West Florida Premier U15 Elite Team
West Florida Premier U15 Boys Elite - Interview with Mike Helffrich, Manager of West Florida Premier U15 Elite Team
Soccer TampaBay (STB): How long have you been involved in Soccer in Tampa Bay?
Mike: I started coaching my older son Nicolas' team at Clearwater from 1996 through 2000. As soon as my son Dante started playing for Oldsmar Soccer Club, I was involved there. Dante played there for 8 years (U6 - U13). I coached U6 - U8 and managed U9 - U13. After that my son changed clubs and went to play for Palm Harbor Nighthawks (U13 - U15). The core of the players at Oldsmar Soccer Club made the same move to Palm Harbor Nighthawks. I continued to manage the team and Carlos Rodriguez coached the team.
Then Palm Harbor Nighthawks merged with East Lake Arsenal in 2010 and West Florida Premier was formed. 11 Players from Palm Harbor Nighthawks are now playing for West Florida Premier. The other 7 players were recruited at the try-outs in July. They are coming from East Lake Arsenal, HC United, Largo and a new arrival from Brazil.
Carlos Rodriguez is still coaching the team and I still manage it.
Soccer TampaBay (STB): How long have you been involved in Soccer in Tampa Bay?
Mike: I started coaching my older son Nicolas' team at Clearwater from 1996 through 2000. As soon as my son Dante started playing for Oldsmar Soccer Club, I was involved there. Dante played there for 8 years (U6 - U13). I coached U6 - U8 and managed U9 - U13. After that my son changed clubs and went to play for Palm Harbor Nighthawks (U13 - U15). The core of the players at Oldsmar Soccer Club made the same move to Palm Harbor Nighthawks. I continued to manage the team and Carlos Rodriguez coached the team.
Then Palm Harbor Nighthawks merged with East Lake Arsenal in 2010 and West Florida Premier was formed. 11 Players from Palm Harbor Nighthawks are now playing for West Florida Premier. The other 7 players were recruited at the try-outs in July. They are coming from East Lake Arsenal, HC United, Largo and a new arrival from Brazil.
Carlos Rodriguez is still coaching the team and I still manage it.
|
STB: So, how has the season been so far?
Mike: We have been playing very well in the regular season. We are currently in third place in the FSL League and will play the West Pines tournament in Miami to compete against some of the top teams in South Florida. At the Columbus Day Classic Tournament (October 8-10) in Tampa (Ed Radice Park), West Florida Premier (ranked 12th in Florida) surprisingly won the tournament beating the 4th ranked team Florida Rush with 4-2 in the group phase and beating the 3rd ranked team Fusion Futbol in the final with 3-1. After the tournament we were ranked 7th! Something we are very proud of. We also plan to play the Clearwater Puma Thanksgiving Tournament in November, The Tampa Sun Bowl in December, the Florida Tournament in Naples in January, the CDL tournament in February, the Vulcan Cup in Alabama in March and of course the Florida State Cup beginning in April. |
|
|
STB: How does a normal season of soccer look like for a kid playing in this team?
Mike: Our Season goes from August through June (11 months) and we normally practice 3 days a week, play in 8 to 10 tournaments, 12 to 14 league games, and 10+ scrimmages. If you include High School soccer that practices and competes from October to January that is a lot of Soccer. They practice on Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 2 hours. If there are no games on Saturday there is an extra practice on Saturday. Usually they have 2 games on Saturday because of the extensive travel. So you got to have a lot of love for the game! But they all do, believe me! Their ultimate goal is trying to get a soccer scholarship. The grades in school are tied to soccer. If the grades stay behind, they will have to improve them first and they will have to skip 1 or 2 practices every week, but so far that hasn't happened that often. STB: What are the objectives for your team this year? Mike: To stay healthy, become a more balanced team, fully integrate the entire roster of 18 and reach the State Cup Semifinals. (Image and Article Source: SoccerTampaBay, West Florida Premier) |
Interview with John Weimerskirk - Aztecs FC St. Petersburg
SoccerTampaBay (STB): For how long have you been playing soccer in Tampa Bay?
John: I played soccer for local soccer clubs and four years at St. Pete Catholic High School. When I was a junior in high school I had the opportunity to play on my dad's mens team briefly which was a great experience for us both. My dad put us into soccer when we were kids and then got into it himself after we started playing. He even had the opportunity to play before one of the Rowdies indoor soccer games where he scored the only goal of his life! We still get out to enjoy the games together.
Image: Richard Kondash (my dad's close friend), Aaron King (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), myself and my father, John Weimerskirk. *Interesting note: I attended the 1979 Soccer Bowl that the Rowdies played in at Meadowlands with Richard's and my family.
In 1985, I had met Peter Ristorcelli on a soccer team we both were playing on and this team evolved into the St. Pete Aztecs team that year. When the Aztecs were born, so was my friendship with Peter Ristorcelli. Since this time we have spent a tremendous amount of time on and off the soccer field together as our friendship grew. Our team started in the lowest division in FSSL and climbed to the top flight over the years and competed at the top of the division for numerous years. In 2006, we won the President's State Cup which was one of our top achievements.
Both of us ended up having two sons each over the years with all four of them competing at local soccer clubs and high schools. His sons, PJ and Tim have played on the Aztecs for many years alongside myself and my brother David. David and I played at the local soccer clubs and high schools.
Just this past year, my two sons, Justin and Chase joined our team after playing their years at local soccer clubs and high schools. This summer marked an incredible milestone when my sons, brother and close friends PJ and Tim Ristorcelli played together with our Aztecs Division 2 Team in the FSSA Chairman's state cup. Here we went undefeated and won the State Cup Title together. During this game it really him me how incredibly lucky we all were to share in this amazing event that crossed so many generations!! Truly one of the top moments of my life. Soccer does that!
John: I played soccer for local soccer clubs and four years at St. Pete Catholic High School. When I was a junior in high school I had the opportunity to play on my dad's mens team briefly which was a great experience for us both. My dad put us into soccer when we were kids and then got into it himself after we started playing. He even had the opportunity to play before one of the Rowdies indoor soccer games where he scored the only goal of his life! We still get out to enjoy the games together.
Image: Richard Kondash (my dad's close friend), Aaron King (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), myself and my father, John Weimerskirk. *Interesting note: I attended the 1979 Soccer Bowl that the Rowdies played in at Meadowlands with Richard's and my family.
In 1985, I had met Peter Ristorcelli on a soccer team we both were playing on and this team evolved into the St. Pete Aztecs team that year. When the Aztecs were born, so was my friendship with Peter Ristorcelli. Since this time we have spent a tremendous amount of time on and off the soccer field together as our friendship grew. Our team started in the lowest division in FSSL and climbed to the top flight over the years and competed at the top of the division for numerous years. In 2006, we won the President's State Cup which was one of our top achievements.
Both of us ended up having two sons each over the years with all four of them competing at local soccer clubs and high schools. His sons, PJ and Tim have played on the Aztecs for many years alongside myself and my brother David. David and I played at the local soccer clubs and high schools.
Just this past year, my two sons, Justin and Chase joined our team after playing their years at local soccer clubs and high schools. This summer marked an incredible milestone when my sons, brother and close friends PJ and Tim Ristorcelli played together with our Aztecs Division 2 Team in the FSSA Chairman's state cup. Here we went undefeated and won the State Cup Title together. During this game it really him me how incredibly lucky we all were to share in this amazing event that crossed so many generations!! Truly one of the top moments of my life. Soccer does that!
|
This is a photo of the Weimerskirk-Ristorcelli soccer family after the state cup.
• BACK (left to right) Chase Weimerskirk (18), PJ Ristorcelli (34), John Weimerskirk (43), Dave Weimerskirk (38), Justin Weimerskirk (23) • FRONT (left to right): Tim Ristorcelli (36), Peter Ristorcelli (59). I have spent just about every year since 1985 playing for the St. Pete Aztecs team. There were a few years in between when I left the team to play with the St. Pete Kickers who are one of the best amateur teams in the Southeast U.S. In 1997, I had the great honor of winning the U.S. Amateur Cup with the St. Pete Kickers. |
STB: Are there any other leagues or tournaments you participate in?
John: I have played in the Clearwater Beach tournament ("Soccer on the Beach") Open division since it's inception in 1991. During this time, I have been fortunate to be a part of the only team that has won this tournament three years with the last Championship coming in 2009. This year we moved to the Coed O-30 division and won that this past summer. Many fun and memorable years of soccer in this area! Also, I have been playing for the Tampa Bay Kickers O-40 team for the past few seasons.
STB: Where can we find more info about Aztecs FC?
John: We have the AZTECS FC website. You can find all kind of information on it, like Club News, Club Roster, Club History, etc... Just check it out!
(Image and Article Source: SoccerTampaBay)
USASA Coaching Course and License
The modern soccer enthusiast doesn't need to be reminded of the importance of the soccer coach. At the present time successful soccer teams require the leadership of educated coaches. That is why the best soccer in the world is practiced in countries such as Holland, Germany and Spain where the education of the coaches is a priority.
Here in the US, particularly at the youth and amateur levels, the players either play on their own or are managed by parents or trainers who have very little or no education in the science and art of coaching. Paradoxically in the US, there are many soccer coaching educational programs, either run by the USSF or the NSCAA, the largest soccer coaches association in the world. Unfortunately, some of the courses are too long and/or expensive and it is difficult for amateur coaches to get the necessary education to improve their knowledge.
The United State Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) is trying to solve this problem by offering an intensive entry level coaching course. The USASA 36 hrs soccer coaching course provides soccer basic information on modern methods of coaching, the principles of technical and tactical development of soccer players, systems of play, performance ethics, team management, fitness, prevention of injuries and the psychology of team formation.
The curriculum of the USASA coaching course includes Power Point presentations, video evaluations, and many practical field activities. The candidates first observe the instructors demonstrate the activities and then they are allowed to run a session on a simple subject. Andragogic methods of teaching are used to enhance student satisfaction and improve the degree of learning.
The USASA course is offered several times a year in Florida. Dates and locations for the courses are always shown at the FSSA web page http://www.fssa.org/ or by contacting Dr J.C. Meeroff. Chairman FSSA Coaching Committee atdrmeeroff@aol.com.
(Image and Article Source: Dr. J.C. Meeroff)
Here in the US, particularly at the youth and amateur levels, the players either play on their own or are managed by parents or trainers who have very little or no education in the science and art of coaching. Paradoxically in the US, there are many soccer coaching educational programs, either run by the USSF or the NSCAA, the largest soccer coaches association in the world. Unfortunately, some of the courses are too long and/or expensive and it is difficult for amateur coaches to get the necessary education to improve their knowledge.
The United State Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) is trying to solve this problem by offering an intensive entry level coaching course. The USASA 36 hrs soccer coaching course provides soccer basic information on modern methods of coaching, the principles of technical and tactical development of soccer players, systems of play, performance ethics, team management, fitness, prevention of injuries and the psychology of team formation.
The curriculum of the USASA coaching course includes Power Point presentations, video evaluations, and many practical field activities. The candidates first observe the instructors demonstrate the activities and then they are allowed to run a session on a simple subject. Andragogic methods of teaching are used to enhance student satisfaction and improve the degree of learning.
The USASA course is offered several times a year in Florida. Dates and locations for the courses are always shown at the FSSA web page http://www.fssa.org/ or by contacting Dr J.C. Meeroff. Chairman FSSA Coaching Committee atdrmeeroff@aol.com.
(Image and Article Source: Dr. J.C. Meeroff)
Interview with Mike Connell - Tampa Bay Rowdies '75-'84
It was a great pleasure interviewing Mike Connell here in Tampa Bay. Mike has a great soccer history and we are happy to be able to print the interview on www.SoccerTampaBay.com. Before we go into the interview following a short resume of his great soccer achievements:
Living in South Africa through the early 70's Mike Connell was selected to the All Star Teams and in 1971 and 1972 was selected to the South African Schoolboy team. Unfortunately South Africa was suspended from FIFA and no international games could be played.
Alex Forbes, the manager of the professional team brought Mike into the first team squad. His full professional debut was made in 1972 at the age of 16 (!) against Durban City.
In 1973 Mike was invited to go on trial with the PRO soccer club Arsenal in England. He spent 6 months on trial, but was not signed. He returned to Rangers.
In 1974 Eddie Firmani, the new coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Tampa USA, was scouting for players in South Africa. Rangers was playing Arcadia Shepherds who featured Steve Wegerle. After Mike was substituted his father confronted Alex Forbes on the field. An act Eddie Firmani realised gave him opportunity to get Mike.
Interview:
SoccerTampaBay (STB): How was it playing for the Rowdies in the 70's and 80's?
Mike: It was great! I came to the US as an 18 year old kid from South Africa. With all the ongoing political circumstances in South Africa, it was a great experience to play professional soccer for the Rowdies. In my first year in the US we won the Soccer Bowl (1975), which has been the highlight of my career. I played against some of the world's greatest players such as Pelé (see image above me (right) tackling with soccer superstar Pelé), Beckenbauer, Neeskens, Cruyff, Best, Carlos Alberto. I stopped playing for the Rowdies in 1984.
STB: What influence will the World Cup 2010 have on your home country?
Mike: First of all, there are only 2 things that unite one country with another: War and Sports!! I hope... I really hope the World Cup can transfer South Africa into a 1st World Country!
STB: Do you still play soccer yourself?
Mike: I own a Futsal facility in Wesley Chapel and play in the Adult League there.
We offer the following programs:
• Summer Camps
• Individual Training
• Partner Training
• Group Training
• Soccer Speed Agility Quickness
For more information, please visit www.unlimitedmotionsoccer.com.
I also coach the U-13 Boys team for the FC Tampa Bay Rangers in Lutz.
(Image and Article Source: Tampa Bay Rowdies, SoccerTampaBay)
Living in South Africa through the early 70's Mike Connell was selected to the All Star Teams and in 1971 and 1972 was selected to the South African Schoolboy team. Unfortunately South Africa was suspended from FIFA and no international games could be played.
Alex Forbes, the manager of the professional team brought Mike into the first team squad. His full professional debut was made in 1972 at the age of 16 (!) against Durban City.
In 1973 Mike was invited to go on trial with the PRO soccer club Arsenal in England. He spent 6 months on trial, but was not signed. He returned to Rangers.
In 1974 Eddie Firmani, the new coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in Tampa USA, was scouting for players in South Africa. Rangers was playing Arcadia Shepherds who featured Steve Wegerle. After Mike was substituted his father confronted Alex Forbes on the field. An act Eddie Firmani realised gave him opportunity to get Mike.
Interview:
SoccerTampaBay (STB): How was it playing for the Rowdies in the 70's and 80's?
Mike: It was great! I came to the US as an 18 year old kid from South Africa. With all the ongoing political circumstances in South Africa, it was a great experience to play professional soccer for the Rowdies. In my first year in the US we won the Soccer Bowl (1975), which has been the highlight of my career. I played against some of the world's greatest players such as Pelé (see image above me (right) tackling with soccer superstar Pelé), Beckenbauer, Neeskens, Cruyff, Best, Carlos Alberto. I stopped playing for the Rowdies in 1984.
STB: What influence will the World Cup 2010 have on your home country?
Mike: First of all, there are only 2 things that unite one country with another: War and Sports!! I hope... I really hope the World Cup can transfer South Africa into a 1st World Country!
STB: Do you still play soccer yourself?
Mike: I own a Futsal facility in Wesley Chapel and play in the Adult League there.
We offer the following programs:
• Summer Camps
• Individual Training
• Partner Training
• Group Training
• Soccer Speed Agility Quickness
For more information, please visit www.unlimitedmotionsoccer.com.
I also coach the U-13 Boys team for the FC Tampa Bay Rangers in Lutz.
(Image and Article Source: Tampa Bay Rowdies, SoccerTampaBay)