Javanon teams head to nationals -- though you wouldn't know it!

(Published Evening News & Tribune, June 30 '09)


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Last Wednesday was important for United States soccer.

Beating Spain -- the number one ranked team in the world -- in the FIFA Confederations Cup by a 2-0 scoreline brought with it publicity not normally associated with the sport in this country. Spain had not lost a game in its last 35, so it was a big deal. Really.

And it became water cooler talk. Or toilet talk, depending on where you like to have your work conversations.

Then Team USA almost beat Brazil -- sure to become the new No. 1 nation in FIFA rankings -- in the final. Finding itself up 2-0 at the half, Bob Bradley’s boys succumbed to the mass yellow wave in the second 45 minutes, conceding three.

For those that don't know, the competition --- the eighth time it's been held -- is a dress rehearsal to the World Cup, held one year before the main event. It takes place in the World Cup host city -- in this case South Africa -- in preparation for the biggest and most widely viewed sports event on the planet (Yes, it is has more viewers than the Olympics.)

It comprises the current champion from each continent (or confederation), the hosts, and the current World Cup champion. Participating nations also welcome the opportunity to play in stadia being used in a year's time, not to mention acclimatizing to what will be unusual weather for this event, as it will take place during South Africa's winter.

So while the performances brought a timely boost to the squad and attracted attention from those normally oblivious to all matters soccer, it is getting a little ahead of ourselves to believe the US will be winning the 2010 World Cup.

What it has done, though, is give a confidence to the US, as well as show the world that the team is a force to be reckoned with.

On the same day, Javanon Soccer Club from Louisville won two US Youth Soccer Region II titles in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Altogether, some 212 teams from 13 states battled for a place at the national championships in Lancaster, Massachusetts from July 21-26.

You wouldn't have known it in the immediate aftermath, however, if you had been depending on the Derby City's broadcast and print media to provide you information on it.

While it had no problem jumping on the US/Confederations Cup bandwagon, it practically ignored the achievements of local youth soccer players. But the irony is that if the USA's performances get more people interested in the game -- and playing it -- then more people might want to know about achievements like Javanon's.

Both teams feature players from southern Indiana. Javanon '92, winning its second consecutive regional title, has amongst its ranks defender Trevor Bruner from Jeffersonville, while Javanon '91 includes Nathan Driggers, a graduate of New Albany High School and now playing college soccer with Ohio State.



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Javanon '92s final victory was a thriller. Facing the mighty Chicago Fire Juniors, the game remained scoreless for 90 minutes, but Javanon exploded in the fourth minute of overtime with a Dimitri DeChurch-Silva goal. However, Juniors equalized to take the game to penalties.

With the Illinois champion missing one early, and with Javanon’s first four spot kick takers all hitting the net, the stage was set for keeper Taylor Hafling to make himself a hero and he duly obliged when saving Chicago Fire’s final penalty.

On a nearby field, Javanon '91 was going for its first ever Midwest regional title in a final showdown with last year's finalist Scott Gallagher from St Louis, Missouri.

The game was scoreless after regulation time in a tight encounter, but the deadlock was broken by a 94th minute effort from Vincius Paiva and coach Graham Merryweather’s boys held on to make it a historic double for Javanon.

The squad, sicx time state champion, features a core of eight players who have been together since U-11. Driggers, normally deployed as a striker, has stepped in as Javanon's central attacking midfielder, a move which seems to have worked well.

Meanwhile, Javanon is appealing for donations to help with the huge expense that will be incurred traveling to Lancaster. If anyone can help, they can contact the club's development director, Kay Maum, at 502-299-3865.

New Balls Please!

Children in Kenya are replacing soccer balls made out of garbage bags for the real deal thanks to local generosity.

Southern Indiana's Net-Surfers are among those helping the Hearts4Kenya charity, and the all-girls' team recently donated 20 balls, which made it to Africa with volunteer Sara Dickman, former varsity girls' soccer coach with New Albany HS.

Also helping the cause are Kraatz Sporting Goods, which has donated 25 balls, and The Quest Class of Trinity Methodist Church, giving 10 balls and 10 hand pumps. Uniform sets were also donated by various local schools.

Dickman said children of all ages play the game in Kenya, usually with a group of discarded garbage bags that are wound with any available string.

"These balls have an amazing bounce but are not close to the touch of a regulation size leather ball," she said.

She added that the regulation balls are a "gift from heaven" to the schools and orphanages in the rural communities of Oyugis and Amani, while the uniforms help the children play in tournaments.

"There will be young men and women who will have qualified to participate in a tournament, but thought they could not as they didn't have the required shirts," said Dickman.

"It is amazing that we put our players in shin guards, long socks, arch supports and braces, and a good pair of cleats. In this area of Kenya, in order to participate in tournaments the teams must have one game ball per team, and matching uniform shirts. Every other part of the uniform may be mis-matched or missing. Most of the players we have watched play barefooted.

“Every year at least one boys' team and one girls' team is able to advance due to the generosity of this community."

Net-Surfers' secretary Jamie Fischer said that this is the second time the club has donated balls to the cause.

"As a club, we feel this a worthwhile endeavor to help kids in a less fortunate situation enjoy the game of soccer," said Fischer. "We want to thank Southern Indiana United U16 coach Bruce Rigsby for helping us obtain the soccer balls at a very reasonable rate and providing them to us for the donation."

Hearts4Kenya, a charity based in Louisville, helps combat poverty, hunger and disease in small, agrarian communities in the Nyanza province of Kenya. Now in its 11th year, it has successfully completed a wide range of projects, including the construction or repair of several churches, clinics, orphanages, playgrounds and a tree nursery.

In recent years, hybrid seed, fertilizer and the instruction of irrigation and planting techniques have been introduced, enabling the people to become self-sufficient.

For more information on the charity, log on to : www.heartsforkenya.org

Pictured above: Children in Oyugis, Kenya play with one of locally donated soccer balls.

Charity soccer auction in Molly's

While we are on the subject of charity work, autographed team jerseys from Tim Howard and Freddy Adu will be among the items you can bid on during a fundraising soccer memorabilia auction being held at Molly Malone's Bar on Baxter Avenue (8 p.m.)

There will also be a World Cup trivia contest and juggling contest, while we are told there will also be soccer celebrities from around the world.

The evening will benefit the Derby City Kicks Back charity, which supports other charities such as Soccer For Kids' Sake, which provides inner city soccer programs, and the Adam Bender Foundation, which brings sports awareness and opportunity to physically challenged children.

Tickets are $50 at the door, or $25 in advance. And if you mention the password 'Man City' the night of the event, you can get in for half price. For more information, call Molly Malone's at (502) 473-1222.

The benefits of staying put

Last week, I touched on the issue of how the standard of soccer in southern Indiana could be improved if the will was there.

I felt it was a topic worth discussing because five of the best teams from Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers went to the preliminary rounds of the Indiana State Cup recently, played 15 games, and came home without a single win.

There are many ways improvements could be made, and I mentioned just a few. An adequate indoor sports facility would be a big plus, and a number inside the game have suggested this could be supported by the parks department. Another is the addition of tournament standard fields, which wold bring in significant revenue.

The need for organized soccer leagues in elementary and middle schools; a successful academy system for those being introduced to the game for the first time; having a paid staff at club level; and the recruitment of the finest coaches who could attract players to local clubs are also worth noting.

So too is a unity from everyone in the area who has a common dream or goal for the benefit of the soccer community. All easier said than done, I know.

When the best teams are across the river, and the opportunity to play against top opponents regularly and be noticed for college scholarships is dangled carrot-like in your direction, it is hard to resist, and therein lies the difficulty in stemming a tide going in the opposite direction.

Therefore keeping players locally is a problem, but there are now some returning after a stint in Louisville. It’s a start.

Debbie Webb, SIU's vice president with responsibility for select soccer, said they are coming back for a number of reasons.

"Some are returning because they did not make a Louisville team, but also some are coming back because of the cost and the family friendly atmosphere that SIU offers," said Webb.

"Many see Javanon, United and Mockingbird as a better program but I guess it all depends what you are looking for in a travel soccer program. It is true that Javanon, United and Mockingbird have many more state, regional and national championships than SIU will ever have, but there is no guarantee that switching from SIU to one of these clubs will assure you a spot on a winning team. The skill level from age group to age group is not the same."

One to return is Jacob Trulock, who plays for SIU's U10 team. His mother, Donna Trulock-Jones, said they first started their journey into select soccer with Javanon.

"Jacob had fun playing with the other players and his love for the game developed," she said. "We enjoyed the experience and made some good friends along the way. We as a family had fun traveling with the other parents."

But something was missing, said Trulock Jones. Actually, time was missing.
"Our family spent an insane amount of time in the car traveling, 45 minutes back and forth to practices missing out on other events for siblings. This is not to mention, homework and just having a few moments of family time a night to get caught up on how everyone’s day was. That is when we decided to come back across the bridge and give it another try."

Donna said Jacob has excellent coaching, and a special goalie coach in Michael Davis.

"Since the spring, SIU has allowed the goalies for each team to work one on one with a goalie coach," she said. "In one season, Jacob's skills have improved tremendously. This is a great addition to the club.

"He also loves playing with kids that are from his community. It is also nice for him to get together with his soccer team and play on a non game day, since the families live so close."

Paul Chrisco's son, Kevin, started playing select for Javanon at U9 level.

"The first year was fun but it was a lot of work getting him across the bridge to practices," said Paul. "It really hit home when we passed one of the SIU practice fields half an hour into our trip home from a Javanon practice at the end of last season. When Kevin realized how much less driving would be involved playing for SIU we decided to try out for the SIU U10 team."

It ended up being the right choice for the family, said Paul.

"Practices are literally minutes from our house," he said. "Two of Kevin's friends from his school also made the team and I was able to get involved as the assistant coach.

"During his first year at Javanon it seemed as though our lives revolved around soccer. While soccer is important to our son, we don’t want it to completely dominate our lives."

Debbie Webb believes SIU can offer a player much more than the Louisville clubs at the U9-U14 age groups.

"When you get to U15 and older, which are college recruiting ages, Louisville clubs are definitely the best bet for the player who hopes to play in college. This is because of their focus on winning and exposing their players to the most competitive -- and expensive -- leagues and the most competitive, prestigious -- and expensive -- tournaments. This is more than SIU can do.”

And more than they want to do, she revealed.

“ We really don't want to be like Javanon or United or Mockingbird. We do not have the fields or other resources to do so. We want to offer a quality, affordable and fun program in southern Indiana."

And, of course, the expense is a big issue.

"SIU's travel program operates on a zero budget - we only charge what we must in order to run the program and most years we end with a loss," said Webb. "We are not in this to make money but to provide a service. We work with families who need to make payments on their fees."

Meanwhile, Net-Surfers' ability to hold tryouts earlier than usual has paid dividends, it has said. The girls' club received permission from the Indiana Youth Soccer Association for the exemption after the club complained that it would lose numerous players if it couldn't tryout until a month after Louisville teams.

"Players that tryout for clubs in Louisville will have to commit and may not risk that they will have a team to play with or make a spot if so for our club," said Greg Reger, the club's president, in a letter to the IYSA.

As a result of the exemption for Net-Surfers, tryouts were held on June 3 and 4, and coaches believe it has helped save one team and improve others. It will be interesting to see whether the club reaps benefits from the move come next season.

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.

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).