There are not many soccer clubs that are founded by ex- pop stars, but we are fortunate to have one not a million miles away from us.
United 1996's Muhamed Fazlagic was the lead singer of Fazla, who in 1993 represented war-torn Bosnia at the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the most watched annual events across Europe.
Fazla came 16th of 25, but it wasn't that bad really as far as Eurovision songs go. (You can decide for yourself by checking it out at: www.youtube.com/watchv=hJctjigBfuI)
A year after settling in Louisville in 1995, Fazlagic founded United 1996. Thirteen years on and the club now has over 20 teams and two of its teams -- United '91 International and U19s -- won Kentucky state titles last year.
The club's big travel tournament, the United Cup Classic, takes place this weekend at Louisville Champions' Park, Edith Road, and signals the start of the spring soccer season for a number of teams.
In the girls' section, Net-Surfers field three teams. If you saw our feature on the club on Sunday, you'd know that the U17 team is benefitting from the coaching experience of University of Louisville's Shannon Smyth and Lindsay Boling. They play on Saturday against United 1996 '92 and Indy Burn, and play the hosts' '91 team on Sunday.
Net-Surfers '95, coached by Errol Morgan, will play in the Indiana State Cup this year, which places them among the elite teams in their age bracket in Indiana. They kick off their season at the United Cup Classic on Saturday against the hosts and Knoxville FC's FC Crush '95 Orange, and finish off the group stage against Swanner Athletic on Sunday.
The U11s are the third Net-Surfers team playing in the tournament and they will take on United 1996 and Hoosiers Futbol Club on Saturday, and Nelson County YSA Rowdies on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in the boys' section Southern Indiana United's U18s play in the second division against Indianapolis Rangers and Fort Wayne Citadel on Saturday. Brandon Rogers' side will finish the group stage against Louisville Soccer Alliance '91 on Sunday.
Kossis plays in Cyprus
Speaking of Southern Indiana United's U18's, former player Stephan Kossis is now togging out for Cyprus club Apollon Limassol.
According to New Albany High School's Blotter newspaper, the Bulldog senior -- who graduated early -- tried out with the first division outfit and will be used as a reserve.
His dad, originally from Greece, was offered a job in Cyprus and the family thought it would be in their best interest to return to Europe.
"The level of play is incredible," Kossis told reporter Kelsey Greater, adding that NAHS's soccer conditioning does not compare to the difficulty, the level of commitment and hard work of Apollon, currently lying fifth in the league.
Kossis, who won a sectional title with New Albany in the fall, will be returning to the US after the summer to go to college.
Chelsea goes to Brazil
While we're on matters international, it's worth mentioning Jeffersonville's Chelsea Grover, who recently went on a productive nine day trip to Brazil with Western Kentucky University.
While staying in Rio De Janeiro, they toured the Brazilian national team training facilities, stepped in legend Pele's footprints and played a lot of beach soccer, we are told.
Oh, and they also went undefeated on the field, with Grover scoring against one of the U21 Brazilian club teams.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Net-Surfers ready to make waves
Southern Indiana's Net-Surfers are ready to make waves during the new select soccer season with the help of some top talent.
This year, the all-girls' club will field competitive teams from U11 to U17 age categories. It will also run a flourishing academy program for players ages 5-10.
The U17 team is first into action this weekend in the United Cup Classic tournament in Louisville, and is fortunate to have gained the coaching services of University of Louisville's Shannon Smyth and Lindsay Boling.
Smyth, a starting striker for the Lady Cards the past three years, is on cue to graduate in May and hasn't ruled out playing professionally in Europe. Among her most notable achievements to date was playing for Ireland in the World University Games in 2007, when the Girls in Green surprised many by reaching the final four.
Boling, meanwhile, is the Lady Cards' leading scored as a junior midfielder last fall, was a high school all-American at Louisville's Sacred Heart Academy.
Together, they bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to a team that will be playing in the Kentucky Select Soccer League this spring.
First up for the girls, however, is the United Cup Classic (U18 category) and Smyth said they can't wait to get started, with games on Saturday against the hosts United 1996 '91 and Indy Burn.
"The girls have so much potential and seem to enjoy being together," she said. "It's going to be a fun season.”
Net-Surfers' long-time coach, Dave Smith, said the club is also expecting its talented U13 and U14 teams to perform well this year. Both will play in the Indiana State Cup this year, placing them among the elite teams in their age bracket in Indiana.
The U14s, coached by Errol Morgan, matched Javanon for the top won-loss record in the KSSL Gold Division last fall, and finished second based on points.
Morgan, who now also serves as co-director of coaching for programs and events, has high hopes for his side.
"We finished strong, playing up in the U15 division at the Veterans' Tournament in Evansville last November, and made the final round," he said.
Coach Dave Carrier's U13 Net-Surfers won the silver division of the KSSL last autumn, were finalists in the Louisville Cup and return a talented group of youngsters.
"We're honored to be selected one of 16 squads to have a chance at the Indiana State Cup," said Carrier.
Another team to keep an eye out for is Net-Surfers '94, who will compete in the KSSL. The team comprises many talented and diverse players who earned spots and playing time on their schools' varsity squads in the fall.
Last year, it competed in the Indiana Soccer league, finishing fourth of nine other club teams from all across the state. A notable win was the 1-0 victory over Carmel. They were also chosen as the league's fairness award winner, which is selected based on the game reports from all the coaches and refs during the season.
Dave Smith said the club is grateful to have president and U12 assistant coach Greg Reger at the reigns.
"Greg has done a marvelous job of leading the club from a business perspective," he said. "He's organized, committed and always positive. We're in good hands and moving forward."
Above: University of Louisville’s Shannon Smyth (left) and Lindsay Boling
Who'd be a ref?
The spring soccer season is just around the corner and teams are putting the finishing touches to their preparations.
That includes travel and recreational teams, as well as the Catholic Deanery leagues for 3rd to 8th grades.
How many of the players, parents and coaches attached to these teams and leagues actually have a very good knowledge of laws of the game, do you think?
For example, how many know the difference between a direct and indirect free kick, or know what offenses cause the referee to call a free direct or indirect in the first place? And then there's the offside rule, of course.
You'd be surprised how few are competent in the laws of the game, and it's this ignorance that quite often leads to the abuse of referees. Many of the officials in the area are young (you can now be a referee once you hit 12 years of age) and being yelled at a lot can frighten many of them off. This, in turn, leads to a shortage of referees.
Other than having courses set up around the area specifically for parents, another great way to learn more is by actually taking a referee's course.
This weekend, I decided to do just that by three day Grade 8 beginners' class for referees at Mt Tabor Elementary School in New Albany. It is a United States Soccer Federation recognized course organized by the Indiana State Referees' Committee. I believe anyone involved in the game should take the class, whether they have designs on being a referee or not, as it helps you understand what the referee is calling and why.
Most of those taking it were quite young -- 11 years and up -- and are already involved in the game in a playing capacity, be it with recreational teams, select teams or high school. There was just one other adult.
Of those that will last through the early days of refereeing -- and many seemed to be very knowledgeable of the game -- they should do well for themselves. Many young people make good seasonal pocket money from doing games. It starts at $8 a game and you can do quit a few of the younger age level games in a day. Then there are the likes of high school games and tournaments, where the pay is better.
Instructors Tom Berger and Heinz Pedolzky – also both experienced referees -- went through the 17 laws of the game, from the field of play to the offside rule, to fouls and misconduct. Some video clips were used from games as examples, and there was a fun oral quiz, where we were pitted against each other to test our speed and knowledge of what we’d learned.
After the three days, we took a 100-question multiple choice test (you need 75 to pass), after which we were presented with our referees’ badges. Next, it's out onto the fields of southern Indiana, when the new refs will be assigned to games a referees and assistant referees. Most will start officiating in just a few weeks.
Take it easy on us, and remember – it’s only a game!
For further information on how to become a referee, contact Gemma Newland at : gemma.nwl@sbcglobal.net or Teresa Knear Bell at : tknearbell1@yahoo.com
That includes travel and recreational teams, as well as the Catholic Deanery leagues for 3rd to 8th grades.
How many of the players, parents and coaches attached to these teams and leagues actually have a very good knowledge of laws of the game, do you think?
For example, how many know the difference between a direct and indirect free kick, or know what offenses cause the referee to call a free direct or indirect in the first place? And then there's the offside rule, of course.
You'd be surprised how few are competent in the laws of the game, and it's this ignorance that quite often leads to the abuse of referees. Many of the officials in the area are young (you can now be a referee once you hit 12 years of age) and being yelled at a lot can frighten many of them off. This, in turn, leads to a shortage of referees.
Other than having courses set up around the area specifically for parents, another great way to learn more is by actually taking a referee's course.
This weekend, I decided to do just that by three day Grade 8 beginners' class for referees at Mt Tabor Elementary School in New Albany. It is a United States Soccer Federation recognized course organized by the Indiana State Referees' Committee. I believe anyone involved in the game should take the class, whether they have designs on being a referee or not, as it helps you understand what the referee is calling and why.
Most of those taking it were quite young -- 11 years and up -- and are already involved in the game in a playing capacity, be it with recreational teams, select teams or high school. There was just one other adult.
Of those that will last through the early days of refereeing -- and many seemed to be very knowledgeable of the game -- they should do well for themselves. Many young people make good seasonal pocket money from doing games. It starts at $8 a game and you can do quit a few of the younger age level games in a day. Then there are the likes of high school games and tournaments, where the pay is better.
Instructors Tom Berger and Heinz Pedolzky – also both experienced referees -- went through the 17 laws of the game, from the field of play to the offside rule, to fouls and misconduct. Some video clips were used from games as examples, and there was a fun oral quiz, where we were pitted against each other to test our speed and knowledge of what we’d learned.
After the three days, we took a 100-question multiple choice test (you need 75 to pass), after which we were presented with our referees’ badges. Next, it's out onto the fields of southern Indiana, when the new refs will be assigned to games a referees and assistant referees. Most will start officiating in just a few weeks.
Take it easy on us, and remember – it’s only a game!
For further information on how to become a referee, contact Gemma Newland at : gemma.nwl@sbcglobal.net or Teresa Knear Bell at : tknearbell1@yahoo.com
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