Published: June 08, 2009 10:33 pm      

KELLY: Local teams struggle at state level

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 — an individual 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 high school send-off

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.”



Futzskils coming to town

Futzskilz soccer clinics and camps come to town next week, promising fun, comprehensive, and highly productive training methods for youth soccer players.

The four-day camp and three-session clinics are available to all U9-U18 girls and boys this summer on a first come-first served basis.

Heidi Mueller, director of Futzskilz, will personally conduct the clinics and camp. She brings to the field a background as a 12-year professional soccer trainer and was on the University of Louisville’s women’s soccer team. She represented the USA in World Cup exhibition play in China in 1993 and has served on the staff of the Olympic Development Program in Kentucky and Ohio.

“She has helped many participants attain high technical skill levels and is dedicated to helping our region reach new benchmarks of success in soccer,” said Susan Reed, co-director of Net-Surfers’ Academy.

These Futzskilz training sessions focus on individual player development in footskills (moves, trapping, and touch), passing, shooting, and field awareness fundamentals. Players learn real technical and tactical concepts and skill sets through a building-block approach.

It will be offered at the soccer camp at Grant Line United Methodist Church, 4810 Grant Line Road in New Albany, from Monday, June 22, to Thursday, June 25.

Meanwhile, Friday night soccer clinics will be held June 26, July 10, and July 17 at Huncilman’s, 115 Security Parkway in New Albany’s Industrial Park off Grant Line Road.

To register and pay for the camp and/or clinics by the Monday, June 15, deadline, log onto www.Futzskilz.com and click on the Futzskilz Net-Surfers or SIU box. You can also contact Susan Reed at (812) 944-1295, or email sreed0764@insightbb.com with questions.



Indiana boy dies after tournament

A 13-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 alternate, was playing in the Coke 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.

An autopsy will be performed on the boy to determine the cause of death.

Contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com