July 19, 2008

24 players received a surprise when they were notified in a month ago that they would be given the opportunity to participate in a free SSA sponsored camp put on by World Class Coaching here in Spokane. For those unfamiliar with World Class Coaching, they produce a bi-monthly soccer coaching magazine that is subscribed to by thousands of coaches around the world raging from club and high school coaches to professional clubs in Europe as well as National Team coaches. You can read more about them by following this link: World Class Coaching.

11 players from Kevin Moon’s (SSA Technical Director) U17 Girl’s Spokane Shadow team along with 13 Academy players (U16 & above) were selected for this opportunity. Academy players were given this the chance to participate primarily based on their participation in the Academy programs offered over the last several years. We, along with our sponsor Northern Capital Management, felt that the commitment they have shown over the years deserved a reward and so SSA arranged to have WCC bring in one of their Elite Team Camps this past week. 

A coach from one of the largest professional clubs in the UK was flown in for the 5 day camp in which he put the group through 2.5 hours of training a night over the course of a week. Players were trained technically, went over specific tactical situations, had a strenuous fitness day (in which the team trained for 2 hours straight in soccer specific fitness exercises used by some of the top Academies in the UK) as well as being coached from small to full side games. Positional relationships were gone over as well as establishing a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the game from a dedication standpoint.

It was a great week of training and we were excited to have been a part of such a unique experience in our area.

Special thanks to Northern Capital Management for sponsoring this event. Without their support we would not have been able to bring in this quality camp offered by arguably one of the most well known and professional soccer organizations out there. We would also like to thank Loreen and Greg for their photo and video efforts! On behalf of the players thank you to everyone involved!

Stay tuned for photos of the event.

Join Us!!  2 Summer Programs Left!

Pre-Season High School Girls Clinic!
10am - Noon
Monday - Thursday (August 11,12,13 & 14)
@ the North Complex 
Register Today!!
                   

High School Girl’s Clinic (high school girls only!): This week long clinic will send you into your high school tryouts with confidence and having spent a good deal of time on the ball!  Each day will involve a footskill related warm-up followed by training in the areas of Striking & Finishing, small sided games and full 11 v 11 play (dependant on numbers) .  This is a great way to get a little jump on the fall season by having been in a structured training environment before entering tryouts.

 

 
Salamander Soccer Camp
10am - Noon 
Monday - Thursday (July 21 - 24 and July 28 - 31)
@ the South Complex
Register Today!!

Salamander Soccer Camps (U8 - U10): This "camp" environment will be based on the structure that was used with the Youth Advancement Program this past spring. It will involve an INTRODUCTION to basic skill sets but also be designed around allowing time for the kids to play fun games related to the skills that they learn.

Friday, May 23 2008

5 Spokane Soccer Academy participants have been selected to compete with the Washington State Olympic Development Program in tournament play this weekend.  Brennan Schon ( 94 Boys) and Peter Sokolis (95 Boys) will be playing in the Nike Friendship Cup in Portland, Oregon.  Kasey Rubosky (93 Girls), Mikayla Anderson (93 Girls) and Kellie Zakrewski (92 Girls) will be playing in the Real Colorado Showcase in Denver Colorado. 

What is the  Washington State ODP Program?  Here is what the Washington State Youth Soccer website says about it:

US Youth Soccer Olympic Developmental Program 
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) identifies and develops the outstanding youth soccer players in the state and presents them to the Regional Olympic Development Program. Regional ODP players, in turn, become candidates for the National Youth Teams. 

What Are US Youth Soccer ODP Teams? 
US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program teams are teams formed at the ODP State Team Program, (STP - identification, selection, tournaments, camp), the Region IV Olympic Development Program (camp - identification/selection, pools, and team competitions) and National Team Program (identification, selection, pools, training and travel teams).  Each program or level represents the best players at various age groups.

Another SSA player, Mary Condon, has also been invited to guest play with Boise Capitals for the Real Showcase.  She also participated with them in  the Showcase of Champions in Tacoma, Washington May 9-11.

SSA congratulates these players on their accomplishments and wishes all of them the best of luck this weekend!

                               
Youth Advancement Program

This Sunday will be the last day of training for the Youth Advancement Program.  We will be collecting donations for the Anna Ogden Hall.  Here is a list of thier needs for anyone wishing to donate!

Anna Ogden Hall Needs List

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors, Coaches and Volunteers for Making this Possible!  

The first winter session was a lot of fun for both the players and the coaches.  Working at the Warehouse on the Jazz courts we had 3 sessions going on Tuesdays & Thursdays.  All participants in our Laying the Foundation Academy (U8 - U11), The Junior Academy (U12 & U13) and  The Advanced Academy (U14-U18) all received a Nike Mini Ball, a waterbottle, logoed shorts, socks and a t-shirt.  Thanks to Northern Capital Management for sponsoring the gear!  To see some of the action  from the Advanced Academy follow the link below!

Kara Hamby was named to the 2007 NCAA Division II All-America Team.  A former Mead high school standout, Kara played her club ball with the Spokane Vision and the Spokane Shadow.  She closes out a stellar collegiate career with this one final honor.  Prior to this her past collegiate accolades include: - 2006 Selected to All-Far West Region first team - Two-year selection for first team all-conference (2005, 2006) - Runner-up in NCAA Div II National Championship in 2005 - Selected as team MVP and team captain as a Junior (an again as a Senior) For the full story, follow this link: KARA HAMBY: ALL-AMERICAN.  Congratulations Kara, we are proud of you!