Thursday, June 11, 2009

Indiana boy dies after tournament

A 12-year-old boy died Saturday after he asked to be removed from a game at an Indiana soccer tournament.

Chris Akunda of Fishers Soccer Club, and a ‘96 Olympic Development Program player, was playing in the Coca Cola Classic Tournament at Center Grove Soccer Club in Johnson County.

He asked to be removed from the match because he didn't feel well, according to reports. He was taken to hospital, where he died late Saturday night.

According to a preliminary autopsy, Chris died from a hereditary heart problem.

For more, see: http://www.indystar.com/article/20090610/LOCAL0102/906100386/1001/NEWS

Can we beat the struggle?

The difficulties that soccer clubs from southern Indiana have competing against the best in the state was plain for all to see in recent weeks.

Five of our best teams, from Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers, went to the preliminary rounds of the Indiana State Cup, part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship series. Between them, they played 15 games and came home without a single win.

While none was expected to seriously challenge for a state title, and a few of them were happy to have made progress to the point that they were now competing with the best teams in Indiana, the net result was still disappointing to those whose wish is to see progress.

There are a number of reasons why teams from this area have trouble competing with the rest of the state.

Firstly, we lack the indoor facilities of a Mockingbird or Javanon, where youth can play all year round.

Secondly, younger players from the bigger cities like Indianapolis and Louisville have more exposure to the game due to so many older siblings having played it. These are usually better technically.

However, that is something that can change over time (which I’m getting to), and the introduction of academy programs here at SIU and Net-Surfers should help somewhat in this regard.

Thirdly, those local players that are talented normally end up playing with one of the bigger Louisville clubs as they offer greater success when it comes to winning trophies, and a better opportunity to be spotted when it comes to scholarships being handed out.

Fourthly, there isn't a soccer culture in southern Indiana, where basketball is king.

Personally, I believe all of these hurdles can be overcome to an extent where southern Indiana can hold its own and achieve greater success – if that’s what it wants.

The catalyst, I believe, would be an indoor sports facility. And it doesn’t have to be just for soccer, of course. This could be a concerted effort across the board along with other sports, local business and politicians.

Easier said than done, says you, but there are those with influence in Jeffersonville and New Albany who could help make it happen sooner rather than later, and many families with the desire to put in the hard graft to help it happen if needs be. If you build it, they will come, as they say.

I lived in a very working class area of Dublin beside a public park where someone -- in the council's planning department, I presume -- came up with the idea to build tennis courts. All of a sudden, kids into the dominant sports of gaelic football, soccer and hurling were spending their summer days and nights playing a game more associated in Ireland with folks with fancy cars and big houses, or the "poshies" as we called them.

None of us had tennis in our blood but for a few years, while the courts remained free from vandalism and coaching and competition was provided through a local government based program, it thrived.

So if you have a facility that can keep the players here, and maybe attract players in the opposite direction for a change, you're on the right track.

Actually, on the subject of players going across the bridge to Louisville, Southern Indiana United reports that it is beginning to see more players coming back to the club. Could this be the kick start the area needs? Next week, we talk to some families who explain why staying put works better for them.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Renegades get send-off to high school




Southern Indiana United's U14 Renegades were given an official send-off to high school soccer recently following a very successful season.

Jonathan Eade's charges won the Kentucky Select Soccer League Division II with a 4-1-2 record, and over 60 players and family members gathered at Edwardsville Park recently for a celebratory cookout and awards ceremony.

The top offensive player award went to midfielder Zach Lewis of Floyd Knobs, while the top defensive player was shared by goalie Derek Catlet of Salem and Cody Schrank of Floyd Knobs.

The 110 Per Cent award was presented to Stephen Schraffenberger of Floyd Knobs for his energy, positive spirit and work ethic, while the Love of the Game award was given to Austin Goodson of Jeffersonville for his passion for the sport.

Of the 17 players, 15 will move on to high school soccer this fall. The remaining two will rejoin the team for the spring club soccer season.

"These guys have come a long way in the past two years,” said coach Eade. “They have worked hard, matured and will contribute well at their respective high schools.”

Above: Looking forward to high school are SIU Renegade players (from left): Front row: Caleb Ferree, Quinn Banet (Christian Academy of Indiana); Austin Goodson, Skyler Davis (Jeffersonville High School). Middle row: coach Jonathon Eade; Grant Naville, Sam Satkamp, Stephen Schraffenberger, Dylan Adkins, Zach Lewis, Austin Adam, CJ Kremm (Floyd Central); Back row: John Murray, Cody Schrank (Providence); Ryan Shipton, Luke Lete, Drew Hirsch (New Albany); Derek Catlett (Salem).