February Newsletter 2025
Welcome to the Kings Hammer Swan City February Newsletter! This edition features Jackson Maxwell at USYS ODP Interregionals, Lillian Spurgin Commits to Bluefield State University, Center of Excellence Goalkeepers, Center of Excellence, Spring Break Skills School, Summer Camps, Meet the Coaches and more! If you have a player, coach, or team to be highlighted in future newsletters, please send photos and stories to acorbett@kingshammer.com. Each newsletter will be posted on our website as well as our social pages.
ODP Interregionals Champions Gate
Kings Hammer Swan City is proud to recognize Jackson Maxwell from our KHP1 SC B11 team for his outstanding performance at the USYS ODP Interregionals at Champions Gate on February 1st and 2nd. Representing the USYS South Region Team, Jackson showcased his talent, dedication, and passion for the game, making both his team and club proud.
Congratulations, Jackson, on this incredible achievement! We look forward to seeing your continued success on the field.
Lillian Spurgin Commits to Bluefield State University
Hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have paved the way for Lillian Spurgin, and we are beyond excited to announce her commitment to Bluefield State University to continue her soccer journey at the NCAA Division II level! Lillian pushes herself every step of the way, and her commitment to excellence has paid off. We can’t wait to see her thrive in this next chapter— Bluefield is getting a true competitor!
Please join us in congratulating Lillian on this amazing achievement!
New: Center Of Excellence Goalkeepers
Are you a goalkeeper in our Recreation or Rec Select programs looking to sharpen your skills? The Center of Excellence (COE) for Goalkeepers is here to help! This program focuses on the technical aspects of goalkeeping, designed for Rec and Rec Select goalkeepers ready to take their game to the next level.
The season kicks off in March, so don’t wait—sign up now and start training with us!
Click here for more information and to register today!
Center Of Excellence Training Program
March marks another exciting month of our Spring Center of Excellence (COE) training program, designed specifically for Recreation players ages U6 through U12. This program provides a fantastic opportunity for players to sharpen their skills, learn new techniques, and elevate their game under the guidance of our experienced coaching staff.
We’re excited to offer this program monthly at just $15 per session ($60 per month). Starting in March, we’ll expand beyond Lake Parker Park to include Carter Rd Park as an additional training location. Players can join monthly, bi-monthly, or for the full duration of the program—flexibility that works for every schedule!
You do not have to be a Kings Hammer member to participate, so come train with us!
For more information & to register click here!
Spring Break Skills School
Don’t miss out—there’s still time to sign up for the Kings Hammer Swan City Spring Break Skills School, happening March 17th-19th! This exciting, fast-paced camp is the perfect opportunity for players to sharpen their technical skills, passing, receiving, and more in a fun and dynamic environment.
Secure your spot today and take your game to the next level this spring break!
Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
2025 Summer Camp Series
Get ready for five weeks of skill-building, fast-paced action, and top-tier training with our Skills Schools and Striker & Goalkeeper Camp! Whether you want to refine your footwork, enhance your finishing, or master goalkeeping techniques, we have the perfect camp for you.
Camp Options:
- Skills School – Elevate your technical game with expert coaching
- Skills School Futsal – Experience fast-paced indoor action to sharpen your skills
- Striker & Goalkeeper Camp – Strikers focus on finishing, while goalkeepers refine their shot-stopping abilities
Don’t miss this opportunity to train, improve, and have fun beginning June 2nd—register today!
Click here for more information & to register!
Plant City Strawberry Classic
What an amazing weekend for Kings Hammer Swan City at the 2025 Plant City Strawberry Classic! We were proud to have 12 teams in action, showcasing their talent, determination, and competitive spirit. Congratulations to all our players for a fantastic tournament!
Champions:
- KHP1 SC G14- Undefeated and 4-0 victory over Ronaldo Academy Tampa Bay!
- KHP1 SC G13 – Undefeated and a 2-0 win in the finals win over Florida Premier WC Dev II!
- KHJR1 SC B16-Undefeated and a 3-0 victory over
- KHP1 SC B15 – Dominant run with 2 wins and a draw, finishing with a 4-1 finals win over TBU South Blue!
- KHP2 SC B14– Gritty performance with 2 wins and 1 loss, sealing the title with a 2-0 finals win over Chargers Tampa!
Finalists:
- KHP3 SC B15 – Undefeated heading into the Finals of the Steel Division, where they fought hard and finished 4-3 in PKs against TBU!
- KHP4 SC B15 – 2 wins and 1 loss to reach the Finals in the Gold Division, finishing 5-4 in PKs against Seminole Shooting Stars!
Weston Cup and Showcase
Our teams hit the road and traveled to Naples and Weston for an action-packed weekend at the Weston Cup. We had 7 teams travel and our KHP1 SC B11 boys came home 2025 Weston Cup Champions!
They faced intense competition all weekend, they went undefeated into the finals, where they battled it out after being down 2-0 for a thrilling 3-2 comeback over Doral SC ECNL RL. These boys continue to amaze us with their talent, determination, and championship mentality. We are so proud! Congratulations boys!
Region C Commissioners Cup
On February 1st and 2nd our KHP3 SC B14 team kicked off the 2025 Region C Commissioners Cup securing 2 wins and a draw to advance to the quarterfinals being held March 8th. We can’t wait to see them keep the momentum going. Congratulations boys!
Gulf Coast Invitational
Our KHP1 SC G11 girls did it again! They are the 2025 Gulf Coast Invitational Champions—playing up in the 2010 bracket! With an intense 0-0 finish against VA Reign ECNL RL the girls made it happen in a 4-3 PK finish. We couldn’t be prouder of their effort and resilience! Congrats ladies!
Florida Kraze Krush Winter Classic
Our KHJR1 SC B16 boys are CHAMPIONS of the 2025 FKK Winter Classic! After a hard-fought 1-1 battle in the final against Florida Kraze Krush white, they stepped up under pressure and secured the title with a 3-2 victory in penalty kicks. Congratulations boys!!
TOPSoccer Spring Registration Open
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based program designed to bring the beautiful game to athletes with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. Our program focuses on inclusion, fun, and skill development, giving every player the opportunity to enjoy the game in a supportive and welcoming environment.
We are truly grateful to offer this program and can’t wait to see our players back on the field! Whether you’re a returning family or new to TOPSoccer, we would love to have you join us this season. The season begins March 8th.
For more information & to register click here!
THANK YOU
A huge THANK YOU to the City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department for providing such a beautiful complex at Lake Crago Park!
Our teams are fortunate to train and compete in such a well-maintained, top-tier facility. The fields, the scenery, and the dedication of the Parks & Rec staff make a tremendous difference in the experience for our players, families, and supporters.
We appreciate their ongoing commitment to growing the game and providing a place where our athletes can develop their skills and create lasting memories.
Celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day
On February 5th, we celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day (as recognized by The Women’s Sports Foundation). This day is held to celebrate an important moment for equality and sports history. Kings Hammer Soccer Club is honored and grateful to have such an amazing group of female athletes, coaches, and staff across our club. We brought together a few of these wonderful ladies to share their thoughts and personal experiences with us. Watch the video here: NGWSD 2025 Celebration.
Kings Hammer FC Sun City
As our club continues to grow, we’ve created dedicated social media channels for our USL League Two, W League & Academy teams. Stay up to date with the latest news, match highlights, and player spotlights by following Kings Hammer FC Sun City on all platforms.
- FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/KHFCSunCity/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khfcsuncity/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/khfcsuncity
If you’re interested in staying up to date with all the latest Kings Hammer FC Sun City news, join our USL mailing list by clicking the link in our bio!
February Meet the Coaches
This month we would like for everyone to get to know Coach Caio Rocha Guazelli and Coach Esteban Figueroa (Coach Esty).
Meet Coach Caio Rocha Guazelli
Meet KHP1 SC B14 Coach Caio Rocha Guazelli…Soccer has been a lifelong passion of mine. I started playing at a young age and had the opportunity to compete in three different countries before moving to the U.S. to pursue a college degree. My dedication to the sport earned me a scholarship to a Division I school in California, where I balanced academics and athletics at the highest collegiate level.
After graduating, I continued my journey both on and off the field. In July 2023, I played in the USL League Two summer season for Swan City, further deepening my connection to the club. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in coaching summer camps and have dedicated the past five years to coaching—two of them with Swan City.
Currently, I have the privilege of coaching the U11 boys’ team, where I strive to develop both their soccer abilities and personal growth. Watching these young athletes build their skills, teamwork, and confidence is incredibly rewarding. I believe in their potential and in the bright future of this club. It’s an honor to help shape the next generation of players, and I’m excited to see where their talent and hard work take them.
Meet Coach Esteban Figueroa (Coach Esty)
Meet Coach Esteban Figueroa (Coach Esty) our KHP1 SC B10 coach…With over a decade of coaching experience, Esteban Figueroa is dedicated to developing young athletes into skilled, disciplined, and confident players. Originally from Puerto Rico and a lifelong FC Barcelona fan, his coaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, intelligence, and discipline.
Esteban’s journey began with North Lakeland Rowdies before transitioning to North Lakeland United, where he led a 2005/2006 girls’ team from Division 3 to U17 Division 1, achieving a 3rd place ranking in Florida and a 2022 state runner-up finish. In 2023, he joined Swan City, leading his U18 girls’ team to titles in the Central Florida Invitational and two league championships.
Now in his second year with Kings Hammer Swan City, Esteban coaches the 2010 Boys Premier 1 team in the Elite Academy and National Premier Leagues. His passion extends beyond wins—he is committed to shaping outstanding players and individuals, many of whom have gone on to excel in high school and college soccer.
A highlight of his career was bringing his team to compete in his hometown of Coamo, Puerto Rico, in 2019—a meaningful experience he hopes to repeat. As a former multi-sport athlete, he instills adaptability, teamwork, and resilience in his players.
For Esteban, coaching is about more than competition; it’s about lifelong relationships, lasting memories, and making a positive impact. He is grateful for the support of his family—his wife, Lidialy, and children, Gaby and Esty Jr.—and keeps his faith at the center of his journey. He is honored to be part of Kings Hammer Swan City, helping shape the next generation of athletes.
GK Union Save of the Month
Congratulations to Kings Hammer Cincinnati’s Brian Meyer & Makenna Doherty for being our January winners!
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. 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.
February Education: Developing Leadership in Players
As we finally leave the long winter behind (turns out that groundhog knew what it was talking about!) and get back on the field, our coaches will be reviewing the club curriculum, creating activities, and writing up their practice plans to take to the field and get their teams ready for upcoming games and events. Developing better dribbling skills, improving control in receiving, and perfecting killer passes which lead to creative scoring chances will be a part of the key objectives. However, it shouldn’t be the only objective.
Our Kings Hammer CORE Values exemplify the off-field characteristics that can and should be a part of the learning that our players need: Respect, Creativity, Passion, Integrity, and Leadership.
Developing Leadership in Our Players: A Guide for Coaches and Parents
One of the most important lessons that can be imparted through youth soccer is leadership. Leadership goes beyond the ability to direct another person (or player) in what to do or how to perform. There are a number of traits, beliefs, and actions that all combine to create a good leader. Parents and coaches play crucial roles in nurturing leadership qualities in young players. Here are some strategies to help develop leadership in our Kings Hammer players.
Click here to continue reading the full article!
Stay Connected with Kings Hammer Swan City
Don’t miss all the latest updates, news, and fun happening on our Kings Hammer Swan City social pages!
- FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/KHSwanCity
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khswancity/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/KHswancity
