in US Soccer and MLS, has the time come for someone to break ranks and bring the USMNT legend who earned 107 caps into a more prominent role in the domestic game?
Critics of Eric Wynalda are numerous throughout the American soccer hierarchy. Following a controversial speech at the 2012 NSCAA Convention, Wynalda led CAL FC, an amateur team with less than a month together, to the fourth round of the US Open Cup, shocking the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field in Round 3.
Wynalda, who was seeking a role in the game beyond his commentary duties at FOX Soccer, joined the Silverback as Interim Head Coach and Team Advisor in late June 2012.
The culture of the Silverbacks immediately changed and while Wynalda returned to FOX Soccer in mid-August 2012 for the beginning of the Premier League season, his handpicked Head Coach Brian Haynes took Atlanta out of the basement and finished the 2012 NASL Regular Season as the in-form team. Atlanta missed the playoffs but gave a statement of intent for 2013, by compiling the best record in the NASL after August 15.
Attendance for the club had risen from an average of 2,800 fans per game in 2011 to over 4,500 in 2012 under the new leadership. The near capacity crowds in 2012 saw the start of something unique and extraordinary, a remarkable turnaround of a franchise that had appeared to be dying on the vine in 2011.
Last night the Silverbacks clinched the NASL Spring Season title and will host the Soccer Bowl in November against the fall champion. With this accomplishment checked off, isn’t it about time the culture of conformity in US Soccer ended and someone at a high level seriously considered hiring Eric Wynalda?
The answer is obvious to most of us, but too many of the powers that be don’t seem to agree with logic.
Atlanta Silverbacks claim NASL league championship
By staff
The Atlanta Silverbacks were crowned North American Soccer League Spring Season champions on a spectacular Fourth of July final day of action and will host the 2013 Soccer Bowl in November against the eventual fall champion.
Brian Haynes' side triumphed 3-0 away to Minnesota United FC to finish on 21 points and watched nervously as the Carolina RailHawks fought to claim a draw in San Antonio Scorpions, but conceded a late goal to lose 2-0 and fall agonizingly short of taking top spot by a single point. Carolina entered the day knowing a win or draw would be enough to finish in first place. The away win put the Silverbacks a point clear on top of the standings as goals from Brad Stisser, Bobby Reiss and Ruben Luna secured victory, meaning the RailHawks only had to recover from a one-goal deficit in San Antonio to steal the title from their grasp. But with Carolina pushing for the equalizer that would have hauled them level on points and given them the edge by the slimmest margin of a single goal difference, Hans Denissen struck with his second goal of the game and eighth of the campaign to deny the dramatic comeback.
"I am so proud of these guys and how they played," said Silverbacks coach Brian Haynes who has turned around Atlanta's fortunes after they finished one place of the bottom of the 2012 NASL standings. "We did what we had to do so I am so proud of the boys who gave a great effort against a good team and we took our chances well."
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4th Annual DSC Rock Hill Classic
Rock Hill, SC
September 14-15, 2013
September 14-15, 2013
U8-U18 Boys and Girls Teams Welcome
Includes U12 (11v11) Division
Discoveries Soccer Club welcomes your team to apply today for the 4th Annual DSC Rock Hill Classic held at the beautiful state of the art Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex and also Cherry Park in Rock Hill, SC,September 14-15. This tournament is for teams looking for a great weekend filled with some highly competitive matches! Rock Hill offers great hotels, dining and shopping all within 2 miles of the fields.
We attract teams from Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina and look forward to hosting your team.
This will be an unrestricted tournament (USYS, US Club, AYSO) and will be open to all
Recreation/Youth Academy /Classic/Challenge/Premier
Columbus Day Classic
October 12-13, 2013
U9 to U14 Boys and Girls
Cary, NCHosted by Triangle Futbol Club
Click here to register
Welcome to the Columbus Day Classic! This tournament is for teams looking for a great weekend filled with some highly competitive matches!
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Veterans Cup 2013 Results
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More than 100 teams from 17 states, Canada and Japan competed for the various championships in the USASA Veterans Cup last weekend that featured close to 200 games. Teams competed in men's and women's age brackets of over-30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65.
Women's Over 30
BLUE RIBBON 3 - 2 WAM UNITED
Women's Over 40
HOUSTON CHALLENGERS 1 - 0 SAN FRANCISCO
Women's Over 50
LEAHI 1 - 2 AUSTIN ALLIES
Women's Over 55
NOVA WFC 1 - 0 MIHIO
Women's Over 60
STILL KICKING 0 - 1 MOTOR CITY CLASSIC
Women's Over 65
Champions PERPETUAL MOTION
Men's Over 30
IFC BERKLEY 0 - 1 CLUB ITALIA
Men's Over 40
ST LOUIS FALCONS 0 - 1 NOMADS
Men's Over 50
CARDINAL GREY 3 - 4 TRI ALLIANCE
Men's Over 55
SCOTT GALLAGHER ST. LOUIS 2 - 0 ST AMBROSE
Men's Over 60
FICHTE RAMS 1 - 4 OKLAHOMA UNITED
Men's Over 65
ALEMANIA SC VANCOUVER 6 - 1 CHARRUA
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MidSouth FC is pleased to invite you to apply for our 2013 ADIDAS Germantown Invitational Tournaments at THE MIKE ROSE SOCCER COMPLEX. This will be the 36th annual event.
The four weekends of the ADIDAS Germantown Invitational Tournament. One of the most competitive and historic event series in the Southern Region. All teams will play at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis Tennessee and all Showcase games will be played there in December. Click on the link after each event to register for that event and to see more information.
Deadline for the All the ADIDAS GIT Weekends is October 13th.
November 16, 17 Boys U9 - U14 ADIDAS Germantown Invitational REGISTER
November 23, 24 Girls U9 - U15 ADIDAS Germantown Invitational REGISTER
December 7,8 Men's U15 - U19 Tournament and Showcase REGISTER
December 14, 15 Women's U16 - U19 Showcase REGISTER
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BEAT the HEAT
Soccer Showcase Destin, Florida August 17 & 18, 2013 Click here to register
Your team is invited to apply to the Beat the Heat Soccer Showcase presented by Real Athletic Development - Football Club (RAD-FC). This event will take place on August 17 & 18, 2013 on the Emerald Coast in beautiful Destin, Florida. There's no better way to start the new season by taking a trip to the coast and enjoying a fun weekend of soccer.
To view more information about the tournament and to register, please visit the tournament website by clicking here.
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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHT
Real Athletic Development (RAD) is pleased to announce the addition of an exhibition match between NCAA division 1 college, University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and University of Mobile (UM) to the Beat the Heat Soccer Showcase presented by RAD on August 17 & 18 in Destin, Florida. “We are very excited to be a part of Beat the Heat,” says UCA assistant soccer coach Ryan Webb. “To play in front of competitive youth soccer teams from across the southeast is something we hope will inspire the future stars of our sport. “
In addition to training at Destin’s Morgan Sports Complex in the days leading up to the exhibition match, the coaching staff will be scouting top talent at the Beat the Heat tournament. “The southeast is known for having amazing young athletes. We are always looking for top tier talent to be a part of our program,” says Webb. “Scouting these type of showcase tournaments is part of what we do at UCA. It’s also a great way for us to reach outside our state and do some real networking with coaches and players.”
The Beat the Heat Soccer Showcase is expected to draw top level competitive soccer teams in the U8 to U18 divisions from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as central and south Florida. The event will kick off Friday night, August 16, 2013 with team check-in and coaches networking event. Games begin Saturday and continue with champions crowned on Sunday afternoon.
Don't miss this Tournament . . . apply now if you haven't already done so!
You can also login from the tournament page using your ID and password.
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Lodging Simplified
 Destin is quite simply one of the best places in the world to visit for it's spectacular beaches. Stay within walking distance to the sugar-white sand beaches and enjoy a weekend of soccer and surf. RAD-FC has negotiated the best lodging rates in the Destin area for the Beat the Heat tournament. Some of our lodging partners have already SOLD OUT. Visit our LODGING page to find the best place for you and your team to stay. SPONSORED BY:  |
Pro soccer player opens sports center in Cartersville
He now hopes to use some of his experience to help develop young soccer players in his hometown of Cartersville as he is opening the Legends Sports Center Monday on Highway 20.
The sports center will have a 200-by-100-foot artificial playing surface which can be used for various sports.
Based out of the facility will be the Georgia Knights youth soccer club.
“The process started about a year ago. I was looking for a little piece of property in Cartersville just to train some kids and maybe look to open a youth soccer club,” Lancaster said. “The main goal of the Legends Sports Center is to give people a fun place to be. The Georgia Knights is a way for me to get into coaching. It’s a way for me to give back to the game. I feel like Cartersville needs a good youth soccer program, so hopefully, I can provide that.”
Lancaster currently plays for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League and has been living in the United States for seven years.
“Playing is the ultimate. Coaching is second best. So coaching is something I’m going to fall into,” Lancaster said. “This will be a good transition into it and also a good way just to provide a place where people can have fun.”
Lancaster played over 100 games in five seasons for Chester City of the English Football League and Football Conference. He signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2007 and is currently the captain.
“I want to pass my knowledge on to the kids,” he said. “I want to give back to the sport that I’ve played all my life and this is an opportunity for me to do that.”
One goal of the Legends Sports Center is to raise the interest level of soccer in the area.
“I want to grow the soccer game. I want to give Bartow County something to be proud and put it on the map in the world of soccer,” Lancaster said. “Usually, the bigger, faster, better athletes go into football. If we can convince some of those players to go into soccer that would be wonderful.”
Lancaster is originally from a small town near Wigan, England. Soccer and love took him to Cartersville.
“It was a love story. I came here for a summer camp. My wife is from [Cartersville]. It was kind of a love at first sight thing. I called my coach back in England. I told him I wasn’t coming back and he was mad. And my family was mad because I was giving up something that I worked so hard for,” he said.
Lancaster did find a way to keep playing professional soccer, however.
“Luckily, when I stayed over here, I called the manager of the Wilmington Hammerheads who was also from England and I knew him,” Lancaster said. “He told me to come and play for them so I stayed in the game.”
Read more: The Daily Tribune News - Pro soccer player opens sports center in Cartersville
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