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May Newsletter 2023

Welcome to the Kings Hammer May Newsletter! This edition features Supplemental Tryouts, 2023/2024 Tryouts, Summer Camps, FCC Kings Hammer Family Night, Wil Cagle Named Academy Cincinnati South Director, Spring Event Wrap-Up, KHFC Seasons Underway, 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.

Supplemental Tryouts in Greater Cincinnati

Are you or someone you know still looking for a team?

Kings Hammer will be holding Supplemental Tryouts June 5th & 6th for our Academy(U10-U19), Premier(U10-U19), & Juniors(U7-U9) Programs in Greater Cincinnati!

SCHEDULE:

  • U7 / U8 / U9: Monday, June 5th from 5-6:30pm
  • U10 / U11 / U12: Tuesday, June 6th from 5-6:30pm
  • U13 / U14: Monday, June 5th from 6:30-8pm
  • U15 / U16 / U17 / U19: Tuesday, June 6th: 6:30-8pm

LOCATIONS:

  • Premier & Juniors Xenia @ Eakle Soccer Complex
  • Academy Cincinnati North, Premier & Juniors Lebanon @ Warren County Sports Park Turf B
  • Premier & Juniors Sycamore @ Weller Park
  • Academy Cincinnati South, Premier & Juniors Wilder, and Premier & Juniors Union @ Town & Country

Click here to register now for the 2023/2024 Tryouts!

2023/2024 Tryouts Continue in Lexington & Versailles!

The 2023/2024 tryouts in Lexington & Versailles continue this week and next week. If you have not registered through PlayMetrics yet, click the links below to register now. If you are not able to attend tryouts please communicate with your Program Director so they are aware. ALL current players must register through PlayMetrics to be placed on a team. Click here for instructions on how to check your tryout registration in PlayMetrics. Please double-check that your email and phone number is correct in the PlayMetrics system, this is the contact information we use when making an offer. Please click here on instructions on how to update your contact information in PlayMetrics.

**Please note we are utilizing a new tryout feature within our PlayMetrics system, so you may see coaches and directors on their phones or tablets during the tryout process.

Click the links below to view the tryout schedule, team fees, and to register:

Summer Camps Begin June 6th!

Looking for an opportunity to stay sharp this Summer?

Register today for the Kings Hammer Summer Camp Series! Camps will be offered at our Xenia, North, Sycamore, Central, South, Lexington, and Versailles locations beginning June 6th and running through July 27th.

For more information on Summer Camps and to register click here.

FC Cincinnati Kings Hammer Family Night – July 15th

Save the Date!

All Kings Hammer friends and families can now take advantage of Special Club Partner ticket pricing for:

FC Cincinnati vs Nashville SC
Saturday, July 15th – 7:30pm

  • A link to purchase tickets, at the special club partner pricing, has been sent to each Kings Hammer Family’s PlayMetrics account.  If you did not receive please email info@kingshammer.com.
  • Walkout kid and on-field experience opportunities are available! Names will be randomly selected from the submitted forms: Click to sign up now!

Help Kings Hammer set the youth soccer night club attendance record and purchase your tickets today!

Kings Hammer Announces Wil Cagle Academy Cincinnati South Program Director

COVINGTON, KY (May 10, 2023) – Kings Hammer Soccer Club is excited to announce Wil Cagle as the Kings Hammer Academy Cincinnati South Program Director. Wil most recently served as the Premier North Program Director and is currently the Kings Hammer Club Education Director. He holds a USSF ‘A’ License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and a USSF National Youth License. Wil has been coaching for over 34 years with high school, college, and club experience. He was also on the Kentucky Youth Soccer ODP staff and the Ohio South USSF Coaching Education staff.

“I am looking forward to working with the coaches, players, and families who make up the Academy Cincinnati South Program and continuing the tradition of excellence in player development and competitive play that the Kings Hammer Academy Program has come to represent in the greater Cincinnati area,” Wil Cagle, Kings Hammer Academy Cincinnati South Program Director.

“Wil is going to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Academy Cincinnati South Program. We look forward to seeing the impact he will have in the program, specifically with the coaches and players due to his background in coach and player education,” Paul Nicholson, Kings Hammer Midwest Executive Director.

Spring Event Series Wrap-Up

We wrapped up our Spring Event Series with our Blue Chip Showcase & Crown Challenge! Over the course of the two Blue Chip Showcase weekends, we hosted a record number 726 teams from over 230 clubs around the country and Canada, over 400 College coaches, and 400 referees. We hosted nearly 1,100 games at the two main complexes over the course of 6 days. During the Crown Challenge weekend, we hosted 592 teams from over 100 clubs from around the region as well as 200 referees. We hosted 970 games at the two main complexes over the course of 3 days. We appreciate everyones understanding and flexibility with any logistical challenges throughout both events. We look forward to our Fall Events that will kick off in August with the Battle in the Bluegrass! Special thank you to our event sponsors: NikeTrophy Awards, and PYB Sports!

Louise Guidugli Selected for U.S. U14 National Talent ID Camp

Congratulations to KH G09 ECNL member Louise Guidugli on receiving an invitation to participate in U.S. Soccer’s U14 National Talent ID Camp. Featuring 36 players selected out of a national pool of 224 players who attended Mini Regional Camps, the National Camp took place May 22nd-27th.

Over the week long camp, the girls were divided into two teams of 18 players and scrimmaged each other twice. The goal of the camp was to introduce players to the culture of the U.S. National Team, including topics such as style of play and principles. Ultimately the camp provided players with the opportunity to be evaluated for call-ups to future age groups.

Louise is the only player out of Greater Cincinnati to receive this call up opportunity. We are excited for Louise to continue her success on the pitch with the U.S. Youth National Teams.

USL2 & USLW 2023 Seasons Underway!

Kings Hammer FC USL League Two and the USL Women’s League kicked off their seasons earlier this month. All home matches will be played at Xavier University’s Corcoran Field. This will be a very family friendly environment for everyone in the club to enjoy and we encourage players, parents, coaches, and staff to attend these games to cheer on our USL2 and USLW teams.

For more information click here!

 

Kings Hammer Fan Wear

Gear up for the 2023/2024 Season!  Shop now: Kings Hammer Gear

GK Union Save of the Month

Congratulations to Jena G. of our KH G08 ECNL RL team and Rohan M. Of our KH Sycamore B10 Premier team for being named the April 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.

Partners

 

Tryout FAQ’s

How do I register for tryouts?
ALL soccer-athletes MUST COMPLETE the tryout registration online before participating in the tryout process. Click here to register now!

*Please make sure that you register online at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that the soccer athlete is in the system and we have your information to notify you after the tryout process.  There is a Registration Steps document on the Tryouts page that will walk you through the process. Each soccer athlete should attend both tryout days if possible. If you are unable to attend both days please reach out to the Program Director listed below.

Birth Years for the 2022/2023 Season
For the 2022/2023 season, Kings Hammer will follow U.S Youth Soccer’s guidelines and will organize its teams by birth year:

*Interested players must register to try out for their birth year.

Can my child play up an age group?
Any player playing up will be at the discretion of their respective director. All players need to register and attend the tryout for their correct age group.

What should I wear/bring to tryouts?
Please come prepared with a fully inflated soccer ball, proper footwear, shin guards, and water. Each prospective soccer-athlete will receive one free Kings Hammer Soccer Club tryout t-shirt with a tryout identification number on the back of the t-shirt.  Each prospective player will be identified by the identification number throughout the process and MUST wear this t-shirt at each tryout session for the 2022/2023 soccer year.

We will not be able to attend tryouts or are new to the area and missed tryouts. Is there a process in place to allow for an alternate tryout?
Yes! If you are not able to attend tryouts or missed the tryout dates, please register and then contact the Director for the Program/Age Group you wish to tryout for so that arrangements can be made. We also hold supplemental tryouts throughout the year. Roster openings may be limited after the initial tryout period.

What are the differences between Academy and Premier?
Our Academy provides a highly competitive environment for higher-level soccer athletes. This program provides those athletes with the best local training offered by our qualified and professional staff. Our Academy teams play at the highest possible level providing showcase opportunities to College, Professional, and National level programs.

The Premier Program is a community-based program. The Premier Program provides the opportunity for players to play other sports or have other interests outside of soccer. This program is designed to be flexible, convenient, and affordable.

Can I try out for multiple programs?
We encourage anyone who wants to tryout for all levels to do so. Current KHSC players can ask their coach/director for guidance if they are unsure about which program to tryout for. You will need to register for each tryout separately.

If I tryout for a program and don’t make it, can I try out for another program?
Yes. If you don’t make an Academy team, we strongly encourage you to tryout for a Premier team, attending tryouts for at least one day.

If you don’t make a Premier team, the Classic Program may be an option. Contact Michelle Okumura (michelle@kingshammer.com) if you’d like to pursue this option.

Will there be more than one team in each age group?
Yes, when possible, there will be more than one team per age group, per program. It all depends on the number of players at tryouts and their skill level.

If my child doesn’t make the top team, can they move up during the year?
Yes, there may be opportunities to move up throughout the year as long as the coach/director feels it is in the best interest of the player’s development. There may also be opportunities to guest play across all levels.

What can I expect after tryouts?
After tryouts you can expect communication from the club in the form of an email.  (Please double-check that your email is correct in the PlayMetrics system, this is the email we use) This will either be an acceptance email, offering your child a position on a team, or an email letting you know that they should tryout for a different program. Players who are offered positions on a team may also receive a phone call from their coach. All communication will come within 24-48 hours of the end of the last tryout. You will then have 24 hours to either accept or decline your email before your spot is offered to another child.

What are the next steps if my child makes a team?

  1. If you are new to the club, you will receive more information regarding your uniform ordering in your confirmation email.
  2. If you are part of the Academy or Premier Programs, you will receive the link to Demosphere to register your child in the state system in your confirmation email as well.

How long is the season?

  • Academy
    • U11-U14: August-November, January-May (possible post-season in June)
    • U15-U19: November-May
  • Premier
    • U7-U14: August-October, March-May
    • U15-U19: November-December, March-May

My child is in middle school but plays on a U15 team. Will there be a fall U15 program for trapped players?
Yes, we will offer a program for trapped 8th graders for the fall season depending on interest. The program will run from August to October and is open to players that are currently in the 8th grade that will be playing on a U15 team starting in November 2022. Questions please contact:

Academy North: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Academy South Boys: James Thomas | james@kingshammer.com
Academy South Girls: Chris Black | chris@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Boys: Dan Ensley  | dan@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Girls: Megan Adkins | megan@kingshammer.com

Can a team come to the club and join as a team?
Yes! The team can join the Classic Program. For more information please reach out to Michelle Okumura at michelle@kingshammer.com.

Who is in charge of hiring coaches?
If you are interested in a coaching opportunity, please fill out the following coaching form – https://kingshammer.com/interested-in-coaching/

Program Directors:

Academy North: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Academy South Girls: Chris Black | chris@kingshammer.com
Academy South Boys: James Thomas | james@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Boys: Dan Ensley | dan@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Girls: Megan Adkins | megan@kingshammer.com
Premier Xenia: Brent Lewis | brent@kingshammer.com
Premier North: Wil Cagle | wil@kingshammer.com
Premier Sycamore: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Premier Central: Michael Ratliff | michaelr@kingshammer.com
Premier South: David Shemilt | dshemilt@kingshammer.com
Premier Versailles: Brandon Cummons | brandon@kingshammer.com
Premier Lexington: Fonyam Atanga | fonyam@kignshammer.com