New US World Cup Jersey, Group C Projections, and Grissom Soccer Camp

World Cup Home Jersey Released
The new white home jersey to be worn by the US in this summer's World Cup has been released by Nike. The jersey is made from polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and features a sash design similar to the design of the jersey that the US wore in the upset of England in the 1950 World Cup. In keeping with that theme, I ordered mine with the name and number of the goal scorer from that day, Joe Gaetjens.


Statistician's Projections of Group C


In an ESPN article, statistician Nate Silver, famous for his Major League Baseball player and US political predictions, has released his predictions for the results from the World Cup's Group C. So? According to Silver's simulations, England and the USA should advance. He projects the US getting 4.27 points from the three matches with a 21.6% of winning the group and a 55.8% of advancing. Too bad the games aren't played on paper.

Personally, my gut is telling me that this will be a much harder group than these projections indicate. I will be very happy if we get 4 points from the group. With a little luck, that will be enough. In my ideal World Cup scenario, we finish second in Group C and face Germany in the second round, followed by Mexico in the quarter-finals. Another crack at Germany in a knock-out situation would be an ideal situation for an upset by the US, and we know what it takes to beat Mexico. But again, with a little luck, this could be a good World Cup for our boys.


Grissom Hosts Soccer Camp

This summer Grissom High will host thier 17th annual Soccer Camp for children ages 5-16. The players will be provided with instruction on individual technique, skills and tactics. For more information and camp registration, go to http://www.grissomsoccer.com/camp.htm.

RCU Announces 2010 Soccer Camp Schedule

Rocket City United has announced its 2010 individual, team, and advanced player soccer camps. Led by the RCU Technical Director, Desmond Armstrong, RCU players will also be on hand to instruct campers from ages 5 to 16.

These types of camps are great gateway for kids to get into soccer. I remember going to a camp like this as a youngster. It was where I met some of the local high school and college players from my town who I idolized back before pro soccer was widespread and on TV 24x7. To get a chance to be coached by the local RCU players and coaches will be great for these kids and may light the spark of a life long love for the game.

RCU Coach and Camp Director Desmond Armstrong will instruct kids at all of the camps

Individual Player Camps

The Individual camps are half-day (or evening) for recreational and competitive boys and girls ages 5 to 14 focusing on improving technical skills, creating tactical awareness and instilling a love of playing soccer. Participants will receive a camp ball and t-shirt and parents are treated to a special daily 10-minute soccer lesson called "Rocket City United's Backyard Basics".

Dates/Locations (9a.m.-12p.m. for all ages; 9a.m.-10:30a.m. ages 5-7)

• June 1-4 Monrovia, AL Monrovia Middle School
• June 14-18 Hampton Cove, AL Cove Park Field
• June 28- July 2 Huntsville, AL Chapman Middle School
• July 12-16 Madison, AL Dublin Park
• July 19-23 Fayetteville, TN Fayetteville AYSO Fields
• August 2-6 Monrovia, AL Monrovia Middle School (5:30p.m.-8:30p.m. for all ages; 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m., ages 5-7)

Advanced Player Camps

The Advanced Player Camp is for the older, more polished player from ages 13-16 and will also focus on improving individual technical and tactical skills.

Dates/Locations (9a.m.-12p.m)

• June 21-25 Huntsville, AL Chapman Middle School

Teams Camps

The RCU team camps are for entire club, high school, AYSO or rec teams. Coaches work hand in hand with RCU coaches to focus on tactical playing systems, advanced formations and identifying a specific team strengths and weaknesses to maximize performance. Location, times, and duration of training sessions are tailored to each individual team.

Cost

Individual Camps - $100/player ages 8-16, $80/player ages 5-7, $20 sibling discount

Advance Player Camps - $135/player ages 13-16

Team Camps- Contact RCU at infoline@rocketcityunited.com for info.

Coaches Clinics

One great offering from RCU that was not included in the recent announcement is the coaching clinics. These clinics are designed for the beginning coach who may never have played the games and are offered free to soccer organizations through the non-profit Rocket City Soccer Foundation.

For more information on any of these RCU offerings, visit www.rocketcityunited.com.