Welcome to the Kings Hammer September Newsletter! This edition features Six KHA Girls Invited to US Youth National Team ID Center, Paul Nicholson Named Midwest Executive Director, Ryan Handbury Named Premier North Program Director, Upcoming COE Dates, Cincy Challenge, August Saves of the Month, KH Fan Wear, and more! If you have a player, coach, or team to be highlighted in future newsletters, please send photos and stories to info@kingshammer.com. Each newsletter will be posted on our website as well as our social pages.

Six Kings Hammer Academy Girls Invited to US Soccer Youth National Team ID Center

Kings Hammer is proud to share that six of our Kings Hammer Academy Girls have received invitations to attend the upcoming US Soccer Youth National Team ID Center. The ID Center took place in Nashville, Tennessee on September 27, 2022 and provided opportunities for top talents to train and play games under the direction of U.S. Soccer Talent ID managers. Congratulations girls!

Kings Hammer Academy G08 ECNL:

• Charlee Siria
• Allie McCauley
• Gracie Illes

Kings Hammer Academy G09 ECNL:

• Louise Guidugli
• Grace Strout
• Mollee Erras

Kings Hammer Announces Paul Nicholson Midwest Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce Paul Nicholson as Executive Director for our Kings Hammer Midwest Region. From Greater Dayton to Greater Lexington, Paul is committed to delivering the best soccer experience to all our coaches, players and their families.

Ryan Handbury Named Premier North Director – Wil Cagle to Continue Education Director Role

LEBANON, OH (September 1st, 2022) – Kings Hammer is excited to announce Ryan Handbury as the Premier North Program Director. Ryan will also continue his current duties as Academy North Program Director and the Premier Sycamore Program Director. His new role in the Premier North will allow him to connect the Premier North and Sycamore Programs to create a stronger pathway to the Academy North Program.

Ryan has coached and directed both girls and boys teams at Kings Hammer for over 10 years. He is currently pursuing his USSF ‘B’ License, holds his NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and the UEFA C Alternative. Ryan also serves on the Technical Staff for the USL-2 Men’s Team at Kings Hammer.

“I am excited for the opportunity to become the Kings Hammer Premier North Program Director. As the current Academy North Director, I understand the pathway and opportunity for our players through the Kings Hammer North Premier Program. I look forward to building relationships in the program and playing a pivotal role in the development process for everyone involved,” stated Ryan Handbury.

Wil Cagle has been serving as the Premier North Program Director for the past year and we are thankful for all his hard work. Wil currently serves as the Education Director and will continue to serve, focusing on parent, player, and coach education club wide.

Click here to read the full Press Release

Upcoming Center of Excellence Dates for U8-U12

Remaining Center of Excellence dates are listed below. Please check your team’s schedule on PlayMetrics for exact training time.

• Xenia COE (Premier Xenia) at Eakle Soccer Complex Grass Fields: 9/30, 10/7, 10/14
• North COE (Premier North & Sycamore) at VOA: 9/30, 10/7
• South COE (Premier Central & South) at T&C Turf: 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21
• Bluegrass COE (Premier Versailles & Lexington) at Southland Christian Church: 9/30, 10/7

We encourage players to bring teammates and friends outside of Kings Hammer to experience our Center of Excellence!

Cincy Challenge

The 2022 Cincy Challenge took place the weekend of September 23-25 at the Warren Co Sports Park. The event hosted 224 teams who competed for the chance to become Cincy Challenge Champions from 45 clubs spanning across 6 states- Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The weather cooperated for the most part all weekend and the facility was in fantastic shape! There were many extremely competitive matches throughout the weekend culminating in 37 Division Champions and Finalist being crowned in U8-U15 Boys and Girls age groups on Sunday. Thank you to all the participating clubs, teams, families, referees, volunteers, facility staff, and our event staff who made this event such a huge success.

If you weren’t able to purchase event merchandise on site during the event, it’s not too late to purchase. You can visit our online store and have your event merchandise shipped to you. Click here to order online now!

We would also like to send a special thank you to our event partners:

Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Trophy Awards- Official Awards Supplier of Kings Hammer Events
PYB Sports- Official Event Housing Partner
Nike Soccer- Official Brand Partner
Wings & Rings

Click here for a full recap of scores visit the event schedules!

Our next event will be our Blue Chip Juniors which kicks off October 8^th and 9^th at both Voice of America Park and Warren Co Sports Park.  We are still in need of quite a few volunteers for both facilities so if you can help out please sign up at one of the links below:

• Warren County Sports Park
• Voice of America Park

September Education: Honoring the Game by Respecting our Opponent

Last month we kicked off the season long Honor the Game-Respecting the R.O.O.T.S. campaign by exploring the RULES. This month we continue to explore the ROOTS with ways to Respect our Opponents.

Aretha Franklin sang “R_E_ S_ P_ E_ C_ T, find out what it means to me.”  What does it mean to us?  Do you believe that someone’s actions can earn respect, tarnish your respect, or cause you to lose respect?

Tennis great Roger Federer was once quoted “I fear no one, but I respect everyone.”  From the no-name first round opponent to fellow top-ranked and well-known finalists, Federer values the hard work, determination, and abilities of each opponent he faces. There is a humility and honor in his words. Do you give that kind of respect to everyone you compete against?

Here are some easy ways for players and parents to Honor the Game by showing respect to our opponents.

Easy Steps to Honoring the Game by Respecting our Opponents!

Players

• Remember: without opponents, there would be no game at all!
• Like YOU, the other team’s players have practiced hard, want to compete and have FUN, and are looking to improve
• Play Cleanly and Fairly-never look to intentionally harm another player
• Acknowledge exceptional players or plays from the other team
• Win and Lose with Class

Parents

• The “other” team is not the enemy. Just as you are out to watch your child play soccer, so too are the opposing team’s parents out to watch their kids. The only difference between sides here is the color of the jerseys.
• Avoid making negative comments about players on the other team. Always remember that these are kids, not paid professionals. Negative comments can be hurtful to the young player as well as their family.
• Be courteous. Keep interaction with parents on the other team as healthy and positive as possible.

Click here to learn more ways to Honor the Game by Respecting our Opponent

Kings Hammer at Cincinnati Zoo’s HallZOOween Event on October 22nd & 23rd

Kings Hammer will be handing out candy at the Cincinnati Zoo’s HallZOOween Event on October 22nd & 23rd. HallZOOween is FREE with Zoo Admission! Guests will be treated to a day of fun at the Cincinnati Zoo! Help the Zoo go green, please bring your own treat bag!

• Trick or Treat Stations
• Special Animal Enrichment
• Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion Shows at 1pm & 3pm
• Hogwarts Express Train Ride (Additional charge applies)
• Scare-ousel (additional charge applies)

Stop by and say hi from 12-5pm at the Kings Hammer candy table on October 22nd-23rd! For more information click here.

GK Union Save of the Month

Congratulations to Riley J from KHA South G12 Red & Brian M from KHA ECRL B09 for being named the August GK Union Saves of the Month!

Did you make an incredible save or a game-saving block? We want to see them!

Post your best saves in the Kings Hammer GK Union Facebook group or share on Twitter using the hashtag #KingsHammer. Be sure to share throughout the spring season and YOU could be selected for our Kings Hammer Save of the Month! GK Save of the Month winners will be announced the Friday of the first full week of the following month.

Monthly winners will be posted on the Kings Hammer social pages and on the GK Union page.

Introducing Preston Stober KH On-air Personality for the Fall 2022 Season

Kings Hammer is happy to introduce our new on-air personality for the fall 2022 season, Preston Stober. We’re excited to have Preston help tell the story of Kings Hammer Soccer Club. If you see Preston at training or a game, please say hi and welcome him to our family.

New Kings Hammer Fan Wear

Gear up for the fall and shop Kings Hammer! Lots of new items, including hoodies, tees, hats, scarves, stickers plus more on the way. Spend over $100 and shipping is on us—just enter code FREESHIP22 at checkout. Click here to check out what’s new in the Kings Hammer Shop now!

Team Achievements

Content Feedback Survey

We want to hear from you! Please take a minute to complete a quick Content Feedback Survey with 9 questions. Your answers will help as we start creating content for the 2023 Season!

Click here to take the survey now

Partners