Thanks to all who have taken the time to navigate through our new web site, and thus been able to register for the various tournaments. This gives you an update on where we are with the program, AND, for the 2014-2015 class, some important adjustments.
Our difficulty in being able to offer quality choices for participation is that we must register for tournaments in the fall utilizing our best guess as to what type of commitment and roster size we will enjoy the following summer. We have chosen to field teams in the top tournaments nationally. Those tournaments fill quickly, and teams that delay their decisions are left on waiting lists. We took a chance and registered for a high number of tournaments for each age group, thus allowing players to choose tournaments that best fit their schedule. This is much different from the past, when we entered fewer tournaments, and if a player was unable to participate in that event, then they were simply left out of tournament play for the summer. This is also much different from many other clubs, where participation in a tournament is a requirement for participation with that club. There is enough stress involved in this process already – we do try to relieve some of that stress by being flexible.
There are many other hurdles in trying to make this a great experience for those who play. One is in working to bring in outstanding coaches – we are certainly fortunate to have been able to accomplish this, with the following coaches now involved:
Quinn Simmons (Medina – Denison College),
Kelly Vogt (Hawken – Denison),
Ashley Wood (Shaker Hts – Duquense),
Melissa Logan (Cleveland Hts – Brown),
Zoe Jones (Cleveland Heights – Cal), and
Molly Dubiel (Magnificat – LeMoyne)
Anne Grady (Magnificat – St Boneventure)
Doug Blossey (Miami U.)
Along with former and current Div-1 players and high school coaches Kim Russell, Terry Saylor, Jen Tramer and Becky Lempke.
We, also are fortunate to have recent OP players Liz Seidel (Chagrin – headed to William Smith), Cara Wood (Laurel – headed to La Salle), and Audie King (Medina – headed to Notre Dame College).
Regarding the upcoming tournaments: We are in the most fortunate position of having a nice group of skilled players, new to Ohio Premier, try out for and be selected to join, the program. This has added to our overall numbers, and should allow us to field highly competitive teams in the years to come. We have added 10 new players to the Rising Freshman class of 2013, bringing their total number of players to 28. While this is great for this class, it does impact the combined classes of 2014-2015 and their 18 players. We had originally offered one major tournament for this group – the Capitol Cup in two weeks. While this is a nice event, it was an event that was a combined 2013-2015 team. This would require the younger players to play up an age group. The premier event for this age group would have been the Club National Championship, held July 17-19. We already have 6 teams in that event, and tried to add the 2014’s back in December, but were closed out. We asked again today, and have now been successful in adding that age group. They can now play in a much more age-appropriate bracket, in a great tournament. We do know that some players will be unable to adjust their schedule – however, for those able to do so, please let us know asap of your desire to switch. Note that the cost for the July tournament is $115, as opposed to $145 – we will make the adjustment to your payment for those who switch. If you are simply added this tournament please do so on active.com – category, additional payments (see instructions for active.com below).
Club National Championship Scheduling:
All 2013, 2014, 2015 games will begin by 12:00 PM on Thursday July 16th, 2009 at the Maryland Soccerplex. The turf fields and championship stadium will be running till 10:00 PM on Thursday. Friday and Saturday games for these age groups will be at Muldoon’s Polo Fields in Poolesville, MD
All 2010, 2011, and 2012 games begin on Friday at the Maryland Soccerplex at 10:00 AM. (Local teams will begin at 10:00 AM-we will give some travel time to the teams from farther away. The turf fields will be running all day until 10:00 PM in the evening. All 2010 and 2011 teams will remain at the Maryland Soccerplex the entire weekend with playoffs starting Sunday morning. The top 2 seeds from each of the 2010 and 2011 brackets will make the playoffs. You will know what field/time you are going to based on your seed as soon as pool play is finished! In the 2012 division, the top 2 seeds will advance to the playoffs and play Sunday at Muldoon’s Polo Fields.
For the Class of 2010, good luck this weekend in Philadelphia at the Champions Cup!
Terry & Kim
* Next Practice: Today, June 9th @ Tri-City Park from 6-8pm
* Deadlines:
THURS 6/8: Tournament Registrations !! EXTENDED DUE TO CHANGES…NO PLAYERS WILL BE ACCEPTED TO ATTEND AFTER THIS DATE. NO EXCEPTIONS
