Florida Alliance Academy Runners up in Liverpool
The Florida Alliance Soccer League Academy u13 boys team, returned from
Liverpool with a 2nd place cup and memories to last a life time.
The 12 day trip started in Liverpool competing in the Liverpool Knowsley International
Tournament, and concluded with a sight seeing tour of London before heading home.
The team also was able to take in a couple pre season professional friendlies.
Tranmere v/s ManchesterUnited and Leicster City v/s Real Madrid.
Team members were selected from affiliated league clubs in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee counties. The final 16 players selected represented 5 different affiliated clubs. The team was coached by former TB Rowdie Mike Connel, and academy Director Greg Zak.
The alliance academy concept is one where club teams share players to build a strong
competitive team and compete in National and International tournaments.
The boys started with a training session by a former Liverpool academy coach.
The next day they played a local team Cougars FC, who hosted a player and parent
Social after the match at their clubhouse.
The next 7 days were spent playing group matches, and taking tours of
Old Trafford, and a personal tour of Anfield by former Liverpool Legend Tommy Smith.
Friendships, culture, respect for how the game is played, and the passion with which
Teams play, were life long lessons learned, stated coach Zak.
The boys competed well, and in every match out passed and played the opposition.
Scouts from Blackburn, Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Burnley were very
Impressed with the technical proficiency of the Amercian boys.
Liverpool scout, Ricky Woods commented, “It’s been years since any team has out
Passed us and out played us. The shape, organization, and creativity with which
The Americans played with was brilliant.”
What the players did learn is that there is another level at which to play.
Passion, intensity, and physicality are part of every game.
All in all the trip was a huge success. Next year the next U13boys FASL team, will
Make the trip and try and bring back 1st place.
Mike Connell was heard countless times saying, this is brilliant for our boys,
I wish we could duplicate the culture and atmosphere like this back in the states.
Back Row Coach Mike Connell,Christian Womeldorph, Glenn Johnson, Daniel, Hrenko, Liam
Bramley, Cameron Monahan, Connar Lufkin, Mike Connell, Steve Rudderham
Coach Greg Zak
Front Row Justis Enlow, Devi Ndrita, Tony Scaglione, Alex Sotomayor, Jacob Minkovitz,
Jason Fishman, Andrew Werkstell, Ryan Robinson