With scouts from both the U.S. Soccer Federation and US Club Soccer’s id2 Program in attendance, a total of 28 teams participated in the 2012 Northeast Pre-Academy League/Southeast Pre-Academy League Scouting Showcase.  Hosted by the Potomac Soccer Club, the showcase, which included teams in the U-13, U-14 and U-15 age groups, concluded its three days of matches on President’s Day at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Md.
 
The tournament, which gave each team the opportunity to play three games, saw three teams finish undefeated at 3-0-0. Met Oval 98 and Baltimore Bays Chelsea 97 each won all their games, while Baltimore Bays 98 did not conceed a goal the entire weekend, winning each game via a shutout.
 
"The showcase allowed the scouts from U.S. Soccer and from US Club Soccer’s id2 program to get an up-close look at players at an event that features many of the top clubs in our Pre-Academy leagues," said Lonny Unger, NEPAL league administrator.  "Based on what scouts saw at this event, players will be identified for U.S. Soccer National Training Centers as well as US Club Soccer id2 camps."

FIFA Turf Study confirms "no major differences” in playability of FieldTurf and Natural Grass

Study proves myth wrong and shows similarities between turf and grass for soccer fields

A recent soccer study was released demonstrating the similar playability of FieldTurf and natural grass fields. The study was conducted by Prozone, an independent consulting firm specializing in soccer-performance, and done with the intention of dispelling critics who claim natural grass surfaces provide more stable playing grounds for soccer matches than artificial turf. Prozone installed a player tracking system on 2 fields – one at Luzhniki Stadium (FieldTurf) and the other at Khimki Arena (natural grass). Since 2006 Luzhniki has had FieldTurf installed for their pitch, and the results favor the notion that artificial turf is equal to natural grass when it comes to playing soccer.

The test results show that in key playability categories, FieldTurf is similar to natural grass:


Distance ran during match

113.9 km (Field Turf)

112.1 km (Grass)

Ball touches per player

2.01 (Field Turf)

2.06 (Grass)

 
According to the study, a greater percentage of passes are played forward on turf – meaning more offensive and entertaining games are played on it. The fact that the number of tackles per player per game rises only by 0.70 on artificial turf, it illustrates the players are not at a greater risk while playing on this type of surface.

The Prozone study confirms that the FieldTurf surface most replicates natural grass. This is one of the leading reasons why no other company has as many FIFA 1 and 2 Star certifications (180) as FieldTurf. FieldTurf’s technology and system provides a one of a kind product, one that’s meant for sports and soccer. To have the ability to make sudden cuts, control ball speed, and reduce injuries is what’s necessary when playing on a world-class surface. FieldTurf has changed the way the world of soccer perceived artificial turf, and the future of soccer is with FieldTurf.



About FieldTurf

FieldTurf offers industry-leading engineering and manufacturing resources and leads the synthetic turf industry with regard to setting higher environmental standards. FieldTurf is the global market leader in terms of synthetic sports fields with more than 7000 fields installed. Additionally, FieldTurf has attained more than 15,000 satisfied customers in high quality pet, residential, commercial and municipal landscaping solutions, playground surfacing and has a complete range of golf and tennis products. FieldTurf synthetic turf customers enjoy the benefits of significantly reduced water consumption, the elimination of fertilizer and pesticides, superior durability and drainage and a product that looks and feels real. The positive environmental impact of FieldTurf provides the added benefit of LEED building contributions.

FieldTurf is part of Tarkett Sports, a Division of the Tarkett Group. Tarkett Sports is the largest entity in the sports and landscape surfacing industries. Included within the Tarkett Sports portfolio is an impressive range of performance sports flooring products. This product range includes: synthetic and hardwood basketball; volleyball and gymnasium flooring; squash and racquetball courts; floor protection and covering systems; weight room flooring; and high performance indoor and outdoor running tracks, featuring Beynon and Atlas track surfaces. All Tarkett Sports surfaces are developed, produced and installed with a concentration on sustainability and a commitment to protecting the environment, providing additional LEED contribution opportunities for customers. The company calls this focus on sustainability and the environment ’Environmental Intelligence’ and all company personnel strive to exemplify this philosophy in all aspects of the business.

For more information, please visit: FieldTurf Artificial Grass & Synthetic Turf Products.

 

 

CHICAGO (Jan. 11, 2012) – Former Secretary General of U.S. Soccer and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Hank Steinbrecher was named as the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Werner Fricker Builder Award.

The honor is bestowed to an individual who has worked tirelessly in furthering the interest of the sport of soccer without regard to personal recognition or advancement. The Werner Fricker Award is designed to honor those who have created or fostered programs that will outlast their own active involvement in the sport and who have established a lasting legacy in the history and structure of soccer in the United States.

“Hank has been one of the most important people in developing and guiding the sport in this country,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “Under his leadership, U.S. Soccer accomplished numerous achievements and earned respect across the world for the Federation’s success on and off the field. One of the most dedicated people in the sport over the past 30 years, Hank is truly deserving of the Werner Fricker Builder Award.”

As the CEO/Secretary General of U.S. Soccer from 1990-2000, Steinbrecher was instrumental in bringing soccer to prominence in the United States. In his more than nine years with the Federation, Steinbrecher oversaw the staging of two of the most successful Men’s and Women’s World Cups, held in the United States in 1994 and 1999, respectively.

By the end of Steinbrecher’s tenure, both the Men’s and Women’s National Teams reached new levels of success and developed an undeniable national presence. The U.S. Men had competed in three World Cups, won the inaugural CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1991 and finished third in two FIFA Confederations Cups. The U.S. Women earned two World Cup titles in 1991 and 1999 and an Olympic gold medal in 1996. Steinbrecher also ensured the future growth of soccer in the U.S. by creating programs concentrated on developing world class players and increasing both the coaching and referee programs.

A lifelong fan of the game, the New York native grew up playing soccer and won an NAIA national championship at Davis & Elkins College in 1970. Steinbrecher later became the soccer head coach at Warren Wilson College, Appalachian State and Boston University.

He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in the Class of 2005 as a Builder and joined former U.S. stars Marcelo Balboa, John Harkes and Tab Ramos, who were inducted as players that same year. Steinbrecher became the Chairman of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors in June of 2011.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the recipient of the Werner Fricker Award, especially because I knew President Fricker well and had the utmost respect for all he has done for our game,” said Steinbrecher. “To be considered as part of his legacy is particularly rewarding. I am also humbled, because I know that there are many more deserving individuals who have contributed to the simple game that far outweigh my contributions. I accept this high honor in the name of all the individuals who are committed to the improvement and enjoyment of our great sport.”

Werner Fricker is widely credited for his role in bringing the 1994 FIFA World Cup to the United States. Born in Yugoslavia and raised in Austria, he lived his adult life in Pennsylvania, where he was a star midfielder for the United German Hungarians of Philadelphia soccer club from 1954 to 1969 and was a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team. He served as U.S. Soccer President from 1984 to 1990 and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y., in 1992.
 

Maspeth,  Queens  -  C.W. Post Men’s soccer coach Andreas Lindberg has accepted the coaching position of Brooklyn Knights PDL Head Coach

“We are excited to have Andreas begin as head coach of the Brooklyn Knights,” said Knights President   Jim Vogt .   “As a player, then coach who came through the Met Oval system, we give him full support in this venture and expect some great results.”

Andreas is head coach at CW Post Men’s Team and has had great success in turning the program around.  Andreas has been a head coach at Met Oval Academy for the past seasons.

“ I am excited for this opportunity,” said Lindberg. “   I am looking forward to continuing the success of a team that I played for, this time as a coach.”

A former player for the Brooklyn Knights, Lindberg captained the team in 2006 before retiring from playing.

The team plays its home games at The Metropolitan Oval in Maspeth Queens, and competes in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, the top U23 men’s league in North America, the USL PDL.      Follow the Brooklyn Knights on www.metoval.net