by posted 07/13/2010
 

Each year, Massachusetts Youth Soccer hosts the Olympic Development Program (ODP).  Valeo FC thru its registration in MAPLE and MASC Leagues is a member of MA Youth Soccer. 

ODP teams are based out of the Mass Youth Soccer office in Lancaster, MA.  There is one state team per gender/age group, U13 through U17. Tryouts are in August every year.  Younger age groups will have callback tryouts, older age groups may not.  Tryouts determine which players will be included in the ODP Pool teams.  The pool teams have indoor practices every other week from early January through the end of March, at which time the Pool teams are cut down to the final ODP teams.  The final ODP teams practice outdoor every week (usually on Monday and Friday afternoons) from April through the end of June, and attend camps, play-days, and tournaments in that time.

Any player who is selected to be on a MA ODP Team, has the opportunity  to be identified by regional and national ODP coaches, and considered for inclusion on the regional and national ODP teams.

You must register with MA Youth Soccer to attend the tryouts.  There is a nominal fee of $25 if you register online (or $40 if you register on-site).  On-Line Registration and more information can be found on the MA Youth Soccer website at: http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/pages/84_tryouts.cfm

ODP is based on a different age cut-off system than MAPLE/MASC age eligibility.  ODP follows by birth year.  The list of tryout dates for each associated birth year are as follows (B is Boys and G is Girls):

August 10 (Sunday)

93 and 92 B                   9am to 10:30am         Fields13-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
93 and 92 G                 10:45am  to 12:15 pm  Fields 13-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 16 (Saturday)

93 and 92 B                 9am to 10:30am           Fields 1-10      Mass Youth Soccer Complex
93 and 92 G                 10:45am  to 12:15 pm  Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 17 (Sunday)

93 and 92 B                 9am to 10:30am             Fields 1-10     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
93 and 92 G                 10:45am  to 12:15 pm   Fields 1-10      Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 16 (Saturday)

96 B                             9am to 10:30am           Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
96 G                            10:45am to 12:15pm    Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 B                             12:45pm to 2:15pm      Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 G                            2:30pm to 4:00pm        Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
94 B/G                         4:15pm to 5:45pm        Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 17 (Sunday)

96 B                             9am to 10:30am           Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
96 G                            10:45am to 12:15pm    Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 B                             12:45pm to 2:15pm      Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 G                            2:30pm to 4:00pm        Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex
94 B/G                         4:15pm to 5:45pm        Fields 1-10       Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 23 (Saturday)

96 B                             9am to 10:30am           Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
96 G                            10:45am to 12:15pm    Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 B                             12:45pm to 2:15pm      Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 G                            2:30pm to 4:00pm        Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
94 B/G                         4:15pm to 5:45pm        Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex

August 24 (Sunday)

96 B                             9am to 10:30am           Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
96 G                            10:45am to 12:15pm    Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 B                             12:45pm to 2:15pm      Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
95 G                            2:30pm to 4:00pm        Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex
94 B/G                         4:15pm to 5:45pm        Fields 11-16     Mass Youth Soccer Complex

    

by Michael Salm posted 05/04/2010
 

VFC Blast is pleased to announce tryouts for its MAPLE Boys U10-U18 teams  for the next seasonal year 2009-20010.

Player Evaluations will be conducted by age group as listed in the tables below.  Current teams may also selectively evaluate players by invitation to team training sessions.  Please visit our Tryouts Registration Page for further details.

    

by posted 10/02/2009
 
VFC Blast fans:

The VFC Blast Girls U10 team will be playing MAPLE next spring.  The team will begin training during the winter and is currently adding players to its roster.  This is a brand new team.  So, if you know of a talented player born on or after August 01, 1999 who wants to be in at the beginning of a strong group, please contact Luis Cabral at .

Thanks,

Luis Cabral
Coach
BU16 and GU10
    

by posted 09/06/2009
 

BU11 2009 Bandit Cup Finalists

Every year, the Fall season begins with a warm-up tournament.  This year, the VFC Blast sent the BU11 thru BU14 to the competitive Bandit Cup hosted by Inter SC.  Both BU11 and BU14 teams made it to the finals of the Elite Divisions.  
    

by posted 07/12/2009
 

Dear Friends, Families, and Colleagues:   The Boston Blast Football Club and Valeo Futbol Club are pleased to announce the merger of our two soccer programs in the Boston and MetroWest Regions. Effective immediately, the new combined organization will compete and operate under the new name of V.F.C. Blast! Please join the Board of Directors of both clubs and the coaching leadership of Mike Haynes and Emelio Williams in enthusiastically welcoming the creation of what we hope and intend will be an organization that is committed to empowering youth excellence on and off the pitch.      The merger came about through discussions between the two organizations’ coaching leadership and boards of directors. Both programs believe in the fundamental focus on education and academics for our players. Both organizations are determined to provide the best player development system in the region. The discussions became increasingly energized and the idea of combining the two clubs’ resources as the best way to attain the mutual goals became more and more evident. This is truly an exciting development for players and parents of both clubs as well as for the development of soccer in the Boston and MetroWest areas.      What is eliminated with this merger is the constant bifurcation of a common and committed soccer community. Our ‘soccer village’ has been split in earnest so often in the hope of competing against each other – yet the strategy to differentiate ourselves locally fails the community at large on a broader landscape. Each club (i.e. each split) dilutes our common strengths and talents regionally and nationally. Given the philosophical similarities between the two organizations, we feel strongly that the merger allows both clubs to more effectively deliver on our mission to provide the best platform from which your sons and daughters can attain success locally, regionally and nationally at the most competitive levels of soccer, while retaining the core VFC Blast value of education first.        By combining programs, we intend to grow the scope and scale of this organization in a manner that will continue to deliver a quality brand of soccer recognized nationally. Our end goal is to provide the educational and developmental resources that attract the top talent academically and athletically from metro areas including Boston, Springfield, Worcester, and Hartford, CT. Anchoring our western presence will be Elvis Comrie, former head coach at Holy Cross College. Having worked with players of all ages for over 20 years, Elvis currently employs his vast experience as a scout within the U.S. Soccer Academy. Needless to say, our combined staff will be an outstanding resource for any player looking for a collegiate and professional soccer career.   For most families, the merger will not impact your team immediately. Within the next few weeks, you will begin to see elements of the merger come to life administratively. Over the coming months, we intend to integrate the best practices of both organizations. By the end of the spring 2010 season, we expect all details of the merger to be complete. We hope the process is seamless and provides the many benefits we anticipate will accrue to our members.   We are happy to address your concerns or take your comments and feedback. We look forward to blending our programs and strengthening soccer in our community while continuing to develop our players to their fullest potential.   All the best, V.F.C. Blast Board of Directors For Questions or More Information, Please Contact: Sandy Kiriakos, , 781-307-1822 Michael Salm, , 781-443-4314

    

by posted 06/01/2009
 

Ucal McKenzie: Valeo FC Will Miss You - Thank You From All of Us

Jen Price: Counseling was not a profession for Ucal McKenzie, but a calling

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Greg Reibman
Filed Under Newton North, Newton people |

Newton North High School Jennifer Price issued this statement this morning about Ucal McKenzie:

Dear friends of the Newton North Community,

Ucal McKenzie, our beloved guidance counselor, soccer coach, friend and colleague unexpectedly passed away on Saturday afternoon.

Ucal was an incredibly talented counselor who connected with each and every one of his students. Counseling was not a profession for him, but a calling. He was a uniquely gifted young man who worked hard at his craft and who became personally connected with every one who came in contact with him. Ucal was a vibrant and passionate colleague who lived every day to the fullest. His laughter was warm and infectious, and, no matter how you felt, he made life look better. His love of music, and particularly music he could dance to, was indicative of his love for his native Jamaica.

Ucal was a huge presence in this school. He was a doer and an unsung hero who took up any task that was put before him. He was dedicated and committed to our Newton North community as exhibited by his work with many different people on various projects. He was the Peer Mentor advisor, he coordinated the Senior Faculty Scholarship Committee, and he advised the Break Dancing Club. His vibrant and passionate spirit echoed throughout the halls of Newton North. He never missed a moment to give of his time. He gave his time to us as if he held eternity in his hand. He never said no.

As the coach of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team, Ucal showed a tenacious spirit that was shared with each member of the team. Ucal was just as passionate about playing soccer as he was in coaching soccer. The spirit of his words and actions buoyed his team in victory and defeat. His humble demeanor mirrored his inner and outward beauty. His selfless nature and manner inspired us all.

Ucal, most of all, loved his wife and his family. He was a loving husband and a gentle human being. Above all, and most importantly, Ucal, was a believer in the good in all people, and he truly was a special human being. It was said, “There never was any heart truly great and generous that was not also tender and compassionate.” That was Ucal McKenzie.

This has been a challenging week for our community. We have in place a counseling team from across Newton who will be providing support during the day in the library for staff and students. Information regarding memorial arrangements will be posted on our website as soon as it becomes available to us.

Sincerely yours,

Jennifer Price, Principal, Newton North High School

    

by posted 05/18/2009
 

Valeo FC is expanding our regional presence west of Boston to the Worcester area.  Our Worcester efforts will be spearheaded by one of the top college coaches in New England and current member of our staff, Elvis Comrie, former head coach at Holy Cross College. Having worked with players of all ages for over 20 years, Elvis has an extensive knowledge base on player development. That experience he currently employs as a scout for the US Men’s National team. Elvis has been busy constructing Valeo’s soccer development curriculum. This curriculum will serve an integral role in our development best-practices. Needless to say, Elvis has deep and established connections within the US Soccer hierarchy spanning the youth, club, collegiate and professional levels. He will be an outstanding asset and mentor to any player looking for a collegiate and professional soccer career. Some of Coach Comrie's career highlights include: an outstanding career as striker at the University of Connecticut, where his four years were topped off with a NCAA Championship Title; an equally successful career as a professional in the North American Soccer League, where he played for several teams including the Chicago Sting, which he led to a NASL Championship title; a bid to play on the United States National Team in 1984 against Italy in front of 70,000 fans at Giants Stadium; and now as head coach at Holy Cross, he has compiled the most wins of any men's soccer coach in school history, and been named Patriot League Coach of the Year three times. Tryouts near Worcester will begin in June 2009.  To register, please visit the Tryout section of our website.

    

by posted 05/18/2009
 
 Valeo FC is pleased to announce the addition of 3 new coaches to our current staff:

Dimitri Strunkin:

Dimitri Strunkin has been named to the coaching Valeo FC staff for the 2009 season, coming to the club from the Star Goal Keeping Academy at the Connecticut Soccer School.  There he coached the highest level athletes in the region for 3 years, including working with Juventus USA, Ben Bruster Soccer Academy, Select Soccer Academy, and MLS camps.  Dimitri has collegiate coaching experience with College of the Holy Cross as an assistant coach where he saw success for three seasons from 2004 to 2006.

As a player Dimitri trained with two Russian professional clubs, Dynamo and Zenit, before returning to the states where he starred on the Connecticut Wolves.  After success in Connecticut, Dimitri was called up to the New England Revolution in 2002.  He comes to Caleo with a NSCAA National Youth Coaching Diploma, as well as a Level I NSCAA Goalkeeping license. 

Valeo FC is proud to have Dimitri on the coaching staff and we look forward to his inclusion in the development of the Valeo Futbol Academy.

 
Ralph Kay:

Ralph Kay comes to the Valeo Futbol Academy from  a long list of award winning  programs starting with David Prouty High School where he established the first Girls Soccer program, earning a 5 year record of 58-40-3.  As the Head Coach for Boys Soccer at David Prouty he floursihed with a 7 year record of 111-15-8, including a State Championship in 1998, and successive League Championships from 1997-2003.  He has been honored with the NCSAA Academic Excellence Award five times from 1999-2003, as well as a Sportsmanship Award in 2003.  Currently Ralph is the Head Coach for Men’s Soccer at Anna Maria College where he previously was the Head Coach for their Women’s Program from 2004-2008.  Ralph is also a Goalkeeper coach for the MA Olympic Development Program as well, and we are excited to have Ralph on the coaching staff as he couples integrity and academic excellence with high level coaching tactics. 

Tony Conti:

Tony Conti comes to ValeoFC from Juventus USA which he founded in 1994.  Valeo is very excited to join forces with Tony as he brings knowledge and experience to a talented staff.  He started his playing career in 1973 with the semi professional side Worcester Saints, while also competing indoors with Worcester Sporting.  In 7 years Tony played pivotal roles during multiple championship seasons before stepping into a coaching career as Head Coach Men’s Soccer at Fitchburg State.  In 1994 he was awarded Coach of the Year for his excellence within the program, and in 1996 moved on to take over as head coach of the Worcester State College Men’s Soccer Program. In youth club coaching via Juventus USA Tony has taken teams to state championships, regional championships and a Fair Play sportsmanship award in 1997.  Tony is licensed through the USSF, and Valeo FC is proud to have him aboard starting in 2009.

    

by posted 07/13/2008
 

Newton South grad Mike Soboff sharpens his skills in preparing for his next stop, the Division 1 squad at the University of South Florida. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff)

He's got game (and game's got him)

By Brendan Hall

Globe Correspondent / June 26, 2008

(Contents of article can be found online at
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/06/26/hes_got_game_and_games_got_him/?page=full)

Over the past several years, Mike Soboff has developed a distinctive routine: watch a soccer move, download the clip, view it over and over, and then practice the maneuver. Obsessively.

Leaning toward his Brazilian roots, his soccer idols are Ronaldo, Kaká and Ronaldinho. Whether he's playing the game or watching his idols on Soccerpost.com, YouTube, or one of the premium-cable soccer channels, the Newton South High graduate's attention is constantly glued to the pitch.

If he's not off playing with Newton-based Valeo FC, or coaching one of its youth teams, Soboff is practicing the new moves he's seen and tweaking old ones - at the park, in his backyard, even on the floor of his bedroom.

"Basically, I love everything that has to do with it, whether it's playing it, coaching it, or watching it," said Soboff, a Dual County League All-Star striker last fall at Newton South.

"I guess I am motivated by soccer and everything to do with it."

But more specifically, it's his skill at embodying the famed Brazilian motto he's adopted - "Play beautiful" - that has turned heads on the local soccer scene. With an arsenal of lunges, scissor kicks, and step-overs ("I've got a million moves," he laughs), Soboff confused many a South opponent last fall, scoring 23 goals in just nine games.

"He's very driven, very smart tactically," said Emelio Williams, a former South assistant coach who works out with Soboff four to five times a week. "He does the same that most others do, but he does it at a greater speed and with more weight. He trains harder; he works harder."

At times last fall, he seemed to be playing games with hurried-looking defenders. But now, it's a game of hurry-up-and-wait for the 18-year-old.

Soboff recently committed to attend the University of South Florida, accepting a full scholarship offer from the top-25 Division 1 program.

But the story might be different had he not suffered a series of injuries.

Last summer, Soboff spent eight weeks - from July to early September - as a member of the junior development team of Paris-St. Germain, a top-flight club in France's Ligue 1.

Upon his return, he broke his wrist during a game of futsal, a popular indoor version of soccer played on hard courts with miniature nets and balls. Soboff joined the Newton South squad late, and sat out six games with the injury before finishing the final nine.

At the same time, he was taking extra classes so that he could graduate a semester early, in December. Soboff grew up in Framingham, but transferred to Newton South in the fall of 2006 to move in with and take care of his grandmother, a Newton resident with Alzheimer's disease.

After switching to a smaller cast on his wrist, Soboff went on his ridiculous scoring streak. But in November, Soboff sustained a serious groin injury, again play futsal, that required months to rehabilitate.

Soboff was scheduled to return to Paris-St. Germain - the same club where Ronaldinho evolved into one of the world's elite players - in April. But with the groin injury, no European work permit, and no spot on a national team, he was told he wouldn't be playing "any more, for the time being."

No more futsal? He regrets the injury, but not the experience.

"It helps you so much with playing in space, and developing your skill," Soboff said.

Being on the sidelines, though, means Soboff has been able to devote more time to his soccer study habits. At the insistence of Williams, who formerly played for the Connecticut Wolves of the United Soccer League, Soboff helps coach some of the youth teams in the Newton area.

And now Soboff is heading to South Florida to suit up for the Bulls, who were shut out by the University of Connecticut in the third round of last fall's NCAA tournament. Both UConn and 2006 national champ University of Maryland had also been courting him. He initially committed to UConn, but then switched his commitment to the Bulls.

Now, when Soboff sits down at his computer, he can view clips of himself in action, courtesy of the work of a few of his friends.

Several highlight reels featuring Soboff have popped up on YouTube. One clip is six minutes of footage of him on the pitch, whipping through three defenders at a time with ease. Another shows him in a Ronaldo jersey, as a member of Paris-St. Germain, juggling the ball with his feet for 25 seconds before cradling it on the back of his head.

He's playing beautifully, of course.

Brendan Hall can be reached at .