The Oakland FC Dragons Soccer League, also offering the Oakland Developmental Soccer League, will hold tryouts for new players in June.
In existence for three years, the league was created to offer an alternative to area soccer players, according to director Tom Weaver.
‘We hire professional trainers to work with the kids,? he said. ‘This is for competitive kids.?
New is the developmental league, a division of the Oakland Youth Soccer League (affiliated with the Oakland FC Dragons). The new league was organized to provide a more intense level of competition.
‘It’s in between recreation and travel (soccer),? Weaver explained. ‘Not many clubs do that.?
The developmental league is targeted to players transitioning to premier/travel soccer after one or more years of experience, and is dedicated to development of skills for kids ages 5-8.
Experienced trainers will be provided for each age group, and practices will be twice per week, with age appropriate duration. Practice begins Aug. 23.
‘At U9, they won’t be out practicing for three hours,? Weaver said.
The Oakland FC Dragons offers U9-U15 teams, with the exception of U12. The program is Lake Orion community-based, and offers professional trainers that have played soccer.
‘We’re looking to expand and give the parents another option,? Weaver said. ‘We want to give back to Orion. We’ve donated $700 to the Orion/Oxford Soccer League for goals, as well as balls, nets and other equipment to the high school.?
Weaver’s own children, Erica and Billy, have had great success in the Lake Orion High School varsity soccer program. Erica played for the varsity girls, while Billy earned a soccer scholarship to Indiana University after playing with the boys varsity and being named Mr. Soccer for Michigan.
‘Hopefully I can help parents with the experience I have,? said Weaver, who served as a recreation soccer league coach, commissioner for two years and as president for two.
‘A friend and I started this league,? he said. ‘We’re disciplined, we teach sportsmanship, these are the things we strive for in character development.?
Enrollment deadline for the developmental league is Aug. 1. Enrollment forms are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and forms received after Aug. 23 will be placed on a waiting list with no guarantee of placement.
Enrollment fee for the fall season is $150 per player (includes uniform). Checks should be payable to the Oakland Developmental Soccer League, and the league can be visited online at www.oysl.org. Call 391-3117 for more information.
Tryouts for the Oakland FC Dragons are June 15-19. U9 boys are June 18, 6-8 p.m. at the LOHS varsity field; June 19, 2-4 p.m. at the LOHS varsity field; U 10 boys, June 18, 6-8 p.m., LOHS varsity field; June 19 2-4 p.m., varsity field.
U11 boys are June 17, 5:30-7 p.m., varsity field; June 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., varsity field; U13 boys, June 15, 5:30-7 p.m., varsity field; June 16, 5:30-7 p.m., varsity field.
U14 boys, June 17, 7-8:30 p.m., varsity field; June 19, 12-2 p.m., varsity field; U16 boys, June 15, 7-9 p.m., varsity field; June 16, 7-9 p.m., varsity field.
Bring a soccer ball and lots of water. Call 391-3117 for more information.