October Newsletter 2025

Welcome to the Kings Hammer Swan City October Newsletter! This edition features Celebrating Our Coaches, Honoring Our Referees, 3v3 Winter Fest, Fall Center of Excellence, Thanksgiving Skills Camp, Thank you City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department and Rodda Construction, 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.

Celebrating Our Coaches

This month, we proudly celebrated National Coaches Day — a time to recognize the individuals who dedicate so much to our players, families, and club. From early morning kickoffs to long weekends on the sidelines, our Kings Hammer Swan City coaches pour their time, energy, and passion into helping every player grow both on and off the field. Their impact reaches far beyond the game itself — teaching teamwork, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for soccer.

To all our coaches, thank you for the countless ways you inspire, guide, and shape the next generation of players. We are grateful for everything you do!

Honoring Our Referees

This month, we also celebrated National Referee Day — recognizing the dedicated officials who make every match possible.

Referees play an essential role in the game, ensuring fairness, safety, and respect on the field. They are the “third team” that keeps the game we love running smoothly week after week.

A heartfelt thank-you to all the referees in our community for your commitment, professionalism, and passion for the sport. Soccer simply wouldn’t happen without you!

Central Florida 3v3 Winter Fest Presented by KH Swan City

Join us in Lakeland for the Central Florida 3v3 Winter Fest! Whether you’re a rec or competitive, this fast-paced tournament is open to all teams from U8 to U19.

Event Details:
- Date: December 13th
- Location: Lake Parker Park – 910 Granada St. Lakeland, FL
Tournament Features:
- 4-Game Minimum Guaranteed
- 24-Minute Games
- Teams of 4–6 Players
- Recreational & Competitive Divisions
- Single-Day Competition Format
Registration:
- $250 per Team
- $50 Early Bird Discount if you register by October 31, 2025

Don’t miss your shot — register your team now!

Center of Excellence – Now with Two Locations!

We’re excited to share that our Center of Excellence (COE) Training Program is expanding! This season, players will have the option to train at Carter Road or Lake Parker Park — giving families more flexibility and opportunities for development across Lakeland.

What is the Center of Excellence?

The Center of Excellence (COE) Training Program is open to U6–U12 players and focuses on individual player development — both technically and tactically — in the four key phases of the game:

Attacking
Transition to Attack
Defending
Transition to Defending

The COE program is designed to help players build strong foundational skills, develop confidence on the ball, and gain a deeper understanding of the game.It’s open to players from both within the club and the public, making it an excellent environment for all players looking to grow and challenge themselves.

The cost is $60 per month ($15 a session) and the first session begins November 3rd!

Click here for more information & to register!

Thanksgiving Skills Camp

Looking for something fun and exciting for your player over Thanksgiving break?

Our Thanksgiving Skills Camp is the perfect way for players to stay active, make new friends, and sharpen their game before the holidays.

November 24–26
9:00am – 12:00pm
Lake Parker Park
Boys & Girls U5 (2021) – U15 (2011)

Click here to register now and secure your spot!

Thank you City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department and Rodda Construction

Another beautiful Lakeland sunset at John Rodda Sports Complex reminds us how fortunate we are to have such an incredible space for soccer.

A heartfelt thank-you to the City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department and Rodda Construction for their vision and dedication in creating a place where our youth can play, grow, and dream big. Their support continues to make a lasting impact on our soccer community.

Monster Mash Champions

Our Pre-Academy G15 came ready to haunt the pitch, taking an 8–0 win over Florida Hawks Pre-ECNL RL and going undefeated on their way to the final! And the boys brought the monster energy too — our Pre-Elite B16 battled to a 2–1 victory over Chargers SC Pre-MLS, also finishing undefeated and lifting the trophy!

We’re so proud of all our teams who brought the spirit (and the costumes ) to Monster Mash weekend!

𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨!

They played with heart, grit, and just the right amount of Monster Mash madness!

Congratulations to our finalists:

Juniors G17-1
Juniors B18-1
Pre-Elite G15
Pre-Elite B14

You battled through every match and earned your place in the finals! Way to make Kings Hammer Swan City proud!

Featured Education: “Building Championship Culture” by Nick Holt

At Kings Hammer, we know that the strength of a team lies in its culture. The best teams aren’t just a collection of talented individuals; they’re connected by shared values, trust, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.

In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to coach in my second national championship match with the NC Courage USL W team. This group was special, resilient, focused, and determined to finish the job after a heartbreaking overtime loss the previous year. We came back stronger, went undefeated, and won the championship.

What made the difference? Team culture.

What is Team Culture?

Team culture is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and daily habits that define who we are and how we operate. It’s built in the way players show up, push each other, and hold themselves accountable. For our team, that meant traveling without hesitation, paying attention to every detail, and showing mutual respect on and off the field. That unity became our competitive edge and ultimately led to our championship moment.

Building Championship Culture at Kings Hammer

At Kings Hammer, we have core values that serve as the foundation for every team. They’re not just words on paper; they’re standards that shape how we train, compete, and treat one another.

Respect
Respect your coaches by listening with intent and staying open to growth. Respect your teammates by showing up prepared and representing the club at a high level, on and off the field. Respect your parents; they’re your biggest supporters. Respect the game; compete with effort, pride, and gratitude, even on the hard days.

Passion
Love the game. Bring energy that lifts others and fuels your own performance. Stay engaged, encourage your teammates, and enjoy the process.

Integrity
Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Take care of the little details; they’re what separate good from great.

Why Not You? Why Not Your Team?
Every successful team I’ve been part of, whether as a player or coach, has shared one key ingredient: an intentional, unified environment built on “we over me.” Starting today, think about how you can impact your team’s culture. Are you fully committed, or holding back when things get tough? Are you consistent in your habits when no one is watching?

Now is the time to reflect and take action. Gather with your teammates. Decide what you value and how you’ll live it every day.

Go be great.

– Nick Holt, KH Middle Tennessee 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!

GK Union Save 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. Be sure to share throughout the 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.

Have a Matchday Experience for the ages with SportsBreaks

Through our partnership with Inspiresport, we have access to Official Premier League Packages for 2025/2026. Why not head over to the UK with SportsBreaks! Sign up now to find out all about their 25/26 Premier League packages to some of the biggest Premier League clubs like Liverpool FC, Manchester United & more!

Click here for more information!