KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5

11

Kickers Soccer Club Newsletter

March 2015

TRAIN HARDER. TRAIN LONGER. TRAIN BETTER. BE A KICKER. IN THIS ISSUE

Lost & Found Important We have many items that have been left behind at practices and games. Missing Club Notices anything? Let our KSC Staff know! Pg. 13 By Kickers Soccer Club Spring Training Dates Spring training will start up on Monday, March 30, 2015 and will end on Friday, June Kickers Spring Office Hours 19, 2015. Professional Corners The KSC office hours have changed for the Check out what is happening in the big leagues. News Team Photo Night – NEW DATE on trades, players, and games. spring. Office hours are listed below: Friday, April 10th 2015 at Montessori Page #8 & 9 Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00PM Children’s Garden. 2300 Montgomery Rd. Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Aurora, IL 60504 Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Social Networks Friday: CLOSED Find us on Facebook @ Kickers Soccer

Club, @KickersSC, Instagram If you would like to request a time to meet @kickers_sc, and on Google+ as Kickers in the office, please call Luke at 630-890- Soccer Club. 4150.

Volunteers Needed Spirit Wear

We are always looking for volunteers. If We have KSC spirit wear available for you are interested in being more involved sale in the Kickers Office as well as with our club, please contact Amy Ashta. through Boomers. Pick up and order You may email her @ your spirit wear today! Spring Clinics [email protected]. Check out the extra trainings our KSC staff is providing to our players this spring.

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KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 2

Spring Tournaments By Kickers Soccer Club

We have quite a few Spring Tournaments in 2015:

April 18 & 19, 2015 – Westfield, IN (Grand Park)

(U16 Boys Elite and U18 Boys Premier)

April 25 & 26, 2015 – Eclipse Tournament

(U12 Boys Premier, U14 Girls Premier)

May 16 & 17, 2015 – Wheaton Wings Tournament

(U11 Girls, U9 Boys, U10 Boys Blue, U11 Boys Blue)

May 16 & 17, 2015 – Illinois Fusion

(U14 Boys White, U8 Girls, U10 Girls) May 23 & 24, 2015 – Oswego Classic

(U8 Boys, U9 Girls, u12 Girls, 14 Girls Classic)

June 13 & 14, 2015 – PUMA Invitational College Showcase

(U13 Boys Premier, U14 Boys Premier, U14 Girls Premier, U16 Boys Premier, U16 Boys Elite, U18 Boys Premier)

Good luck to all of the KSC teams in all of the tournaments this Spring! Let’s continue to

see beautiful displays of RPM (Receive, Pass, Move) and have fun while displaying outstanding soccer! Remember to continue to check the KSC website at www.kickerssoccerclub.org and your emails for any changes.

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 3

Spring Tournament Success

Congratulations to U11 Boys White and U12 Boys Blue on bringing home the Championship in both of their brackets at IFJ Turf Classic in Westfield, Indiana this past weekend! Also, a big round of applause to U10 Boys White for finishing first in their group, but missing out on the final at the IFJ Turf Classic as well!

U11 Boys White at the IFJ Turf Classic A great weekend of quality soccer and tons of display of RPM (Receive, Pass, Move) by all three Kickers Teams. Keep up the good work!

Congratulations to the U18 Boys Premier for the success so far in the State Cup (Premier Cup) that is hosted in Schaumburg. A lot of great possesion based soccer!

U12 Boys Blue at the IFJ Turf Classic Upcoming U18 Boys Premier games: April 4, 2015 – US Club State Cup 7:00 PM Field 2, Schaumburg. April 7, 2015 – Start of Chicago National vs. Campton United. Olympic Park, Field 2.

U10 Boys Blue at the IFJ Turf Classic warming up

Please email any team pictures, action pictures of ANY games to [email protected] to see them in the newsletters and on social media for Kickers Soccer Club. KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 4

Spring Practices & Clinics 2015

*Spring practice sessions start up Monday, March 30, 2015.* Team Practices and games are listed online at our website www.kickerssoccerclub.org for more information on your team schedule. Clinics are offered for free to Kickers Soccer Club players. These sessions will be held during the week. We recommend to try to attend clinics to help improve the individual player. The clinics we offer are as followed:

 Finishing U12-U14 - Monday & Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 at Still Fields – Nick  Ball Mastery U8-U11 - Tuesday from 6:45 to 7:45 at Still Fields – Coach Christine  Ball Mastery U12-U14 - Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 at Still Fields – Coach Jason  Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) U8-U11 - Monday & Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 at Still Fields – Coach Maddie  Goalkeeping U8-U10 - Thursday & Friday from 5:00 to 6:00 at Still Fields – Coach Brian/Coach Keith  Goalkeeping U11-U12 - Thursday & Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 at Still Fields – Coach Brian/Coach Keith  Goalkeeping U13-U14 - Thursday & Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 at Still Fields – Coach Brian/Coach Keith

Clinics start the week of April 6, 2015 and continue through the week of June 8, 2015. Clinics with Jason will end the week of May 18, 2015. The week of tryouts, May 25-29, there will be NO clinics.

Ball Mastery: develop footskills - skills, turns and tricks and when to use them during 1v1 situations in games. Develop comfortable first touch on the move and in each direction.

Finishing (shooting): develop the techniques used when striking the ball on and how to finish in the box with limited time/touches during game situations.

Goalkeeping: develop and enhance the techniques and actions needed to excel as a goal keeper, ball handling, shot stopping and positioning.

Speed, agility and quickness (SAQ): sessions work players fast twitch muscle movement, coordination, core movement, plyometrics and balance. Generally for players aged 12-18 years.

Any questions? Email [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected] KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 5

Additional Programs

Little Kickers – SPRING

KSC training staff conduct Little Kickers training sessions for 3-6 year olds.

These sessions are an introduction to the beautiful game using a FUN learning environment for the players to learn basic techniques with the soccer ball. The sessions are taught using the ADVENTURE Soccer theme and focus on as many touches on the ball as possible. The Kickers SC believes teaching the players the correct techniques at an early age will foster a love for the game and instill the importance of becoming a master of the ball.

Location: Still Fields (787 Meadowridge Dr., Aurora, IL) Recreational Soccer League – SPRING

Dates: TBD (6 weeks) This is a recreational soccer league for boys and girls grades Time: 5:30-6:30 Price: $60 (includes t-shirt) kindergarten through sixth grade. Teams are co-ed and coached by volunteers. Volunteer coaches are always needed!!! REGISTER NOW AT www.kickerssoccerclub.org All games are played on Saturdays at the Stuart Sports Complex on Any questions, contact [email protected] Jericho Road (Aurora). Coaches decide practice location, days and times.

Teams are formed with school and subdivision locations in mind. We Kickers Juniors – SPRING will always attempt to honor all requests made by the registration deadline, but will not guarantee all requests will be met.

Thinking about Travel Soccer? Are you between the ages of 6-14 years Next recreational session will start on April 11, 2015 and go through old? Experience Kickers SC coaching and decide if it's right for you! May 16, 2015.

This 6-week program is designed to offer a competitive experience to *$15.00 late fee if registering after March 13, 2015* players looking to challenge themselves at the next level. Players will train with our club squads and receive instruction from licensed Check the KSC Website for more details on the Spring 2015 Season! Kickers SC coaches. This opportunity is open to all players and is www.kickerssoccerclub.org perfect for players looking to expand their practice opportunities or who are considering the move to travel soccer. Players will be evaluated at the first session and will be placed onto a ***Girls Night with Coach Maddie*** squad where they best fit technically. The evaluation session is free.

Players will pay once they have been placed. Coach Maddie is looking to create more opportunities this spring for Where: Still Fields (787 Meadowridge Dr., Aurora, IL) Girls Night Out. These sessions will be based off fun training sessions When: Evaluation sessions: Week of April 15th. 6 week session begins for girls only, ages 6-14. The program will be open to Kickers Soccer the following week and will end on May 29. Club players and to the community. Bring along your sisters and friends! Time: Varies Check KSC website for announcements or email Coach Maddie for any Cost: $145 including a free t-shirt questions. [email protected]

REGISTER NOW - For more information about required paperwork, visit our website.

Any questions, contact [email protected]

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 6

Kickers Soccer Club Alumni By Madison Pickett

For those of you who don’t know, Kickers Soccer Club was founded in 1959 and was the first soccer club in Aurora. Since then, the club has grown tremendously.

Our goal as a club now is to gather and contact as many alumni players as we can and create a KSC network after your youth playing days. The alumni club is for any previous Kickers player who is 18 years old and up.

We will be organizing an alumni event for anyone who has ever been a Kickers player, even if it was only for a season. We want to be able to bring together the kickers community in order to keep up past friendships and create new connections through soccer.

Considering that we will bring together enough of the alumni players, we hope to have an alumni game that will draw together new and old families.

Keep your eyes out for what’s to come and continue to spread the word.

All-Time Best XI

KSC players in 2009 We have had a great amount of outstanding talent pass through our club over the years. We are putting together a Kickers Soccer Club “All-Time Best XI” line up of which players would create the unbeatable Kickers Soccer Club team.

If you are a Kickers Alum and would like to contribute or help out in anyway, or simply would like more information, please contact Madison Pickett at [email protected]

*Continue to check the KSC Website as well for any alumni information or links. Old photographs and pictures are in high demand, so please send them our way!* “Once a Kicker, Always a Kicker”

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 7

USWNT: Algarve Cup Champions 2015!

The USWNT just won the 2015 Algarve Cup this past month on March 11th while preparing for the World Cup this June. The US Women went on to beat France 2-0 in the final match. Julie Johnston put away the first goal off of a header to go up 1-0 in the beginning of the first half, while Chicago RedStars player, , put away a perfectly placed finish in the second half to seal the deal. Although, France wouldn’t back down – they received a penalty kick in the final minutes, but Hope Solo denied their opportunity to get back into the game. A great way to get in gear for the 2015 WWC! Results

March 3, 2015 – USWNT (2) vs. (1)

Mrarch 6, 2015 – USWNT (3) vs. Switzerland (0)

March 9, 2015 – USWNT(0) vs. Iceland (0)

March 11, 2015 – USWNT (2) vs. France (0) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ______

West Ham United Player Update

Our affiliate, West Ham United, made a huge deal this month with signing Brazilian forward, Nene. The chairman of West Ham United FC, David Gold announced the signing of Nene to continue out this season with WHU. West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Nene and believe that his Brazilian flair is what it takes for this team to succeed. The 33 year old has played for teams like, Santos, Monaco, and Paris Saint – Germain. This will be his first appearance for the Premier league. He has had an outstanding career so far; he has scored more than 100 career goals , and can play out wide or up front and is a set-play specialist.

Nene on the signing (whufc.com): “ I am very excited and happy to be here.” He told West Ham TV. “I ‘m proud to come to a really big club like West Ham and I’m going to do my best to help the team.” Nene had thought about going back to Europe for a few months now. He mentions in his interview that the ambience, intensity, and everything is better in Europe. “It’s a really good challenge for me, to come to a competition like the Premier League. It’s the most competitive in the world so this is the motivation for me.”

Let’s see what the Brazilian forward has in store for the Premier League and better yet, West Ham United FC. Check out whufc.com to learn more about the signing of Nene.

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 8

Professional Recaps & Scores

Men’s professional soccer in the has come a long way over the years, developing talent and bringing in world class players from all over the world. Just this past season, has brought in big time players like Kaka and . Kaka is a Brazilian who also played for major clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid. David Villa is a huge asset on Spain’s national team. He has played for many teams such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. These two international stars faced off this past month for their MLS season debuts on March 8th. More than 60,000 fans were in attendance for the match at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Kaka who plays for Orlando City and Villa who plays for FC.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw. David Villa assisted in the 76th minute of the game to go up 1-0, but the game was far from over. In the final minutes of the game, Kaka hit a free kick from outside the box that defelcted in to tie the game 1-1. The international stars put on a fantastic performance for the MLS season opener.

Upcoming game to watch: Saturday, March 28, 2015 - NYCFC vs. Kansas City at 6:00 PM

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The UEFA Champions League Finals are underway. We enter into the quarter-finals . There are only 8 teams remaining of 32: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Porto, and Real Madrid. Who are you rooting for?

Upcoming games that you don’t want to miss!

April 14, 2015 – Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid and Juventus vs. Monaco

April 15, 2015 – PSG vs. Barcelona and FC Porto vs. Bayern Munich

April 21, 2015 – Bayern Munich vs. FC Porto and Barcelona vs. PSG

April 22, 2015 – Monaco vs. Juventus and Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid

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The Barcalys Premier League continues to bring us fantastic games every week. This past month the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United continued when they faced eachother on March 22nd. Once again the Reds captain, Steven Gerrard put his team at risk to succeed. 43 seconds after entering the match at the beginning of the second half, he received a red card. This was Gerrard’s final appearance against Manchester United since he will be joining the LA Galaxy this summer. Manchester United went on to win the match 2-1 which allowed them to strengthen their grip on the top four spot.

Do you think that Steven Gerrard’s red card will effect his Barcalys Premier League legacy that he has worked for for all of these years?

Let us know what you think! Share thoughts on Social Media and tag us!

Upcoming game to watch: Saturday, April 4, 2015 – Arsenal vs. Liverpool 6:45 AM KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 9

Women’s Professional Soccer: Chicago RedStars

Chicago RedStars are back for an exciting season! Come watch USWNT stars Shannon Boxx, Christen Press, Julie Johnston, Lori Chaupny, and Aurora/Naperville native Vanessa DiBernardo. *May 2, 2015 RedStars vs. Sky Blue is KICKERS NIGHT! Kick off is at 5:00 PM. Come early and meet us in the reserved Kickers Soccer Club area in the parking lot!*

Date Time Opponent Location

Sat. April 18, 2015 7:00 PM Seattle Reign Benedictine University

Sat. April 25, 2015 7:30 PM Portland Thorns FC Benedictine University

Sat. May 2, 2015 5:00 PM Sky Blue FC Benedictine University

Sat. May 9, 2015 4:00 PM Toyota Park (Double header with Chicago Fire) Sat. June 20, 2015 7:00 PM Benedicitine University

Sat. July 18, 2015 7:00 PM Boston Breakers Benedictine University

Sat. August 1, 2015 7:00 PM FC Kansas City Benedictine University

Wed. August 12, 2015 1:00 PM Sky Blue FC Benedictine University

Sun. August 23, 2015 4:00 PM Western NY Flash Benedictine University

Sun. September 6, 2015 4:00 PM Benedictine University

Attention All: We have a Chicago RedStars raffle! Here is how to enter the raffle: Go to the Kickers Soccer Club website (www.kickerssoccerclub.org) and search for the Chicago RedStars team logo. We will have the logo hidden somewhere on one of our KSC website pages! Once you find the logo, then EMAIL Coach Maddie at [email protected] and tell her which page the logo is on. If it is the correct page, you will be entered into the raffle to win the entire box of Chicago RedStars prizes shown in the picture below! This includes 2 Chicago RedStars tickets! GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with #Findthelogo

Prize Box Includes: 1 Chicgao RedStars Scarf, 4 Rubber Chicago RedStars Soccer Balls, 1 Chicago RedStars Coffee Mug, 2 Chicago RedStars KeyChains, 1 Multi-Use Chicago RedStars Decal, 1 Chicago RedStars Magnet, AND 2 TICKETS TO THE CHICAGO REDSTARS V. PORTLAND THORNS GAME! Catch the RedStars take on and the Portland Thorns…for FREE! Just follow the guidelines above! KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 10

Coach Luke & West Ham United: Learn about his trip to England and how his time went with the legendary Youth Academy. Story by: Coach Luke Weaver

During February I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit West Ham United’s World Class Academy in and learn how WHU have created such an incredible environment that continually provides top class players able to ply their trade in the elite of England’s Premier League.

Being at West United you are continually impressed with the set-up, with includes 4 training facilities, dedicated playing surfaces (even a stadium for the U21 team) and over 40 staff members involved in the process including the coaching staff (2 per team), sports scientist/nutritionists, sport psychologist, video analysis data entry team, academic teaching staff and many other support staff members.

The player’s themselves are looked after as soon as they walk in the door, the player’s are incredibly talented even as young as 8. What really stands out is the positive environment the coaching staff creates to allow the players to develop and become smart decision makers on the field, whether they are 8 or 18 and trying to break into the First Team. WHU’s Academy is aiming to bring players through that can compete at the highest level and break that down as to what is needed curriculum wise from the young ages so the environment created is developmental over the long term, with one stage building into the next.

The West Ham Way – “At West Ham we aim to produce quick technically gifted players who are tactically astute and have the physical capacity to play at a high intensity at all times.”

This statement is evident in how the teams play, with a heavy focus on pass first and quick decision making.

Focus points for young players that stand out in the Academy:

- Improve technically (becoming intrinsically motivated to improve)

- Check your shoulder (knowledge and awareness of what is next)

- Playing with a high intensity as a team

Kickers SC creates its own curriculum based on the WHU system and coaching points, our curriculum is viewed annually by a WHU Academy coach to ensure we are as synced as possible in the coaching points, development pathways and philosophy of play. I was delighted to be able to spend time in the Academy and see the U8, U10, U12, U16, U18 and U21

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 11

(Luke & WHU Continued…)

train and play games, with the games based on improvement of the players. During the trip I was also able to see the First Team train in preparation of playing Manchester United and then view the game seeing the game plan from training come into life during the game.

As part of a group in attendance with other affiliate clubs from the US, it is great to see that Kickers SC has an international reputation for player development and that we are creating pathways for players to improve and enjoy the game. Coming away with a greater sense of the system at West Ham United from a firsthand look and passing their coaching diploma will help the Kickers SC and all our players as we continue to grow and continue to develop players in this area.

A lasting memory of the trip and reminder of how important the early stages of development are is how every time a First Team player was around they would come over to Paul Heffer (Academy coach and for over 30 years) and share a joke and let the group know how he made them the players they are today. The respect level and gracious thankfulness was evident in all those conversations.

And the tea in the team canteen was fantastic!

Thank you, Coach Luke for sharing and talking about your experience at West Ham United with your Kickers Soccer Club family. Stay tuned for next month when we talk about Matthew and TJ’s trips and experiences to train and practice with West Ham United Academy!

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 12

KSC Featured Player of the Month: Madison E. (U14 Girls Classic)

1. What has been your favorite memory of Kickers Soccer Club? My first away tournament in Madison, Wisconsin. I loved spending the time with my team away from the soccer field, and it was really cool playing in a different state. 2. What is your favorite color? Purple.

3. What is it that you love about Kickers Soccer Club? I know that there are always ways for me to improve, and that the coaches are always there to help me. I also love making new friends on my teams each year.

4. Who is your favorite Professional player and why? I like a lot of soccer players, but one of them is Alex Morgan. She is an Olympic gold medalist, and was the youngest player in the 2011 FIFA World Cup at age 22. I love that she pushed on, even though she had a disadvantage. I have a disadvantage in my height, and I also try not to let that bring me down. She is an inspiration to many people because she shows them that they should always try hard to do their best.

5. What is one of your favorite things to do at practice? A game called "Power Finesse." It is a game where coach kicks out a soccer ball which you have to shoot, and while you are shooting the first one he kicks out a second. If you make one, you got to the end of the line, if you make two, you get to challenge someone on the other team, and if you don't make either, you're out. There are two teams and you are trying to be the last team standing.

6. Do you like playing indoor or outdoor soccer and why? Outdoor soccer better because I enjoy seeing all of the different venues and conditions. I like it when it is perfect weather because that makes me be in the best mood. Sometimes it gets a little boring going to play at the same place over and over. I do like indoor soccer because it gives me time to try new things and practice for the outdoor season.

7. What is your favorite skill or move that you have learned? Probably juggling because I was not very good at before Kickers. It also helps me a lot with my coordination and accuracy.

8. What is your favorite movie and why? "The Sandlot," because it is really funny and I always used to watch it with my Dad and we would eat cheese and caramel popcorn.

9. If you could meet one person in the entire world, who would it be? Probably Tom Hanks. He is my favorite actor and he seems like a really funny guy!

10. What is your favorite food? Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden.

Madison E. is shaving her head for St. Baldricks! Here is why: “St. Baldricks is an organization where you shave your head to raise money for pediatric cancer research. I am shaving my head in honor of a boy named Connor Robinson, who is a soccer player from Oswego. I decided to participate in this event because I know that kids (and adults) with cancer don't really have a choice whether or not they lose their hair. I had the choice, and I thought that this would be a good way to raise money for cancer and get word out about the cause. If anyone asks me about my hair, I will explain to them that cancer is a very important cause, and if we work together we can find a cure. Did you know that every 3 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer? That is crazy, and I think that we can find a way to stop it. My hair will grow back, but there are some kids who won't ever get to see their hair get long again. Together we can help find a cure! Just remember this: Bald is Beautiful!” – Madison E. KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 13

2015 Coaches Update

Nick promoted to Assistant Director of Soccer:

Kickers SC is proud to announce that Nick Walan has been promoted to Assistant Director of Soccer having impressed with his time with the club so far. Nick has shown dedication to coaching, the Kickers SC way, and most importantly a desire to help all the players improve on and off the field. We congratulate Coach Nick on his new role with the club and look forward to seeing him continue to develop soccer players. Kickers Soccer Club President, Mark Pickett on the promotion of Nick Walan: We are proud to announce Nick Walan as our Assistant Director of Soccer. Nick began his soccer career with the Kickers Soccer Club and exemplifies The Kickers Way and our belief “Once a Kicker, always a Kicker”. Thank you again for all you do, Nick. Looking forward to see what you will contribute even more to the club. ______Get to Know Coach Sergio

1. Best dish you can cook, with no help? Just about any “Authentic” Mexican food…honestly. 2. Favorite position you played? Center Mid. 3. Most famous person you have ever met? BJ Armstrong (former Bulls player). 4. Other than a soccer player, what did you want to be as a kid? A professional Bull Rider. 5. What is a hidden talent that you have? Cooking! 6. What is your favorite food? Mine…Haha…Authentic Mexican food! 7. Who is your favorite soccer team and why? Barcelona because they play possession based soccer. 8. Is there a song you know every word to? If so, which song? Cielito Lindo.....a traditional Mexican song that is usually sang at the national team games. 9. What do you enjoy about coaching now? In general just having the opportunity of teaching the game of "Futbol" and in particular having the honor of graduating the upcoming class of U18 Boys and the most important aspect of all; finding perfect opportunities with in the game to teach lifelong lessons. 10. Favorite sport besides soccer? To watch? To play? .

For next Month’s KSC Newsletter, send in questions you would like Coach Matt to answer! Email Coach Maddie at [email protected] KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 14

United States National Teams back in Action:

Catch the USWNT prepare for the World Cup in Canada this summer and watch the USMNT prepare for their season. A lot of new players to watch on the Men’s side and get ready for exciting soccer on the women’s side.

US WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SCHEDULE – (Women’s World Cup Starting June 6, 2015)

Date Time Opponent Location Channel

April 4, 2015 2:30 PM ET New Zealand St. Louis, Missouri 1

May 10, 2015 11:30 AM PT Ireland San Jose, California FOX Sports 1

May 17, 2015 6:30 PM PT Mexico Carson, California FOX Sports 1, Univision Deportes

May 30, 2015 4:30 PM ET Korea Republic Harrison, New Jersey ESPN, WatchESPN, Univision Deportes

US MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SCHEDULE

Date Time Opponent Location Channel

March 31, 2015 12:00 PM ET Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland FOX Sports 1, UniMas

April 15, 2015 7:30 PM CT Mexico San Antonio, Texas FOX Sports 1, UniMas

June 5, 2015 TBD Netherlands TBD ESPN2, WatchESPN, UniMas

June 10, 2015 TBD Cologne, Germany FOX Sports 1, UniMas

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 15

Kickers Spirit Wear Check out our NEW Spirit Wear Item! We have Kickers Soccer Club spirit wear available for purchase from Boomer T’s in Aurora. Boomer T’s is located near Still Field. Kickers Scarf

Only $15 each

3682 Prairie Lake Ct. Aurora, IL 60505 *Quantities are limited*

Orders can be placed online through Boomer T’s online store. You can either pick up your orders or have them mailed directly to your home. Support KSC by ordering your spirit wear today! Continue to check for new products available! Mail or drop-off order & payment (cash or

check payable to Kickers Soccer Club) to: 75 Executive Drive, Suite 119, Aurora, IL 60504

Get your Kickers gear today!

Send in orders to [email protected] By April 9, 2015

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 16

Lost & Found Items:

ATTENTION PARENTS AND PLAYERS! We have had many items picked up after practices and games that have no name to them and no one has claimed them. We have a lot of nice winter/cold gear laying around. PLEASE claim these items if they are yours. Below are 3 of our most recent items.

Item 1: FREE COUNTRY Jacket (Size M 7/8)

Item 2: PUMA ¼ Zip Pullover (Size Boys Small)

Item 3: Hooded Sweatshirt (Size Small 8)

If these don’t look familiar, but you are missing something - email Coach Maddie at [email protected] or ask your coach at practice.

*All Kickers Lost & Found Items will be donated after 60 Days. *

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George M. Zielbauer Soccer Scholarship Fund

George M. Zielbauer (1939-2014) was passionate about playing soccer and providing a place for others to enjoy the great game as both a sport and social activity. George was born in Hungary and spent several years in Bavaria. In 1955, he immigrated to the United States with his family and settled in Aurora, IL. In 1959, he and a group of other young soccer players formed the Aurora Kickers soccer club.

"To honor his love for the sport, and to assist promising young players - particularly those from disadvantaged or immigrant backgrounds - advance their access to soccer, we are creating the George Zielbauer Soccer Scholarship Fund." -- Zielbauer Family

This fund was founded by the Zeilbauer family and 100% donations go to the scholarship fund.

We are pleased to honor this founding member of the KSC by providing opportunities for everyone and allowing all to have an opportunity to be put into a position to earn a college education through soccer. KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 17

Kickers Soccer Club IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

March 30, 2015 Spring Training Starts April 10, 2015 Team Photo Night April 11, 2015 Spring Rec Soccer Starts April 15, 2015 Kickers Juniors Spring June 13-14, 2015 PUMA Showcase

June 19, 2015 Spring Training Ends The Kickers Soccer Club is proud to be a member club of the NSCAA and the only club in Illinois to be a West Ham United International Academy affiliate.

For Supplemental Tryouts Contact: ADVERTISE YOUR Luke Weaver Director of Soccer BUSINESS 630-890-4150

HERE [email protected]

For more information, please contact [email protected]

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 5 18

Fun & Games

Soccer Word Search Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 37 letters spell a secret message.

ASSIST FORMATION MATCH SLIDE TACKLE BALL FORWARD OFFENSE SOCKS CAPTAIN FOUL OFFSIDE SPORT CHEERING GAME PENALTY KICK STOPPAGE TIME CLEATS GOALIE POSITION STRIKERS CLUB GOALS PRACTICE SUBSTITUTE COACH GRASS RED CARD SWEEPER

COIN TOSS HALVES REFEREE THROW-IN CORNER KICK HAT TRICK SCORE TOUCHLINE DEFENSE HEADING SHIN GUARD WALL FANS JERSEY SHOOT-OUT WORLD CUP FIELD JUGGLING SHORTS YELLOW CARD FIFA KICK-OFF SHOT

Be the first one to solve the hidden message! Email the answer to [email protected]