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Bridges FC Newsletter – April 2015
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“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
– I Corinthians 1:27
There has been a lot going on this past winter at Bridges FC! Please take the opportunity to review our most recent progress report.
100 Campaign
On average, we have the opportunity to impact over 100 young men annually. Over our history, some of these men have pursued high level professional careers, and others have gone on to professional careers in other areas. We are hopeful that they take with them an understanding of the beauty of God’s plan for their life.
This ministry could not happen without support from people like you! As such, we are beginning an annual program giving people the opportunity to contribute $100 towards continuing our program and helping the next generation of soccer players. We humbly ask that you consider helping us in this effort by donating on our website (Go to www.bridgesfc.com, and click on DONATE), or mailing a check to:
Sockers Youth Foundation, Ltd.
126 W Liberty Drive
Wheaton, IL 60187
In the Memo Line, write “Bridges FC”
Thank you for your support! Spiritual growth
We have had the privilege to have Rick McKinley, Founder and Director of Chicago Eagles Soccer Ministry, lead a weekly Bible Study with our players throughout the winter. An average of 10-15 players got together each week to learn more about who Jesus is from The Gospels and fellowship and pray together.
This summer, we are excited to continue our weekly Bible Studies and to attend the Saturday evening service at Willow Creek Community Church in Kyle and Mark Breckan’s section community.
Winter Training
Winter Training saw over 200 players’ participation ranging from well known MLS players such as Ned Grabavoy (NYCFC), Baggio Husidic (LA Galaxy), Mike Stephens (Chicago Fire), and Eric Gehrig (Chicago Fire), to young players, and many college players participating in our college training program, looking to improve and develop in the game during their off season. Training sessions were intense and provided a high level of competition for all players.
In November and December, we had the privilege of hosting Gytis Gelgota, coach of Lidköpings FK (2nd Division, Sweden), for 1 month. During this month he helped with Bridges FC training sessions and continued to learn the English language better, his 5th fluent language! We are excited about the partnership that has developed between Lidköpings FK, Gytis, and Bridges FC. Over the past 2 summers, we have stayed at Lidköpings FK and played friendly matches against them, resulting in 7 player signings. Currently JC Aikenhead and Jeff Gal are with Lidköpings FK for the 2015 season.
2015 New Signings
Through our partnership with Bridges Sports Management, Emil Furcht, player agent and European Tour coordinator, has been instrumental in players getting signed. Here are the Bridges FC new club signings for 2015:
Sweden
Jochen Graf – Carlstad United BK (1st Division)
JC Aikenhead – Lidköpings FK (2nd Division)
Jeff Gal – Lidköpings FK (2nd Division)
Brian Ramirez – IFK Stockaryd/Rörviks IF (4th Division)
Ryan Dodson – IFK Stockaryd/Rörviks IF (4th Division)
Finland
JC Mack – Ekenäs SC (Kakkonen)
Kyle Knotek – Närpes Kraft Fotbollsförening (Kakkonen)
Matt Poland – Sporting Kristina
USA
Cory Miller – Indy Eleven (NASL)
Wojciech Wojcik – Indy Eleven (NASL)
Juddy McKinney – Indy Eleven (NASL)
Oskar Gasecki – St. Louis FC (USL)
Kentaro Takada – St. Louis FC (USL)
Sean Totsch – Rochester Rhinos (USL)
Christian Silva – Rochester Rhinos (USL)
Charles Bales – Charlotte Independence (USL)
Germany
Ray De Leon – FCA 04 Darmstadt (6th Division)
Josh Boone – FCA 04 Darmstadt (6th Division)
Australia
Drew Jeskey – Mitchelton FC (Trophy Superstore Premier League)
Dan Figura – Mitchelton FC (Trophy Superstore Premier League)
Sebastiaan Jansen – Mitchelton FC (Trophy Superstore Premier League)
College Training Program
Bridges FC has now formalized a top notch college training program during winter and summer breaks. Players from all levels of college soccer are training with Bridges FC to improve as players. This summer’s program will run for 10 weeks from May 18th to July 24th. For more information, go to our website: www.bridgesfc.com, and click on the TRAINING tab. 2015 European Tour
This upcoming summer we will be traveling once again to Sweden in the end of July for our annual European Tour. We will be playing against top level Swedish clubs for both player development against high level competition, and to showcase players that are looking to sign professional contracts. The team will come together in May in the Chicagoland area to train and prepare for the tour, with friendly matches stateside leading up to our departure for Sweden in July.
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From Left to Right: Coaches Gytis Gelgota, Bret Hall, and Jeff Roy after a Bridges FC Training Session in November 2014
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Winter Training 2015
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Coach Bret giving talk at end of a day of training
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Pictured from Left to Right: Jabari Danzy (SIUE), Chris Schuler (Colorado Rapids, MLS), Baggio Husidic (LA Galaxy, MLS), Matt Poland (Sporting Kristina, Kakkonen, Finland), Ryan Ybarra (Dominican University)
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