Spring Brings Success to Crusaders Soccer Club
Spring has brought very good news for the Crusaders Soccer Club.
Crusaders Soccer Club’s Exciting Milestone
This season marks a significant achievement for the Crusaders Soccer Club as their competitive girls’ program has been accepted into the US Youth Soccer National League, Premier 2 Division. Victor Melendez, the Director of Coaching, expressed pride in this accomplishment, attributing it to the growth and talent within the club. “It is a big step for our soccer club. It is the result of our growth in the number of teams, the exceptional talent of our players and coaches,” he stated. Such recognition not only elevates the club’s profile but also enhances the competitive environment for young players, providing them with valuable experiences.
Building on Success with the Boys’ Program
Building on the momentum, last year, the Crusaders’ competitive boys’ program began its journey in the National Elite Academy 2 program (EA2). This dual focus on both girls and boys programs shows a commitment to nurturing talent across genders, a critical aspect of youth sports. The recent EA2 home games held at Pershing Middle School showcased the boys’ abilities as they faced off against local teams, with notable performances from the 2012 team, which remains strong in the regional rankings.
The Competitive Edge: Recent Games and Achievements
During the EA2 weekend games held on April 5-6, both the 2012 and 2010 teams demonstrated their competitive spirit. While the 2012 team emerged victorious in both matches, the 2010 team displayed resilience, finishing their games with hard-fought ties. The performance of the 2012 team has placed them on the brink of playoff qualifications, enhancing the anticipation around youth soccer in the region.
Success on the Girls’ Front
In parallel with the boys’ achievements, the Girls 2010 team has made waves by reaching the semifinal round of the State Cup competition. Such success stories instill a sense of pride within the Crusaders community, showcasing the club’s dedication to fostering skilled and competitive athletes.
Upcoming Tryouts and Community Engagement
As the club looks to continue its growth, tryouts for competitive teams for boys and girls born between 2007 and 2010 will be held from April 21-26. The excitement around these tryouts reflects the club’s emphasis on inclusivity and talent identification. Interested participants can find details and registration information on the club’s official website at crusaderssoccer.org.
Spring Break Camps: A Foundation for Development
Aside from competitive leagues, the Crusaders Soccer Club recently conducted their annual spring break camps from April 1-3 at Pershing Middle School. These camps serve as an excellent opportunity for both competitive and recreational players to enhance their skills and engage with coaching staff, reinforcing the club’s commitment to player development.
3 V 3 Festival: Fostering Community Through Soccer
The club will also hold its annual 3 V 3 Festival on May 17-18, welcoming teams from across Southern California to participate. This year’s festival features both competitive and recreational divisions, ensuring that all skill levels can showcase their talents. The event is sponsored by VIVE Create Future, known for producing the Crusaders’ recreational uniforms and practice gear, highlighting community support within the organization.
Recreational Division: Growth and Participation
Turning towards the recreational aspect, the club’s recreational division is set to conclude its 8-game spring season, with three games remaining. Modesto Guariniello, the Director of Coaching for the recreational division, oversees further growth, currently managing over 600 players and 54 teams. On Sundays, local communities can witness the vibrant atmosphere of youth soccer in action across multiple fields in the area.
Community Involvement and Volunteerism
Guariniello emphasized the importance of volunteer coaches and division coordinators in making this season a success. “It truly takes a village to bring all this together,” he mentioned, underlining how community involvement is at the heart of the Crusaders Soccer Club’s achievements. With continued community support, the club is positioned to impact young athletes positively, fostering their love for the game and personal development.
CAPTION: Six Crusaders Soccer players under the direction of their coaches earned “Most Valuable” or “Most Improved” for attending the annual spring break camp held on the turf fields at Pershing Middle School on April 1-3. (Courtesy photo)
