It is with great excitement that I wish to announce that Everton FL has formed a partnership with VisionPro Sports Institute (VSI), a globally known provider of elite development coaching for youth players. Beginning with the 2012/13 season, our neighborhood club will play under the VSI Pinellas Flames brand, replacing the previous Everton name. As part of VSI Flames – which is already establishing a strong youth presence in Florida through it’s recent partnership with VSI West Florida Flames (formerly Brandon Youth Soccer & West Florida Premier with a combined membership of nearly 5,000) we will be able to offer more opportunities for players interested in advancing to a higher level of play. Yet we keep our traditions and personnel going forward.
VSI has also secured four USL soccer franchises being USL PDL, USL W-League and Super 20 plus USL PRO which is being launched in 2013. These franchise teams will play under the VSI Tampa name.
As part of the transition, our competitive players will continue to wear blue for the next two years but the uniforms will carry the VSI logo. After that, we will change to VSI’s teal and navy livery.
What is VSI?
VSI is a specialist soccer business that operates elite development academies and has its European headquarters based in Rio Maior, Portugal. The business has in-depth industry knowledge at every level, complimented by a number of both current and ex English Premiership players and managers who are investors in the business. Their close links to the English Premier League and its players give us a perfect opportunity to mentor our players and coaches. http://www.vsi-global.com
VSI has been planning to develop its operating model in the US for over two years and in late 2011secured its USL soccer franchises. Aside from the development of its youth program and USL franchises, which provide an integrated “youth to pro” structure, VSI is currently exploring options for developing a purpose built soccer stadium in the greater Tampa Bay area along with a separate 20+ field training complex. To find out more about VSI in the US visit http://www.vsi-flames.com/
United Soccer Leagues
The USL banner covers all levels of the game from Super Y, Super 20, W-League, PDL and MISL to the top of the tree with USL Pro in which VSI Tampa Flames will compete in 2013. See http://www.uslsoccer.com/
VSI works to develop promising young athletes and offers them the chance to work their way through the levels of play within VSI teams, possibly all the way to pro. This type of integrated training for youths is common in Europe and has been very successful, but it has been missing in the USA. Parents should note that VSI does not overlook female players, as it is associated with the ECNL Premier Girls League which is the top level of girls soccer in the USA, along with the W League, which is the Women’s Pro League. Read more at http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com/ and http://wleague.uslsoccer.com/.
Other Benefitsof VSI
· It is financially sound and looking to invest in youth soccer.
· It offers soccer at the next level and progression for elite players.
· It opens new doors and opportunities for our club and players.
· It will further the creation of elite teams among member clubs.
· It sets our club apart from others in Pinellas County.
· It gives us support from other member clubs and VSI.
· We will receive visits from Premiership players and coaches.
· Our members can follow men and women’s VSI teams and its Pro side.
Conclusion
As our Everton contract is expiring and Everton is withdrawing from the USA, the timing for us to move into this new and exciting concept could not be better. We as clubs are being encouraged by the governing bodies to consolidate our forces and join with other clubs. The talent pool is spread far too thin among many fragmented entities. Consolidation will attract stronger prospects and help clubs retain players.
Our VSI affiliation will give us a unique foothold in the youth soccer scene and offer additional opportunities to our players who have the desire to play at the next level.
I will be sharing more information as we move forward in this exciting time and I trust that you are as excited as we are.
Sincerely,
Tony Paris
CEO/DOC
Another FASL Success story!
Ex FASL Player Raheem Taylor-Parkes on the fast track!!! We at FASL wish him all the success in the world!
Pro Prospects: Arsenal eyes U14 BNT forward
Article Written by J.R. Eskilson, ESNN
Updated: May 16, 2012
Raheem Taylor-Parkes’ successful trial with Arsenal could lead to spot in academy
Taylor-Parkes, a 14-year-old forward from Brandon FC [Florida], had a whirlwind last few weeks, which included a trip across the Atlantic for a trial with Arsenal FC’s youth academy.
Now, the London club is inquiring about his long-term services.
His path to England began last year with a highlight video posted online. The film caught the eye of a scout at Pro-Goals Sports (PGS), a management firm for athletes.
“We first saw Raheem in a few online videos in the latter part of 2011,” a PGS spokesperson told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Then, PGS scouts saw him play games for his club team in January and February of this year.”
Impressed by Raheem-Parkes’ “pace and technical ability,” PGS’ managing director Romel Wallen used connections in Europe to setup up a weeklong tryout for the youngster with the Gunners.
The U.S. U14 Boys National Team member seized the chance, and made the most of his time in England.
“The experience was amazing,” Taylor-Parkes told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “The level of play was very fast – one and two touch – and very technical which is the Arsenal style of play.”
Wallen said that the speedy attacker made a good impression at the world-famous youth academy.
Raheem Taylor-Parkes
“Raheem has done very well for himself at Arsenal,” Wallen told TopDrawerSoccer.com over email. “He has proven to the technical staff that he can play among their best U15 players, and even standout in certain areas.
“His pace and general enthusiasm are his biggest assets, and all parties agree that a young player with Raheem's natural ability would benefit tremendously from early exposure to the elite European environment.”
The U.S. youth international is obviously thrilled with the prospect and the feedback he received from the club’s coaches.
“The technical staff said they liked my technical ability, speed, and aptitude to learn from the coaches,” Taylor-Parkes said. “Arsenal and Pro-Goals Sports are trying to work out a deal to keep me there on a permanent basis.”
Given the tricky nature of underage players joining international clubs, there are a few hurdles in the way for Taylor-Parkes, but PGS is well-versed in such areas and believes there is an opportunity for the youngster to join the English club.
“There are realistic avenues being explored that could allow Raheem to stay in the UK on a permanent basis, and thus play with Arsenal,” a spokesperson from PGS said. “Although it will be a challenge, PGS is confident that we can make Raheem's permanent move to England a reality.”
Raheem’s mother, Jennifer Taylor, told TopDrawerSoccer.com that she is open to relocating if her son was invited to join Arsenal’s youth academy.
“Since he was very young, he has wanted to be a soccer player,” Taylor told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “He gets in trouble at school for looking up soccer news and videos all day.”
Taylor is originally a track and field athlete from Jamaica. Raheem’s father is from the U.S. Neither played soccer growing up.
Raheem was born in Canada, but moved to Tampa by age 10.
Taylor also revealed that PGS is meeting with the family on Wednesday to discuss the next step for the young star.
FASL Update
FASL Teams are actively training into the spring and getting ready for Disney and the Danon Cup! We are still looking for players who can make a difference on the Boys side, ages 11-13, so if you feel you are that player, please contact Greg Zak in the first instance.. He can be reached at: Dynamozak@aol.com
Breaking News!!!!
Ex -FASL Players Julian Hall and Raheem Taylor-Parkes received a call up to the United States U14 National Team.
They headed to Chula Vista, California November 24th-28th to represent the US in the ODP Inter-Regional event. FASL President Tony Paris had said he was delighted that FASL played a part in helping this magnanimous achievement take place and emphasized that this is what the "All Star concept" was all about. He also wished the Boys every success for the future!
FASL “ALL STAR TEAMS” NOW OPEN TO ALL
FASL “ALL STAR TEAMS” NOW OPEN TO ALL!
FASL Board of Directors have voted unanimously to allow
“NON AFFILIATED” players to try out for teams.
This was predicated by an overwhelming demand from Non Affiliated players that prompted this action.
This concept will be part of FASL’s PROJECT 13 initiative going forward and to come in line with the League’s mission statement of,
“Soccer for all players”.
Our belief is that no player should be penalized or excluded due to
a club or coach not wanting toparticipate in FASL pre season league.
Please keep a sharp eye out for future Tryout dates. If you are interested in the Academy, please contact Academy Director, Greg Zak
Following the successful Academy ID Camp our coaching staff identified 20 players and invited them to our squad this August. The team started practicing a week after the tryout with all squad members who accepted the invitation to participate. Team selection did not end with this event. Team coaches have been scouting our league teams to identify more talented players and invite them to work with the currently 16 players on the squad. These players constantly compete with each other for the final positions on the Danone Nations Cup Team. The coaching staff will follow the progress of every player and to see how they work in their own club teams.
The team`s first practice game was held at the Everton Florida Fields against the Tampa Bay United U-12 Boys Team. The Tampa Bay boys finished second place in the Region C Cup last year and they proved that they are a great team by beating the academy boys 1:4. Shortly after this game the team played its second friendly against the Everton West Pasco U-12 Boys. This team won the FASL League U-12 Premier Division this season. Benefiting from what they learned from the first game the team won this time 5-2. These games helped a great deal to begin building a team that will compete for the pretigious "Danone Nations Cup" next year. The team will continue training and looking for challenging competition in the coming weeks and months to further hone their team chemistry. Their next training ground will be at the Disney Junior Showcase in Orlando this November where they will have the opportunity to compete with excellent teams like last year`s Region B Cup winner the Clay County Rangers from Jacksonville, Florida."
FASL Players Make National Team
Julian Hall and Raheem Taylor-Parkes Selected to US U14 National Team
Brandon FC’s Julian Hall and Raheem Taylor-Parkes received a call up to the United States U14 National Team. They will be headed to Chula Vista, California November 24th-28th to represent the US in the ODP Inter-Regional event. Congratulations to Raheem and Julian on this crowning achievement.
FASL Season Update
With the FASL Summer season having concluded, I would like to Thank the participants for their support to our League. We had a sharp increase in the amount of teams playing this year and hope to make this even more attractive for teams in the future. With our affilaition now firmly in place with FYSA, the cost of playing will be even more competitive than in other years.
There will also be some sweeping changes in player eligibilty to our "All star concept" as we move forward, making this a reality for players who in other years did not qualify due to their club of choice, thus offering soccer to every player and fulfilling our pleadge. Please keep an eye on the website for these exciting change.
Our all star teams are now in training and getting ready for New Year Tournaments. For further infromation on our services please contact Greg Zack (Academy Director) on: DYNAMOZAK@aol.com,
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Tony Paris
President FASL
All Star Teams
Florida Alliance Soccer League Academy 2000-2001 Boys Team website
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
FASL Gain FYSA recognition
It is with great excitement that we wish to announce that "FASL" finally gained the recognition it deserves by gaining FYSA sanctioning. This took place at the FYSA AGM in Orlando on July 31st 2011.
This sanctioning was the missing piece of the Jig saw as we look to expand our spring and summer Leagues and gives everyone a chance to play at a time when no other organized events of this nature are taking place. This in turn will help build our membership, where its members can shape the direction of our League.
Our Pre Season League has steadily grown over the past two seasons and is popular with coaches and players alike looking for scheduled games as a Pre season to the traditional season.
For further details on FASL and its "All Star" concept please contact Tony Paris at Tonyparisdoc@aol.com
FASL Pre-Season Teams
Teams Applied as of 8/5/11
U-9 Boys
U-10 Boys
U-11 Boys
Everton FL
Braden River
Braden River
FC Tampa
Braden River
Everton FL
FCTampa Rangers
Braden River
FCTampa Rangers
FCTampa Rangers
Everton FL
Seminole Stars
Fishhawk Blue
Everton FL
Braden River
Fishhawk White
FC Tampa
Everton FL
Florida SC Spirit
FCTampa Rangers
FCTampa Rangers
Florida SC Spirit
FCTampa Rangers
OPEN
Seminole Stars
Wesley Chapel
Braden River
West Fl Premier
First Hernando
West Fl Premier
Winter Haven Kicks
U-12 Boys
U-13 Boys
U-14 Boys
Everton – W. Pasco
Braden River
FCTampa Rangers
Florida SC Spirit
FCTampa Rangers
First Hernando
Everton – W. Pasco
Seminole Stars
Rural Youth
Everton FL
Everton FL
West Fl Premier
FCTampa Rangers
GulfCoast
FCTampa Rangers
FCTampa Rangers
Braden River
PPYSA
Winter Haven Kicks
FCTampa Rangers
Braden River
Everton – W. Pasco
U-10 Girls
U-11 Girls
Braden River
Braden River
Everton FL
FCTampa Rangers
Braden River
GulfCoast
U-12 Girls
U-13 Girls
U-14 Girls
Braden River
GulfCoast
First Hernando
GulfCoast
Fishhawk
Everton FL
Wesley Chapel
FCTampa Rangers
Florida Coast
Braden River
Seminole Stars
Everton FL
First Hernando
FASL U13 Boys Academy Team moves on to Semi Finals of Knowsley Cup
The U13 Boys Academy moved on to the Semi Finals of the Knowsley Cup despite losing today to the localChampions League
winner, Ash Celtic, 5 - 2. FASL goals were scored by Jake Minkovitz and Mike Connell.Celtic opened the scoring and went up
2-0 at half, even though the better chances and opportunities werehad by the FASL boys. The passing and possession of FASL
kept Celtic on their heels the entire first half.Second half was pretty much the same, except FASL found the net twice and
equalized early, only to let in the game winnerin with 15 mins left. Celtic coach was impressed with the FASL team technical
aspect of the game. So much sohe made mention, that nobody they have played in the past 3 years, have out passed and out
worked his team.The boys then took part in a special tour of Anfield, as Liverpool Tommy Smith, was kind enough to give the
boys a personal tour of the grounds. and share with them some anecdotes of days gone by.
Next up for FASL is the semi finals on Saturday v/s N J Wythenshawe, winners of Group B.
Below...Picture of FASL team with Liverpool FC Legend "Tommy Smith" in the VIP lounge at Anfield..
FASL UPDATES 7/27/11
Knowsley Cup Tournament
Another 3-1 victory see the FASL representitve team go the top of their group! In a fiercly fought and physical battle the boys edged out AFC Liverpool 3 Goals to 1.
Goals scored by Justis Enlow, Cameron Monahan and Devi Ndrita. Well done Boys!!!
U13 Boys Win First Group Match 5-1
The U13 Boys having acclimated to their surroundings, showed one of the local teams in the tournament just
how good Americans can play the game. They beat Ashville Youth FC 5-1 in the opening match of group play, in
the Liverpool Knowsley Cup tournament in Liverpool today.
Mike Connell opened the scoring on a volley just in side the box 23 minutes into the first half.
Justis Enlow, Alex Sotomayor, Cameron Monahan each tallied once. Mike Connell added another
another goal in the second half to earn player of the match honors.
The boys looked right at home, stringing passes together and if not for some bad luck, should have had
3 more goals. Weather conditions have been perfect, 74 degrees and sunny. The conditions of the pitch
are fantastic. Next up for the boys, is AFC Liverpool. A convincing win could put the team into the semi
finals. Players and parents are taking time to soak up the rich local culture.
FLORIDA ALLIANCE ACADEMY TEAM at OLD TRAFFORD
England Bound FASL Team update
The Boys had barely deplaned on Saturday in Manchester then found themselves in Chester for their first pre game session on English soil. Magnus Alford (Ex Liverpool FC Coach) hosted this session to help acclimate the Boys in preparation for the game Vs Edenvale FC.. The Boys had a blast as they worked on some basic passing drills and possession. Coach Magnus is a Holder of the Prestigious "UEFA A" License.
On the back of the session the Boys played their first game of the Tour and started roughly with a 2-0 loss to Edenvale FC in this friendly contest..
The boys had their legs after a long trip, but their heads were still on the plane as they gave up 2 goals in the first 20 mins of the game.
The remaining 50 minutes found the FASL team controlling the play, and if not for a super effort by the Edenvale keeper and some bad luck, the game could have easily been 3-2 in favor of FASL.
The second half was played with confidence and composure and 3 very good chances went begging.
After the match, Edenvale hosted a social for players and parents.
New friendships were made, and a better appreciation for the game was realized by the players.
Up next is match one in the Knowsley tournament v/s Ashville Youth FC.
FASL All Star Academy Player makes National Team Pool
FASL All Star Team player Raheem Taylor-Parkes was selected to the U14 National Pool last week in Alabama.
Raheem has been a part of the Florida Alliance Academy for two years, affiliated with Spirit FC.
Raheem will take part in a National Camp to determine the final 20 members of U14 National team, in CA at the end of July.
GOOD LUCK RAHEEM !!!!!
FASL ALL STAR TRYOUT DATES
FASL ALL STAR TRYOUTS
One day and One day only!
ID tryouts date times and location...
Sunday August 28th @ Everton Pinellas Puryear Park, Lee street, St Petersburg
A memorable weekend was had by all for the first ever FASL coalition Teams that ended in Gold and Silver medals for U-12 and 13 Boys respectively. The Girls coached by Nicole Sowders brushed all comers away to a Gold Victory. They were able on two occasions to come back from a deficit to turn things around and gain victory, which says a lot about the character of the Team that participated! The team will continue to play selected Tournament through the summer months. For players wishing to be a part of this process please contact Nicole at: nicolesowders@hotmail.comCell Phone: 816-916-0336
The U-13 Boys Coached by Mike Connell and Greg Zak lost in OT in a closely contended Final that could have gone either way. However, Silver in such good company was a resolute success for the Boys and I have no doubt that they will return next year all the stronger to finish the task at hand. The next challenge for this group is an overseas visit to the UK where they will play in the Liverpool Cup and also play various exhibition games around the United Kingdom. I will of course keep you posted as to the trip and experiences the boys have while representing FASL. For players interested in the FASL concept please contact Greg Zak for U-13 and up at DYNAMOZAK@aol.com and Brendan Moriarty for U-11/12 at BMoriarty@PeeblesMoriarty.com
FASL PLAYER ID TRYOUT UPDATE!
Massive Turnout..
Player ID Update!!
FASL had its first U-11/12 player ID clinic held at Everton St Pete this past weekend. There was a huge turnout making player selection even more difficult... Parents were briefed as to why this is a necessity for the development of young players and is widely used in all other sports as a vehicle for this very purpose, so not a re invention of the wheel. The Staff at FASL feel that Parent education is vital in the success of their child and was freely passed on to the masses.
The spread of 90 players were across the U- 11 and 12 age bracket with the higher numbers on the Boys side. The end product for the players that make the cut will be a Disney Memorial Day Tournament, with a select Danon Cup team representing FASL. Other plans are US Club end of season Tournaments... Teams will also play and train throughout the rest of the traditional season free of charge. .FASLs objective is to offer s first class product with costs being kept to a minimum with soccer on offer to all players no matter what!
FYI... We are a Volunteer based group who care for the development of players and the game in general. This is only the start of something that will gain popularity quickly for players looking for something else.
*All FASL events are under the US Club soccer banner.
We thank you for your continued support of FASL and ask you keep checking the FASL www for “whats new."
Tony Paris
FASL PLAYER ID TRYOUT UPDATE!
BREAKING NEWS!
Over 90 Players attended the FASL U-11/12 Player "All Star" ID Tryouts at Puryear Park today(1/23/11).. A Full story and Pictures to follow......
FASL PLAYER ID MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FASL Q &A
ALL STAR TRYOUTS
Many of you have been asking why FASL are hosting such a Tryout so we thought we would answer the most common questions being asked.
Q: What is an all Star Team?
A: It’s a team made of the best players that have played in FASL sanctioned event and is open to all players from that club if they had at least one team participating.
Q: What happens after the FASL All Star teams are finished?
A: Players return to their own clubs and play regular season games.
Q: Who has first right of refusal on players when a conflict arises between club and FASL?
A: The home club ALWAYS has first right to their own player.
Q: Why is there the need for All Star teams?
A: Many of the players at clubs do not get the chance to play in hybrid Tournaments due to the fact that the Talent pool is spread so thin, so this brings the best of the best together to do just that!
Q: Where and when will these players get to train?
A: Twice per month and at different locations making it fair to all participants travel wise. No location should be further than 1 hour’s drive.
Q: Who will train and be game day coaches for these teams as I want to be sure my child is getting the best?
A: The coaches will come from selected personnel from FASL clubs. We have at our disposal some of the top coaches in Tampa Bay.
Q: I am concerned that my child might be open to poaching from FASL coaches?
A: This is not an issue as all players will return to their respective teams after FASL sponsored events. Our Coaches have the best interests of the players at Heart and all display the integrity that will make this project a success.
Q: I thought FYSA did not allow the All Star concept?
A: They don’t! However, we are a US Club sanctioned League and are allowed by the By Laws to host All Star tryouts and teams without infringement of the FYSA Bylaws.
Q: Is this going to be expensive?
A: NO! Our pledge to FASL members is for affordable soccer to all players. We are a Non -profit organization who put all funds back in to the concept. There will be a minimal cost however FASL will look to pick up the major expense.
Q: What colors do FASL play in?
A: Gold and Blue with Gold being the predominant color
Q: Who supplies the equipment?
A: FASL, however the Uniforms are returned after Tournaments.
Q: Will FASL teams play in a league?
A: No, they are strictly a Tournament team. Disney/Dallas Cup, and The UK Liverpool Cup for Under 13s are some of the proposed Tournaments for 2011
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask any FASL staff member.
Thank you for attending our FASL All Star player ID Camp.
Tony Paris
President FASL
U-12 FASL Boys reach Florida Cup Finals!!
The Florida Alliance Soccer League is happy to announce that its U12 Boys Academy qualified for the State Championship round of the Florida Cup. After only a couple of training sessions together, the Select FASL Academy team opened group play against State champs, FC Omni, notching a thrilling 3-2 victory. Not fairing as well in their 2nd game, the Academy bounced back to win their two remaining games in group play and made the final! In a closely contended final and in sweltering heat they were defeated but fought valiantly. This once again was a great outing for these players and a pleasure to watch the best of the best compete at the next level.. The U12 Academy will send a team to the Florida Cup Finals as the second seed in the North to face the two top seeds from the South to determine a State Champion. Other age brackets will be selected and be attending Tournaments as we move forward.
For further information on this exciting concept, please contact Tony Paris at tonyparisdoc@aol.com.
VISION - A look into Youth Soccer
Presented by the US Youth Soccer Technical Department
FASL are now taking applications for season 2011-12. This is open to clubs that are competitively minded and want to excel. FASL looks to develop players and help clubs become strong and vibrant.
For further information on this exciting concept please contact Tony Paris at: tonyparisdoc@aol.com
