November Newsletter 2025

Welcome to the Kings Hammer New Albany November Newsletter! This edition features, Finding Joy in the Journey, KHNA Teams Bring Home Hardware, First Ever 3v3 Holiday Classic, Partnering for Player Safety: “One Shot” Foundation, Winter In-House Juniors, and more! If you have a player, coach, or team to be highlighted in future newsletters, please send photos and stories to dfry@kingshammer.com. Each newsletter will be posted on our website as well as our social pages.

Finding Joy in the Journey

As we enter the holiday season, I’m reminded once again that the heart of our club isn’t found in trophies, schedules, or scoreboards. It’s found in the people who make Kings Hammer New Albany what it is. This year brought new challenges, new opportunities, and new reasons to be grateful. At the top of that list are our players, families, coaches, and staff who show up day after day with enthusiasm and a willingness to grow.

Coaching has always been a privilege, but this year it meant something extra special. I had the honor of coaching our 2011 Girls, a group that reminded me of the pure joy of this sport. Watching them take bold steps outside their comfort zones, celebrate each other, and make tremendous strides both on and off the field renewed my passion for what we do. Their energy brought me back to the simple truth: soccer at its best is fun, fearless, and full of heart.

On a personal note, I celebrated a milestone birthday this year, and it gave me a chance to reflect on the people who keep me grounded and grateful. My wife, Nicole, and our two kids, Amelia and Lincoln, continue to be my biggest supporters and the joy behind everything I do. Their encouragement fuels me through long days, late nights, and the constant hustle that comes with club soccer.

As you gather with friends and family this season, I hope you take a moment to celebrate the bright spots in your life, the victories big and small, the people who lift you up, and the experiences that help you grow. I know I’ll be doing the same.

I’m proud of the strides we’ve made as a community, and I’m excited for the future ahead. Thank you for believing in our mission, trusting our process, and embracing the culture we continue to build together. Kings Hammer New Albany is special because of you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Be well,
Johnny Ulry
General Manager, Kings Hammer New Albany

KHNA Teams Bring Home Hardware

A big congratulations to three of our Kings Hammer New Albany teams for their success at the Club Ohio Fall Classic! Their skill, teamwork, and competitive drive were on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder. Thank you to our dedicated players and coaches for the commitment and effort you bring each week.

Club Ohio Fall Classic

Champions: KHA1 G12-1, KHPE1 B15, KHPE1 B16

Join Us for the First-Ever 3v3 Holiday Classic

Kings Hammer New Albany is excited to launch our inaugural 3v3 Holiday Classic on December 27 and December 28 at Capital University’s indoor Capital Center. This fast-paced, futsal-style event is open to U8–U19 players from all clubs and offers a fun, high-energy way to stay sharp over the holiday break.

Teams can register for one or both days, with 3 guaranteed games, a championship match, medals for winners, and free admission and parking. Each roster may include up to 6 players.

This is a coaching-free event—a designated adult is required for safety and substitutions, but the focus is on players taking ownership, being creative, and learning through play.

As part of the event, we’re collecting unwrapped gifts to support families through our partner churches—participation is optional but appreciated.

Ready to Play? Register a Team Now!

Questions? Contact Adam Gatton at agatton@KingsHammer.com

Partnering for Player Safety: “One Shot” Foundation

Kings Hammer SC is proud to partner with the Matthew Mangine Jr. “One Shot” Foundation, honoring the legacy of Matthew—a former Kings Hammer player who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest. Through this partnership, we are working together to strengthen emergency readiness and promote life-saving education so no family in our club community faces a similar tragedy.

To learn more about this important initiative and the work we’re doing together, click here.

High School Teams Kick Off the 2025–2026 Campaign

Our first high school–aged club match of the 2025–2026 season took place this month as KHA B10-1, led by Coach Poole, stepped onto the pitch at Capital University. The team opened the year with a tightly contested matchup against SP Academy, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Winter In-House Juniors Begins January 28

Get ready for another exciting season of skill-building and fun! Our In-House Juniors Winter Program begins January 28 and continues through March 7 at Marburn Academy. This 6-week, indoor program is ideal for young athletes eager to learn, grow, and keep playing during the winter months.

Have a friend or family member who might love the game? Invite them to join in! Click here to learn more and to register.

Featured Education: “Fitness & Body: Preparing Our Players for Relentless Action” by Nick Rich

At Kings Hammer, we believe relentless action starts with preparation. Technical skills and tactical understanding are critical, but without proper care for the body, players can’t perform at their best. Nutrition, sleep, and recovery aren’t extras; they’re essentials for growth.

Coaches want to push players forward. Parents want to see their children succeed. Most young athletes dream of playing at the highest level, whether that’s college soccer or even the pros. But dreams only become reality when actions match ambition. The players who rise to the top are the ones who take ownership of every controllable detail. They analyze, adjust, and upgrade their habits so their bodies can perform at peak level, day after day.

Fuel Matters
Nutrition is one of the most important factors in athletic development. How players fuel themselves impacts energy, focus, performance, and long-term growth. The right foods at the right times can be the difference between plateauing and progressing toward the next level.

Recovery Is Non-Negotiable
With distractions like phones, gaming, and social media, sleep has quietly become one of the biggest challenges for today’s youth athletes. Yet sleep is arguably the most powerful recovery tool they have. Adequate rest improves speed, decision-making, mood, and injury resilience. As a club and as families, we must help players prioritize the sleep they need.

To support this mission, I’ve created a short video featuring a strength and conditioning expert who breaks down essential habits for youth athletes: nutrition, preparation, recovery, and everything in between. Please take a moment to watch and share it with your player. Every small improvement adds up, and these habits may be the key to unlocking their true potential.

Go Kings Hammer!

– Nick Rich, KH Swan City Elite Girls Director

Take Our Parent Insight Survey Today!

We want to hear from our parents! Please take a minute to complete a quick Parent Insight Survey below. Your answers will help us better understand how our club can better meet the needs of you and your family.

Click here to take the survey now!

Stay Connected with KHNA

Don’t miss a moment! Follow Kings Hammer New Albany on Facebook, Instagram, and X to catch the latest updates, standout highlights, and all the moments that bring our club community to life.

Sharing your pride? Tag @KHNewAlbany in your photos and stories—you might see your post featured on our channels!