KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6

11

Kickers Soccer Club Newsletter

April 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 anything? Let our KSC Staff know! All Club Notices items donated after 60 days. By Kickers Soccer Club Tryouts Professional Corners Tryouts will be held in the month of May. Check out what is happening in the big leagues. News Kickers Spring Office Hours Open club tryouts for U8 to U18 Boys and on trades, players, and games. Girls. Check out page 14. The KSC office hours have changed for the Page #6&8 spring. Office hours are listed below: Kickers Alumni Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00PM Please contact Madison Pickett at Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM [email protected] Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Social Networks Friday: CLOSED Find us on Facebook @ Kickers Soccer If you would like to request a time to meet Club, @KickersSC, Instagram in the office, please call Luke at 630-890- @kickers_sc, and on Google+ as Kickers 4150. Soccer Club.

Volunteers Needed – P.I.C.S. Spirit Wear

We are always looking for volunteers. If We have KSC spirit wear available for Spring Clinics you are interested in being more involved sale in the Kickers Office as well as Check out the extra trainings our KSC staff is with our club, please contact Amy Ashta. through Boomers. Pick up and order providing to our players this spring. You may email her @ your spirit wear today! [email protected]. Page #4

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 2

Spring Tournaments By Kickers Soccer Club

We have quite a few Spring Tournaments in 2015:

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 6 3

Spring Tournament Success Over the weekend of April 18th, the U18 Boys Premier and U16 Boys Elite teams traveled to Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana for competition in the Crossroads of America College Showcase. The weekend was filled with plenty of RPM style soccer and hard work on both sides of the ball. The players really demonstrated how our club can dominate possession!

The U18 Boys performed well and were efficient passing and moving in the middle of the field and remained dangerous when switching the ball and moving side-to- side. They took away many things to learn and build upon from their three matches. When speaking to Coach Sergio he had this to add:

“They (The games) were all different and at the same time very similar. Overall, we led on possession and shots in all three games; we lacked on mental toughness and got caught-up in two of the games in the physical contact”

He also added:

“Very good experience on playing against more physical and bigger teams, we know that we can control the game in the middle third and have to do a better job at the other two, one by not allowing easy goals and finishing up the scoring opportunities up on front.”

The U16 Boys followed the U18’s example of possession based soccer. They showed great adaptability against bigger opponents and looked to play quick and wide. The weekend was highlighted by some great goals, a double PK save and some goal line clearances. Speaking to Coach Nick he added this:

“The diagonal runs were paramount to our success this weekend. We were easily bogged down when looking to just clear the ball or trying to play everything over the top. But after the players settled in and played each ball with purpose everything started to fall into place. This event was a great learning experience and we plan to continue improving.”

Thank you to Craig, Eddie and Scott for helping out.

It was nice to see both of these squads display quality, integrity and hard work. Keep up the good work!

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 6 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 – Coach 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  Ball Mastery U8-U11 – Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 at Still Fields – Coach Maddie  Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) U8-U11 - Monday 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 goal 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 6 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: Tuesdays, April 14 – May 19 (6 weeks) This is a recreational soccer league for boys and girls grades Time: 5:45-6:30 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

th for girls only, ages 6-14. The program will be open to Kickers Soccer When: Evaluation sessions: Week of April 15 . 6 week session begins Club players and to the community. Bring along your sisters and the following week and will end on May 29. friends!

Time: Varies Check KSC website for announcements or email Coach Maddie for any questions. [email protected] Cost: $145 including a free t-shirt

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

Any questions, contact [email protected]

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 6

Women’s Professional Soccer: Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars 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 Red Stars vs. Sky Blue is KICKERS NIGHT! Kick-off is at 5:00 PM. Come early and meet us in the reserved Kickers SC area in the parking lot!*

Date Time Opponent Location

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

Sat. May 9, 2015 4:00 PM Boston Breakers Toyota Park (Double header with Chicago Fire)

Sat. June 20, 2015 7:00 PM Washington Spirit 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 Houston Dash Benedictine University

Winner of the Chicago Red Stars Raffle: Anna J.

Stay tuned for more ways to participate in our newsletters and win prizes! KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 7

Matt & TJ go to England: Learn about their experience in England and catch pictures of their trip! Story by: Madison Pickett

As most of you know, over the past month, Kickers Soccer Club was very fortunate to have two players selected to take a trip to England and train with West Ham United. From their hard work and dedication, Matt and TJ continued to succeed while away on their trips. Each boys trip last one week. While away on their trip, they learned a lot about the West Ham way and also got a few opportunities to experience and site see in beautiful England. I followed up with both of the boys and asked each of them about their trip to England and to tell their teammates and Kickers families about this incredible opportunity.

Matthew out front of WHUFC Stadium Gates U13/ U14 player, Matthew, reflects on his trip to England: “My experience in England was unforgettable! I played so much soccer and the coaching staff was amazing. I played three hours of soccer a day. Most days were hard and intense trainings but we had a few shooting drills, too. The coaches knew everything and had great methods of teaching. Every drill had its own specific purpose and every drill worked out really well. The landmarks were fantastic! We got to go on the London Eye, the Thames River, and got to do so much more. Our hotel room was located inside of the stadium, so we had a spectacular view of the field. I saw my first ever soccer game and it was awesome. When West Ham had the game winning goal in the 88th minute, the crowd went wild! My experience in England was one I’ll never forget.”

TJ Enjoying the WHU Stadium U12/U13 player, TJ, on his experience with WHU: “From my experience of taking the trip to go to England and participate in the West Ham camp was amazing. I recommend anyone who wants to step-up their game, you should at least try this camp. I remember the first year I tried I never even made it to Georgia. Next year, I didn't give up and I made it all the way.” KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 8

(Matt & TJ Continued) As it is clear to tell, the trip to England and opportunity to train with the West Ham United Academy is a life changing experience. Not only were they able to travel out of the country and enjoy the scenery of England, but they were given the opportunity to train at a top level and learn from some of the best. Matt and TJ used their hard work and dedication to the game in order to succeed at the WHU ID Camps and continue their success at the camp in Georgia. With their work ethic and willingness to succeed, both players stood out and received and Matt has fun in a phone booth TJ enjoys ice cream outside opportunity of a life time. We hope the palace gates to continue to send Kickers Soccer Club players to the WHU camps and to have players selected to train in England like these boys. Make sure when you see the boys, welcome them home. They are very willing to share their experiences. Stay tuned for one-on-one interviews from the boys this upcoming month. Congratulations, again, Matt and TJ! Keep up the great work!

______UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CORNER

The UEFA Champions League Semifinals are underway and you don’t want to miss these exciting games! There are only 4 teams left: Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Juventus vs. Real Madrid @ 1:45PM (1st Leg)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich @ 1:45PM (1st Leg)

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona @ 1:45 PM (2nd Leg)

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Real Madrid vs. Juventus @ 1:45PM (2nd Leg)

Who do you think will take home the title?

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 9

KSC Featured Player of the Month: Matt S. (U16 Boys Elite)

1. What is your favorite Kickers Soccer Club memory? My favorite KSC memory has to be one of our out-of-state tournaments. Whether it was the one in Indiana a few weeks ago or the one in Wisconsin a couple years ago they are great ways to bond with your teammates and play some intense soccer at the same time. 2. Favorite color? For me my favorite color goes on and off depending on the day. Right now it is Yellow. Yellow is such a bright and cheery color! I mean seriously, how could you not like the color yellow? 3. What do you love about Kickers Soccer Club? Since I have been on this team for such a long time, I have started to grow such a strong connection to my teammates that I consider them a second family. 4. Who is your favorite professional player and why? My favorite professional player has to be Eden Hazard from Chelsea FC in the BPL. Being a Belgium fan, I always adored the way Hazard played on his international side. That love transferred from international football to club football. However, close behind would have to be Ronaldo. Being a Real Madrid fan from the very beginning, there is no possible way to hate this beast! 5. What is the best part about being a goalkeeper? The best part of being a goalkeeper is the appreciation you get for doing amazing. Sure, doing amazing in the field is phenomenal, but I feel like you can do amazing on the field and not have as much of an impact as a goalie who is having an amazing game. 6. Who motivated you to become a goalkeeper? I motivated myself to become a goalkeeper. At first, I only played one half per game, but over time I gradually started to show skill and interest in the position. When I noticed this, I pressured myself to keep playing goalie even after that first half, and now here I am today playing permanent goalkeeper for my team. 7. What is your favorite movie? Such a hard question for me to answer. If I had to pick one it would probably have to be Skyfall or Red Dawn (new version). The only type of movies I watch are action, so if it has any of action in it I am bound to enjoy the film. 8. If you could meet one person in the entire world, who would it be and why? I would have to choose Ronaldo because he is one of the world’s current best players, I am a huge Real Madrid fan, and I mean seriously who would want to pass up the opportunity to meet such a beast of a player! 9. What is your favorite food? Tacos for sure. I am always looking forward to that meal because it is amazing! Close behind is defiantly Caesar salad. I can eat that no matter where I go and it will never ever get old. 10. Favorite hobby besides playing soccer? To be quite honest besides school, and soccer I do not do much else. However, hanging out with my friends is very important to me and I do it all the time! Considering some of my best friends are on my team it is hard to get away from playing soccer even when I’m hanging out with them. KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 10

2015 Coaches Update

Jason Maestas Moving to New Mexico:

“This coming May, my family and I are moving to my hometown of Albuquerque, NM. With that said, I am very excited at the opportunities ahead, but sad to leave the Chicagoland area where I have lived for the past 11 years. One of the things I am sad to leave is my Kickers family. I have enjoyed coaching many players in this club, along with working with many great coaches. A few things I will miss about this club are:

1. The players

2. The player’s families

3. The coaches.

Kickers Players are fundamentally sound and energetic about soccer. It has always been a pleasure to coach and watch the growth of these players over the past few years. At the same time, I have had the pleasure to meet some incredible Kickers families and will miss seeing the Kickers window decals on the road. Lastly, the coaches. The Kickers coaches in my opinion are the hardest working coaches I know. Our collective mission of developing every player in the club is awesome! They are always willing to help each other out, and are definitely committed to teaching soccer the CORRECT way.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Luke Weaver for the opportunity to coach with Kickers. He has been a great resource and friend to me. I feel I have grown as a coach and I owe that to this wonderful club. Thanks Luke!

Once a Kicker, always a Kicker!” –Coach Jason We thank you, Jason, for all you have done for Kickers Soccer Club! We wish you all the best!

______Get to Know Coach Jason 1. Best dish you can cook, with no help? I make a pretty good French toast. 2. Favorite position you played? I am a Goalkeeper forever! 3. Other than a soccer player, what did you want to be as a kid? As a kid I always wanted to be a fire fighter (Still do). 4. What is a hidden talent that you have? I am a yo-yo master. 5. What is your favorite food? Chicago-deep dish pizza 6. Who is your favorite soccer team and why? My favorite soccer team is Manchester United. In high school is when I really got into English Soccer, especially when Man United signed from the MLS. 7. Is there a song you know every word to? If so, which song? Aside from all the little kid songs my 2 year old son likes, I've been known to channel my inner Steve Perry and sing "Don't Stop Believin’" by Journey. 8. What do you enjoy about coaching now? What I enjoy about coaching is the variety of sessions I coach. From Oakhurst AYSO, ball mastery, goal keeping to the occasional covering of a practice session or game, I feel I get the best of everything. It is so neat to the development at different ages in different facets of soccer. This club and supporting community have some very talented players that I have had the privilege to coach. 9. Favorite sport besides soccer? To watch? To play? I love hockey! In fact, as funny as it may be, I grew playing and watching hockey more than soccer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My favorite all-time athlete is and will always be The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 11

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

May 10, 2015 11:30 AM PT Ireland San Jose, 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, ESPN, WatchESPN, Univision Deportes

US MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SCHEDULE

Date Time Opponent Location Channel

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

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

Game Recap: The USMNT upset rival Mexico on April 15, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas at the . The two teams battled it out once again during the famous friendly between the countries in front of a sold-out crowd of 64,369. USA stayed on top while out playing Mexico in a 2-0 victory. USA’s first goal was scored by in the 49th minute and the second goal scored by Juan Agudelo in the 72nd minute. Tune in the next couple of months to watch the USWNT prepare for the Women’s World Cup in Canada and to watch the USMNT prepare for their season.

KICKERS SOCCER CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 6 12

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

Only $15 each

*Quantities are 3682 Prairie Lake Ct. Aurora, IL 60505 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 Mail or drop-off order home. Support KSC by ordering your spirit wear today! Continue to check for new products available! & 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 6

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Attention: KSC Tryouts

2015/2016

High School Girls Tryouts

U15, U16, U17 and U18

Date: Saturday, May 2nd Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Still Field (787 Meadowridge Drive, Aurora, IL, 60504)

TRYOUTS U8-U18 BOYS AND GIRLS

Tuesday, May 26th

Wednesday, May 27th

Thursday, May 28th

*Times and age details will be on the website soon* ______

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 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 6 14

Kickers Soccer Club IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

May 2, 2015 HS Girls Tryouts May 26, 2015 Open Tryouts May 27, 2015 Open Tryouts May 28, 2015 Open Tryouts 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]