PRESEASON HOME GAMES
 

-Thursday,March 7 vs. Georgia Gwinnett College (TBD p.m.)
-Saturday, March 9 vs. Georgia State University (2 p.m.)
-Saturday, March 16 vs. UAB (2 p.m.)
-Saturday, March 30 vs. Charlotte Eagles (TBD p.m.)

Holy Spirit’s Whelan Wins National Soccer Award

ATLANTA—The 2012 US Youth Soccer Goal and Save of the Year award recipients were announced at an awards gala on Jan. 18 in Indianapolis, Ind. Luke Whelan, a junior at Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, was awarded the US Youth Soccer Save of the Year.
The save that won “Save of the Year,” came during Holy Spirit Prep’s Georgia Independent School Association state championship game last May against Macon’s Stratford Academy.  
US Youth Soccer is the largest governing body of Elite Soccer Clubs in the US, boasting over 3 million registered players. Nominations for Save of the Year were taken from all over the country, and a selection committee made their choice from among ten finalists. Electronic votes were collected on the US Youth Soccer website and the results were announced at the organization’s annual meeting in Indianapolis last month.
Luke Whelan, a junior at Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, was awarded the US Youth Soccer Save of the Year for 2012. He made the save during Holy Spirit Prep’s GISA state championship game last May. (Photo By Donn Rodenroth)
After observing Whelan’s talent as a goalkeeper back in the fifth grade, the volunteer coaches at Holy Spirit Preparatory encouraged him to try out for the North Atlanta Soccer Association (NASA) club soccer team. He played for NASA until last year. Then he was designated as a development player for Georgia United, an affiliate of the United States Soccer Team development academy. He currently plays for the United Futbol Academy in Cumming.
Whelan has played varsity goalkeeper for Holy Spirit since eighth grade. He also is the place kicker and punter for the Holy Spirit Prep football team.
Whelan and his family are parishioners at St. Ann Church, Marietta.
Claim your complimentary soccer coaching session written by Sir Alex Ferguson!

As Real Madrid clash with Manchester United in the Champions League, Elite Soccer magazine is offering you the opportunity to claim a full coaching session written by Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely free.
The session focuses on attacking wing play and shooting. Key elements covered include quick interplay on the wing, crosses in to the danger area and shooting from outside the box. Download it now and score more goals from the flanks.
Sir Alex Ferguson, manager, Manchester United, says:
"This is a powerful session that encourages players to practice hard, perfect their roles and reinforce habits, and is at the heart of why we are regarded as such a potent attacking force in the Barclays Premier League."
Ferguson spread mini
Coaching sessions direct from the men at the top
Elite Soccer is a monthly e-magazine that contains six professional coaching plans in each issue, including at least one written by a current Premier League manager. You only get a limited amount of time to train with your team, make the most of it by using the most innovative coaching tactics from the best in the business.
In recent times, Elite Soccer has included plans written by the likes of Roberto Mancini, Arsène Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Di Matteo, David Moyes, Roy Hodgson and many more. There is no observed or recycled content - these sessions come direct from the best coaches in the world.
Make sure that you download Sir Alex Ferguson's session now to see what Elite Soccer can offer you and your team.
  
Sessions that are easy to apply to your team
Elite Soccer is published in partnership with the League Managers Association (LMA), and our privileged access to this group will enable you to learn directly from the top professional managers in the English leagues. Use Elite Soccer to find out what these top coaches are working on with their players right now.
The coaches write their sessions so that they are easy to follow and last approximately one hour. They will tell you exactly what equipment you need, how many players are involved and how you can progress a session. You can use as much or as little of a session as you need to meet your specific objectives for your team.
With so much expert advice at your fingertips, Elite Soccer can help in your quest to coach a successful, winning team. If you want to stay ahead of the game and out-wit your opposing coaches, Elite Soccer is the best coaching tool for the job. Make a start now by downloading Sir Alex Ferguson's training session absolutely free.
Yours in soccer,
Kevin Barrow
Elite Soccer publisher
P.S. Elite Soccer is the monthly e-magazine that you can use to wow your players. If players are bored in training, you can say "here's a session they use at Manchester United" and watch the extra effort that generates. Make sure that you download your free session today.
What Premier League managers say about Elite Soccer...
Sir Alex Ferguson,manager, Manchester United, says:
"Elite Soccer allows aspiring coaches to learn what we do as professional managers to help them improve. I wish I'd had it when I started coaching ."

Arsène Wenger, manager, Arsenal, says:
"Elite Soccer is a fantastic magazine that helps coaches get the most out of their players. I encourage all my coaches to read it. "

David Moyes, manager, Everton, says:
"There are a lot of soccer magazines about but none that present coaching plans from leading professionals in the same way and with the same quality that Elite Soccer does."

Alan Pardew, manager, Newcastle United, says:
"I look forward to reading Elite Soccer and finding out what other coaches are up to.
We spend a huge amount of time working on our sessions. For coaches with fewer resources and smaller support teams, Elite Soccer can help tremendously."
2013 rec cup header
girl kicking
Georgia 
Rec Cup

Round Robin
May 11-12
 
Semi Finals
May 12
 
Champions Saturday
May 18
APPLY NOW!  
GREAT COMPETITION!
 

 FAST, FUN, & ACTION PACKED!

APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 16
AGES U10-U19
BOYS & GIRLS


Men's Open Cup - Regional Competition - New Orleans, LA - April 13 & 14
Georgia Soccer's deadline for entry into the Men's Open competition for the USASA National Cup is close of business, March 1, 2013.
Men's Amateur and O-30 - Tallahassee, FL - May 18 & 19
Georgia Soccer's deadline for entry into the Men's Amateur or O-30 Competition is April 8
Men's U23 - June 22-23 - Montgomery, AL
Georgia Soccer's deadline for entry into the Men's U23 Competition is May 1.


National Women's Championships
Overland Park Soccer Complex
Dates:
June 25-27 (Open) June 28-30 (Amateur, U23 and Over30)
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Entry Fee: $300 per team
Deadline for entry: April 12 for Open and Over 30, May 15 for U23 and Amateur
Apply online at - http://www.usasa.com/home/675494.html

SS Oval
SOCCER SIX TOURNAMENT SERIES
17th SHAMROCK SIX - Feb 23-24
Register your team today for next weekend's Shamrock Six adult 6v6 soccer tournament in Savannah, GA.
Make sure you join us. The Shamrock Six kicks off during pre St. Patrick Day Celebrations in Savannah and the town is always rock'n getting ready for the party.

BLUE RIDGE BLAST - March 9-10
Bear Foot Sports & Greenville Rec present the 3rd Annual Soccer Six Blue Ridge Blast March 9-10 at Piedmont Park in Greenville, SC
Soccer Six Tournaments are fun and exciting they include discount accomadations, three-game guarantee, playoffs and a players' party.
The adult 6v6 tournaments are open to all mens, womens and co-ed soccer teams.

2013 SOCCER SIX CALENDAR OF EVENTS
  • 2/23-24 - Savannah, GA
  • 3/9-10 - Greenville, SC
  • 6/22-23 - Hilton Head, SC
  • 8/17-18 - Atlanta, GA

  • REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY !
    The Soccer Six Tournament Series is produced by Bear Foot Sports, organizing professionally managed soccer tournaments for over 20 years.
    For additional information please call 843/757-8520 or visit us on line athttp://www.bearfootsports.com/soccer.htm



    Pre registration and multiple team discounts are available.
    Quick LinksWFT
    Partners


     

      













    This Memorial Day weekend, kick off your summer soccer season in beautiful Charleston during the famous Spoleto Festival USA. 
    Copa Charleston 6v6 
    May 25-26 
    Welcome to the inaugural WFT Copa Charleston 3v3/6v6 tournament to be held in Charleston, SC over the Memorial Day weekend. The event is a qualifying event for the WFT World Cup IV on July 27-28 also in Charleston. The event will feature both 3v3 for youth teams (U6-U14 on Saturday) and 6v6 for the U16/18 and adult divisions on Saturday-Sunday

    CLICK HERE to visit Copa Charleston 3v3. 

    For many teams, Copa Charleston will kick off their summer WFT season, competing in local and state cup tournaments in their state. Some of you we will see again at our WFT World Cup IV to cap the 2013 WFT Tour.

    Charleston is the ideal city to celebrate the beginning of summer with the famous Spoleto Festival USA, its awesome beaches, ranked golf courses, award winning restaurants, and live music to enjoy the night life.

    The 2013 WFT 3v3/6v6 Tour will feature:
    • Over (30) local 1-day WC IV qualifying events in VA, NC, SC, GA, and TN (MAY-JULY)
    • Playing in any WFT event makes all teams eligible to compete in their WFT state cups  
    • (3) WFT 1-day state champions cups in NC/SC, GA, and TN(JULY 13)  
    • WFT 3v3/6v6 World Cup IV in Charleston, SC on JULY 27-28
    • WFT 6v6 Rankings: State and National
    WFT 6v6 Divisions:
    • U16, U18 Boys/Girls 
    • Men, Women, Coed Open (Gold & SIlver)
    • Men, Women, Coed Masters 30
    • *Men, Women Masters 40
    • *Men Masters 50
     * All teams qualify for WFT WC IV

    Learn more about the WFT: CLICK HERE
      
    COPA CHARLESTON features:
    • Same great destination!
    • Same beach houses!   
    • Bring soccer kids to play 3v3 (U6-U14) on Saturday and watch parents play on Sat-Sun   
    • Party on Sunday night (near Folly Beach)
    • Cash prize for each division winner ($50 for each team in division)
    • Division winners also receive Free Voucher at (1) Local event + Team/Individual awards  
    • Top 2 teams in each division qualify for WFT World Cup IV (see exceptions above)  
    • 10 player roster
    • Match duration: 2 x 20 mins 
    • 3 games guaranteed  
    • Entry fee @ $300
    • Hotels 10-15 mins from complex on James Island 
    • NO USASA PASSES REQUIRED

    IF YOUR TEAM IS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING AND YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL US: COPA CHARLESTON  

    On behalf of Lowcountry Soccer and our staff, we look forward to helping your adult futbol team have a great Memorial Day weekend in Charleston.

    Thank you,
    Kenyon Cook
    Director
    Lowcountry Soccer
    World Futbol Tour 
    COME SEE WHY CHARLESTON IS THE 
    #1 RATED DESTINATION IN NORTH AMERICA
    Lowcountry Soccer LLC
    Charleston, SC


    Atlanta Fire News

    Atlanta Fire News | USL, Next Generation Series, Atlanta Fire United, IMG Academy
    Youth Soccer News: Atlanta Fire United Joins USL Next Generation Series
    Georgia-based powerhouse dedicated to development
    United Soccer Leagues (USL) announced today that Atlanta Fire United(AFU) has been accepted into the Next Generation Series (NGS). The Georgia-based youth powerhouse is the latest addition to the innovative, comprehensive, and unique development program engineered by USL and IMG Academy.
    AFU was formed 32 years ago with a focus on creating a family-friendly atmosphere to encourage the local youth to learn the sport of soccer. Atlanta Fire United is now churning out some of the top talent in the southeast and the Next Gen Series will further establish the club as one of the nation's best. During the past two seasons Atlanta Fire United has qualified eight teams for the Super Y-League North American Finals, with two of the teams taking home the title.
    “The emphasis at our younger age groups is to teach them how to play before we teach them to compete,” Atlanta Fire United Director of Operations Mark Mackain said. “We would rather lose by four goals while learning to play from the back than to win by a toe ball from midfield. The NGS is targeting clubs with similar philosophies and expectations making games more enjoyable to coach, play and watch. Player development is achieved at the club level, however we believe it's sustained with meaningful games against quality competition at the league level.”
    “Atlanta Fire United is a big club, and we are pleased to have accepted them into the Next Generation Series," former Major League Soccer(MLS) player and NGS Director Abe Thompson said. "Their players will have the unique experience of being part of an elite competition while benefitting from the facilities and expertise available at IMG Academy all of which will foster the development and education of the players, helping them progress to levels beyond youth soccer."
    Featuring a defined regimen of training, competition, testing, and evaluation, NGS was established to provide players, coaches and clubs the opportunity to take part in an eight month, elite-level league designed to develop the complete elite youth soccer player.
    "This series starts at the grassroots level and provides players an opportunity to develop a great foundation to the game," IMG Academy Director of Soccer Scott Dean said. "With the growth of the league over time to have a national presence we see this as an opportunity to take a major role in the development of world-class players. This will be the first developmental platform that truly emphasizes the development of the soccer player."
    AFU will begin competition in the Next Gen Series in August 2013. The format will consist of U12 and U14 boys and girls teams participating in an eight-month season culminating in April that will feature two evaluation/competition events at IMG. Top players will be identified through the NGS Player Tracking Program and invited to attend the NGS ID Training Camp at IMG.
    More than just another youth soccer league, NGS features a forward-looking, innovative, comprehensive, and unique development program built on the repeated and consistent message received from top youth soccer clubs and coaches that they were seeking a fresh development initiative specifically geared toward younger teams and players. NGS was launched to fill the void by providing a comprehensive platform for clubs to best prepare their young players for the challenges which await them at the next level.
    Atlanta Fire United's Academy Program, which fields teams in the U9 through U12 age groups, is rooted in the same axiom. The Academy’s philosophy is one of playing to learn, minimizing the intense pressure to win. This philosophy transcends every training session and match. The system then allows players to move onto the Select Program geared toward developing players in a challenging soccer environment as they grow with the game.
    “Our long-term goal is to develop and maintain a deeper, broader pool of talented players,” continued Mackain. “We are working with the NGS to better educate families with classroom and on-field workshops, evaluation tools which track physical and technical progress on a national scope and an unbiased nonpolitical player identification process for our national team programs.”
    The world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and education complex, IMG Academy hosted myriad soccer team training camps in 2012, including clubs such as the Seattle SoundersD.C. UnitedColumbus Crew, Sweden’s Malmö FF, as well as the U.S. Women’s National Team preparing for the London Olympic Games and the Antigua & Barbuda Men’s National Team preparing for FIFA World Cup qualifying.
    To learn more about the Next Gen Series please visit www.NGSsoccer.com.
    Next Generation Series: The NGS is an exciting, new youth soccer initiative undertaken by USL and IMG Academy, established to provide clubs the opportunity to take part in an elite-level league for U12 and U14 boys and girls. The NGS will take a developmental approach which engages the player, coach, and parent, while facilitating player growth across 10 important disciplines. These disciplines will be conducted by world-renowned experts in their respective areas of performance, and will include Ignite360 athletic assessment, physical and mental conditioning, technical skill development, tactical development, and vision development; as well as instruction about nutrition, leadership, on-field communication, and injury prevention. Teams will participate in an eight-month season featuring two evaluation/competition events at IMG, and top players will be identified through the NGS Player Tracking Program and invited to attend the NGS ID Training Camp at IMG.

    Strength from Soccer


    Saveair has faced serious challenges in his young life. After enduring the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on his hometown in the Gulf of Mississippi, he relocated to Atlanta and found a new home. Through the Soccer for Success program, a partnership between BGCMA and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, he also found renewed strength to overcome adversity.
    Saveair’s father says playing soccer helped his son get through a difficult time for his family. The program allowed Saveair to be part of something bigger and taught him to build tools and resources to overcome challenges in life.
    Saveair has grown to appreciate the game of soccer and the way in which the global sport connects him to the rest of the world.
    Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta teaches youth that hope and opportunity exists for each of them. If they are willing to invest and learn, we are here to help them be successful. Through key partnerships with organizations such as the U.S Soccer Foundation, hundreds of kids are building healthy habits now that they will use for years to come.
    U.S. Soccer Foundation
    The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports –based youth development programs for children in underserved, urban communities. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $57 million in funding to create and sustain innovated programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver health and social outcomes, the Foundations affordable initiatives offer safe environments for children to thrive.
    Looks like everybody had a grand time!

    The Roswell Rover over 30 finally got the monkey of their back when they won the Roswell O30 league by defeating the White Eagles 3-1. Skipper Conrad Meneide led a resilient group of outcasts and oddballs to the Roswell Championship. Congratulations to the new Kings of Roswell

    - Quarter-Finals 5-2 versus VG Coyotes
    - Semi-Finals 3-1 versus Aging Bull
    - Finals 3-1 versus White Eagles

    Aging Bull beat Future Stars & White Eagles beat Wings Old Stars to advance.

    FC Georgia United Florida Classic Champions




    Playing in the Over 60 Division of the 2013 Florida Classic at the beautiful Auburndale, Florida facility, the two Georgia teams went undefeated in the tournament played over the MLK Holiday Weekend.

    FC Georgia United Over 60 Team

    The Over 60 team handily won all of the three preliminary matches in their bracket, scoring 9 times without conceding a goal. In the finals, against International of Florida, after a close opening 45 minutes, the team pulled away in the second half to gain a convincing 5-2 victory. FC Georgia United Over 60 has now won this tournament three times in the last four years. Besides winning the trophy, the team also took home $1,000.00 in prize money, which the club is donating to local area charities.

    FC Georgia United Over 65 Team
    The Over 65 team, that played against and lost to the Over 60 team in the 2012 finals of this competition, narrowly missed out on being a finalist for a second year in a row. The team ended up a close second  in the other bracket. Only a missed penalty in the 92nd minute of one of their three matches prevented them from advancing to the finals.