Bill Fleming: resident/activist/folk hero soccer player

Bill is an accomplished pedal steel guitar pro that has been an important part of Atlanta music scene. I first booked him and his band Hair of the Dog at my cajun restaurant called the Cajun Kitchen in downtown Atlanta. His brand of Cajun Blues always rocked the house and kept everybody dancing to the wee hours of the morning. I was very fortunate to have been at some legendary shows.

"Identities based on language, ethnicity, and class [and music] have a very real territory as well as virtual and imagined space," Fleming says. "It all interests me, and I'm lapping it up."

Bill is known for his speed and endurance. It seemed like Bill never got tired. We played together on several teams in Atlanta including Moreland Wanderers, Rovers and others. He was known for having this huge fiery red hair that looked like a shooting flame when he ran down the field. Always good for scoring goals when no one is expecting it. Bill played for Williams College in California, I  El Nacional, In Nicaragua he played for the Matagalpa Segundos. In Atlanta it's been The Majestics, The Moreland Wanderers, Various Rover teams and now Atlanta United.


Back in the 90's, Lexi Lalas from the US Mens National team had similar hair. Bill went on for perform in the UK as Lexi Lawless. People loved it! Bill was also known for throwing great parties at his home and these giant yearly parties called the "Boogie".  Bill has certainly added much color and happiness to our soccer community.

Hair of the Dog brings a high energy mix of Cajun, blues, and honky tonk for a fine boogie groove. With fiery fiddling (Barbara Panter-Connah), soulful vocals, blues harp and accordion (Whit Connah), driving guitar (John Ferguson), bass (Chris Tinsley), drums (Doug Landsberg), pedal steel (Bill Fleming), and Cajun triangle (‘tit fer) and rubboard (Audrey Ferguson), they have played at festivals and venues around the southeast and beyond, including tours of Europe and the British Isles. Facebook

I also had the privilege of booking Bill with another of his bands called the Expand Band at the Somber Reptile on many occasions. Where their unique brand of Americana made you realize the immense talent of the band. Check out a video of one of their performances.

LIVE PERFORMANCE by THE EXPAND BANDw/ Bobby Don Bloodworth on guitar and vocals, Craig Rafuse guitar and vocals, Bill Fleming pedal steel guitar and vocals and Paula Larke bass, Kim Nimoy tambourine and djembe, Steve baird drums




Bills influence in the music goes way beyond his bands. Check of a list of his credits:

Year	Album	Artist	All Credits Assistant Engineer Bass Clarinet (Bass) Composer Engineer Guitar Guitar (Steel) Pedal Steel Percussion Personnel Producer Sax (Baritone) Vocals
2012	Celebration	Tommy Smith	Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone)
2009	Where the Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets 1965-1968		Bass, Personnel
2008	A Story to Tell	Grayhouse	Guitar, Vocals
2003	Bill Clift	Bill Clift	Pedal Steel
2002	Trinity Tour	Jeni Fleming	Composer
2000	Out of the Blue	Matthew Kahler	Pedal Steel
2000	This Ain't Over Yet	Greta Lee	Pedal Steel
1998	El Baile de la Cobra	Cigar Store Indians	Pedal Steel
1998	In & Out of Focus	Doug Parkinson	Producer
1996	Bassoon on Fire	Michael Rabinowitz	Assistant Engineer
1996	Cigar Store Indians	Cigar Store Indians	Pedal Steel
1995	Deeply Rooted	Mark Marino	Engineer
1995	Flying Colors	Bob Hinz	Assistant Engineer
1995	Jesus Christ Superstar: A Resurrection		Guitar (Steel), Pedal Steel
1995	Photon Power Disc		Assistant Engineer
1993	Five by Five	Jerry Weldon	Assistant Engineer, Engineer
1988	Coelacanth	The Producers	Percussion
	Red Hot Mama	Caroline & the Ramblers	Pedal Steel

2:00 PM

Brewhouse 3v3 Challenge

October 25 @ 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Register for your shot at winning $250 in Brewhouse Cash!

Join us for a fast paced, 3v3 tournament sponsored by the Brewhouse. Tournament runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Games: Eight minute halves, every twenty minutes. Each Team is Guaranteed 3 Round Robin Game. 1st Place Prize: $250 in Bar Cash.

All players must be 21 years old by the day of the event to participate.  We will be checking IDs upon team check in.

Tournament Information and Rules

10:18 AM

MEET ABBY WAMBACH ON NOVEMBER 8!

U.S. Women’s National Team Star Abby Wambach is coming to Georgia Soccer on Saturday, November 8th and your daughter or son can play soccer with her! Click below to hear directly from Abby about the event on November 8th. Abby’s event is a fundraiser for Georgia Soccer’s Mini-pitch program*. Every registered player has the chance to play soccer with Abby! Raise $250 and attend, with a parent or guardian, lunch with Abby Wambach on November 8th in Atlanta. Lunch includes a meet and greet with Abby with pictures and an autograph followed by a Q&A. The Top 64 overall fundraisers will PLAY SOCCER WITH ABBY. The top 10 overall fundraisers sit with Abby at lunch. The top 2 overall fundraisers sit next to Abby! You must register and fundraise to be eligible. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: Follow this link to our fundraising website: www.gsplayhardplayfair.org   Click “Register” and complete the short registration   Follow the simple instructions emailed to you and email your player fundraising link to family and friends asking for donations for Georgia Soccer’s Mini-pitch program* *Georgia Soccer’s Mini-pitch program converts underutilized vacant space in underserved communities into a synthetic turf mini-soccer pitch to provide a safe place to play; and through free play, pick-up soccer, reduce childhood obesity and juvenile delinquency levels to improve the health and well-being of youth in Georgia If you have any questions please email: questions@gsplayhardplayfair.org.

9:55 AM

The Fit-Tech Soccer Academy at W2W is designed for youth soccer players aged 5-14 looking to work on their techniques, fitness and skills to complement their existing soccer activities.

• Speed and Agility Ladder Work
• Technical Ball Work - Juggling, Turns, Moves
• Ball-Striking and Shooting
• Goalkeeping and Shot-Stopping
• Shooting & Finishing
• Aerobic & Anaerobic fitness
• Game Understanding and Positional Play
• Position Specific Coaching

Our experienced coaching staff will be deliver the sessions - Coach Andy Clarke, Coach Jon Conway or Coach Brad Smith.

Each session will include, 30 minutes of technical work, 30 minutes speed & agility training and a 30 minute game.

4 Sessions are on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30pm

Youth players of all levels and ages are welcome to attend. Players will be grouped by age and/or level of play.

Session dates are; 10/21, 10/28. 11/4, 11/11

**Registration fee - $50 per player **

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When	Oct 21, 2014 6:00 PM - Nov 11, 2014 8:30 PM
Late	Oct 23, 2014 11:59 PM -- fees go up after this date
Deadline	Oct 24, 2014 11:59 PM -- last date to register
Where	5v5 Court 1
	170 Cox Road, Roswell, GA 30075
	click here for more information

9:51 AM

North Atlanta Soccer Association will hold it's annual
 GOLF & TENNIS TOURNAMENT at the

Pine Tree Golf & Country Club

with all proceeds benefiting the club.

To REGISTER please go to: http://nasa.dojiggy.com

 visit the Nasa website at www.nasa-ga.org

12:29 PM

Jaylon Thompson 

http://www.redandblack.com/sports/georgia-soccer-moves-up-to-highest-ranking-since/article_b512a9c4-4e6d-11e4-af64-0017a43b2370.html

The Georgia soccer team moved up to four spots to No. 16 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll. The NSCAA poll is nationally recognized as the official ranking system of NCAA soccer. This ranking is special as it is the highest in the tenure of head coach Steve Holeman. Also, the No. 16 ranking is the highest since the team ranked No. 15 in 2009.

The Bulldogs (9-2-1, 4-1-1 SEC) are coming off two wins against Tennessee and Mississippi State this past weekend. The team’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) now sits at No. 20 in the country. The RPI measures wins and losses as well as strength of schedule for entry into the 64-team NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs are in good shape as they are second in the Southeastern Conference.

The team returns to action next weekend, Oct. 17-19, against Missouri and LSU in Athens. ​

9:08 AM

Support: Jeff Lange and his work

Midfielder for Imperial Pint Football Club who loves to get into the offense. Some may call him a striker

Come check out Jeffs Lange's work at the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival Saturday at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
3 days from now · 85°F / 63°F Clear

http://www.langeart.com/

I currently reside in Decatur, Georgia with my family.

I was born in 1970 in Leesburg, Virginia. The youngest of three sons, I am from an artistically inclined family. I graduated from Winthrop University. After graduation from college in 1992, I moved to Atlanta where I worked as an assistant to my brother, T. L. Lange. Several years later, I made a move to the mountains in Andrews, North Carolina. I chose this environment to escape the distractions of civilization and to focus all of my energies on becoming a better artist. This is where my love for painting landscapes came alive. In 1999 I moved back to Atlanta to pursue my art career with new inspiration. I have had many successful shows and two sell-out solo exhibitions in 1999 and 2001. In 2003 I starting painting figures again and developed a personal style with a build up of layers in a chaotic approach. In 2004, I had a "two man" show at the Spillar Vincinity Gallery in Jacksonville, FL. Since then, I have been featured in Delta Sky Miles Magazine, Southern Living's Idea House and I am in the book titled "100 Southern Artists" by Ashley Rooney, published in 2012. I have had many solo and group exhibitions in Atlanta, Greenville, Jacksonville, Tampa and Las Vegas. My artwork has appeared in major motion pictures including: "One Missed Call", "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" and "Why I Got Married Too". My paintings will also be seen in a new TV series called "Being Mary Jane.

http://oakhurstartsandmusicfestival.com/

12:51 PM

Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County



Support local soccer troubadour, Alan Vaughan and Big Chicken Beatle Band

For the final show of our FREE Fall Concert series, we are bringing the another local legend - The Big Chicken Beatles Band! The final concert will take place on Saturday, October 11th from 7-9 pm at the O'Neal Plaza in downtown Douglasville.

The Big Chicken Beatles Band is dedicated to playing the music of the Beatles authentically, tastefully and with an understanding of its essence that can only be gotten from having actually lived it as each successive amazing single and album was released.

Formed in 2008 by Beatles fan and musician Alan Vaughan from the UK, the BCBB membership includes top musicians Andrew Doss (keys, vocals), Lyle Bufkin (bass, vocals), Jim “Ringo” Miller (drums, duh) and variously Chuck Yoakum and George Coats (modular George lead guitar).

To learn more about this band, visit their Facebook page listed below:
www.facebook.com/TheBigChickenBeatlesBand

12:25 PM

Atlanta Silverbacks relieve Jason Smith of head coaching duties

Photo courtesy NASL.

NASL October 6, 2014 - The Atlanta Silverbacks announced Sunday that Head Coach Jason Smith has been relieved of his coaching duties, effective immediately. The club also announced that Assistant Coach Alejandro Pombo has been named Interim Head Coach for the team’s final four matches in the 2014 NASL Fall Season.

“Making a coaching change is never an easy decision, but based on the results we felt a change in direction was necessary,” said Atlanta Silverbacks President Andy Smith. “We want to thank Jason for his contributions and wish him the best.”

Smith, who previously coached the Silverbacks from 2005-2008 in the USL, began his second stint – and first as NASL head coach - on July 26, taking over after the club announced that Eric Wynalda would continue as Technical Director but not as head coach. The Silverbacks posted a record of 2-2-8 (W-T-L) under Smith, having lost the past six matches and being held scoreless in four straight. Previously, the Silverbacks posted a 7-1-7 (W-T-L) record in all 2014 competitions with Wynalda at the helm, including a run to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Pombo, a native of Montevideo, Uruguay, played professionally in his home country as well as Brazil from 1985-1993. The 44-year-old spent several seasons as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. He took over as head coach of the Reserves in 2014 and led the side to a 7-2-1 (W-T-L) record in the National Premier Soccer League. Pombo has also served as assistant coach with the NASL side since 2012.

The Silverbacks have four matches remaining in the 2014 NASL Fall Season, with the next three at Silverbacks Park. They host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on October 11, the Tampa Bay Rowdies on October 18, and Carolina RailHawks on October 25 before closing the season against FC Edmonton on November 2 in Canada.

9:14 AM

Pro Prospects: YNT forward joins Atletico

Article Written by J.R. Eskilson

Two years ago, Dembakwi Yomba, aka Boxi, was flying high as a contributor to the U.S. U17 Men’s National Team and looking forward to the 2013 CONCACAF Championship in the spring.

Boxi Yomba

Unexpectedly, he was dropped from the Residency Program for the final semester before the big event. The disappointment hit hard for the forward from Georgia. After over a year spent with the U17 program, he was on the outside looking in at his squad’s bid to qualify for the World Cup.

The hardship served as motivation for the former Chiefs FC and Concorde Fire forward. Yomba made it a goal to earn his spot back with the national team.

He did not wait long for the call. He was back in the mix with the Federation in August 2013 when he was among 60 players called into the initial U18 MNT camp.

The extra hours Yomba put in paid dividends and while he couldn’t break into the picture with the U17s, he found a fan in U18 MNT head coach Javier Perez, who called in the striker to the next two camps. Yomba proved his place on the team with his decisiveness in front of goal, which added a killer instinct to an already talented group.

His perseverance earned him a spot on the U.S. U18 MNT roster for an international tournament in Europe, which would be the event that changed his life.

“Back in February at the Copa Del Atlantico International Tournament in the Canary Islands with the U18s was when I was aware of the interest,” Yomba said about his path to Atletico Madrid. “There were scouts from all over at the tournament: Germany, England, Spain, Portugal. As an American, it was the ideal situation to be seen by European clubs.”

The courtship was rather quick. Atletico did not want to risk losing out on the forward.

“The bizarre thing is, I've never gone on a trial with any club, so for a few other teams including Atletico prepared to offer me a contract without a trial was a blessing and honestly I was extremely lucky,” Yomba said.

The 18-year-old, who is represented by Hugo Varela of Football and Friends, signed a two-year deal with the La Liga champions with an option for two additional years.

Yomba is currently playing with the Juvenil A squad for Atletico, which is a U19 team.

“I have trained with the first team multiple times and even played in a match with Atletico B, which is very big step so early in my time here,” Yomba said. “But I just take it all in stride and whichever team I train or play with, I just try to learn the tactics and really process the information being given to me.”

Now that he has turned 18, the club is waiting for the all clear from the Spanish Federation before he can play in official competitions with his new club.

“The club and I have turned in my application to the Spanish Federation,” Yomba said. “So the club hopes no more than a month.”

Yomba is hoping the clearance comes soon as Atletico has some meaningful games coming up including the youth edition of the UEFA Champions League.

“I will be added to the UEFA Youth League roster [once clearance is given], which I’m very excited to play in as there are only two other Americans playing in it this season (Junior Flores for Borussia Dortmund andGedion Zelalem at Arsenal),” Yomba said.

While he waits for the green light on the clearance, Yomba continues to plug away at improving his game.

“With these things you never know, you can just be patient and train as hard as you can in the meantime,” Yomba said.

12:31 PM

Wall to Wall Sports SSA Roswell is looking for currently certified R8 and R9 level referees to officiate SSA U9 through U17 games at Wall to Wall Sports Center in Roswell. If you are certified and interested in games at W2W, please forward your information for inclusion in the referee assignment list. If you have any questions, contact Jon Conway at 770-674-1774 or by return e-mail. Thanks Jon Conway Wall to Wall Sports Center www.w2wsports.net

2:01 PM

3rd Annual Open Cup 2015 April 10-12 GIRLS weekend April 17-19 BOYS weekend  Decatur, AL   Early Registration open PLAY ON THE BEST FIELDS IN THE SOUTH!   15 Great fields at Jack Allen Soccer Complex Gold, Silver, Bronze divisions   www.premiersoccerservices.com  85% of all teams from out of state or country! International competition! Major Recruiting showcasing for u16-19s Great diversity for Gold, Silver, Bronze from u10s on up! 1st round of acceptances: NOVEMBER 20th- max of 50     Perfect Fields at Jack Allen Soccer Complex Exciting Improvements for 2015!  The split weekend format will provide: more teams the opportunity to play - every year has been a sell-out! more teams allow for more divisions per age group to allow for Gold, Silver, and Bronze for a variety of competitive level Split weekend allows for All games on Fri and Sat to be at the famed Jack Allen Complex with only consolations on Sunday at 2nd locations   Boys weekend: with international teams and teams from all over the midwest and south again- we have early commitments from teams from Brazil, Bermuda, Mexico, already!  Girls weekend: this will now be a Girls College Showcase weekend for the U15-19s with recruiting opportunities PLUS special SHOWCASE college matches for top Division 1 programs to accent the weekend Under 9-12 Boys and Girls: 3 Divisions Under 13-16: 2 divisions Under 17-19: Showcase format   BRACKETING POLICY FOR TEAMS IN EARLY REGISTRATION:   1) ALL 2014 GOLD CHAMPIONS AND FINALISTS WILL BE GUARANTEED TO BE SEEDED IN "TOP" FLIGHT  2) ALL 2014 SILVER CHAMPIONS WILL BE GUARANTEED TO BE SEEDED IN THE GOLD FLIGHT   1st Round of Accepted teams posted November 20th (Max of 50)   Register here   WWW.PREMIERSOCCERSERVICES.COM

7:26 AM

THOMAS UNIV MEN’S SOCCER NATIONALLY RANKED NO. 1

Chip Harp |

THOMASVILLE — For the first time in school history, the Thomas University’s Men’s Soccer team (7-0-2) (TSC 2-0) boasts the No. 1 national ranking.  TU climbed the ladder from No. 2 to No. 1 in the 2014 NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll after collecting 15 out of 21 first-place nods, while earning 586 points.

The Night Hawks are currently riding on their longest unbeaten streak in school history (13), as well as they hold the longest active unbeaten streak.  TU earned the longest unbeaten streak of 13 when they defeated then-No.1 and defending NAIA National Champion Martin Methodist during week three’s NAIA Game of the week.  Thomas has not lost a match since October 30, 2013 when they faced SCAD- Savannah.

Men’s Soccer remains the first team in school history to claim the No. 1 spot since Softball was ranked No. 1 in May of 2005.  The Night Hawks remain unbeaten in 25 of their last 26 games.  TU has been ranked within the top 25 during the last nine straight polls.  Thomas University is one of five teams in the nation to remain undefeated in the 2014 season.

The Night Hawks join Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and Martin Methodist (Tenn.) as the top-ranked teams in each of the three polls during the 2014 season.  Thomas took charge of the poll as Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) collected a loss in last week’s play.

Head TU Soccer Coach, Ricky Zambrano commented on the achievement, “It is another step in the process.  We are honored to receive the recognition and must keep working towards our ultimate goal.  For now, we will continue to zero in on what is important, win #3 in the TSC.”

TU looks to collect their 14^th straight win or tie, as well as remain unbeaten in conference play as they take on Webber International Thursday, October 2^nd, at the Thomas University Soccer Complex at 2:00 P.M.

12:36 PM

WINTER PROGRAMS ARE STARTING SOON!

 

ADULT LEAGUES

Team registration deadline for first Winter season is Friday, Oct. 10th.  Season starts week of Oct. 19th.

Space is available in Men's, Coed, and Men's Over-30 Leagues.

We may also be re-establishing our Women’s league – contact us for more information.

Take advantage of discounts and pay as little as $670 per team!

Don’t have a team?  Register as a Free-Agent and we may be able to help you find a team.

Need help finding players?  Contact us and find out if we can help complete your roster.

 

YOUTH LEAGUES

Winter 6-v-6 youth leagues are back again for 2014-15!

Leagues are available for boys and girls of all ages, U8 through High School

8-game season runs early December through early February

More information about winter Youth League registration will be coming soon.

 

We hope to see you all on the fields soon!

_______________________________________
www.onetouchsoccer.com

12:29 PM

US Youth Soccer releases Spatial Awareness coaching guide

Download Spatial Awareness [PDF]

FRISCO, Texas (September 30, 2014) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the release of "Spatial Awareness – A Progression for Coaching the Tactical Use of the Field of Play through Concepts of Space." The new coaching education resource provides youth coaches with an age-appropriate approach to teaching players tactical concepts that utilize concrete and abstract spaces on the field of play.

Spatial Awareness features a simple structure to guide all coaches through the steps of strategically training players on the tactical use of spaces on the soccer field. Principles are broken down by age group, from Under-6 through Under-19 — gradually broadening players’ awareness of space and the use of space on the field, which can lead to more enjoyable and attractive soccer.

"This new coaching guide from US Youth Soccer is another great resource for coaches and clubs to utilize as they continue to develop players of all ages,” said Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching. "It provides direction for age-appropriate training, aiding coaches from the youngest age groups to the highest levels of youth soccer. I'm confident this guide will prove to be useful to coaches and players at all levels and provide an increased understanding of the tactical approach to the game."

Spatial Awareness is also considered a companion piece to the Player Development Model released in 2012. The Player Development Model is a curriculum designed to serve as a standard to guide each of US Youth Soccer’s 55 member State Associations and more than 5,000 clubs on how to effectively train athletes of all levels and abilities.

Available for coaches of all youth age groups and abilities, the Spatial Awareness coaching guide can be downloaded here or by going to the US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Document Center.

For more information on coaching resources and other tools for coaches, parents and administrators, visit USYouthSoccer.org.

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About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

Media Request: When referring to the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, please refer to the association only as US Youth Soccer, and never as USYS or USYSA. We appreciate your cooperation.
 

12:28 PM