“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
This summer we had the opportunity to once again travel to Europe to further the development of young players against good competition and offer opportunities for many players to be signed to professional contracts. Countries traveled to were Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Please take the opportunity to review our most recent progress report.
Spiritual growth
Prior to our departure for Europe we continued to give players the opportunity to attend Willow Creek Church together on Saturday nights. We were able to connect with a Section Community at the Church, headed up by Kyle Breckan, a former player in the Bridges FC program. This connection allowed many players to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ with 3 players making decisions to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Prayer marked the foundation of our trip to Europe. Each morning 12-15 players met together, praying for one another, the team, coaches, and things going on in their lives. It was a powerful time for players to go to God together and seek Him. We were thankful to have Rob Hartland and Marshall Hollingsworth lead this time of daily prayer.
Training and USA Matches
During the 2 months leading up to the trip, players were prepared through intense training sessions and high level friendly matches in the USA.
Record: 5-1-2 (Win, Loss, Draw)
| Opponent |
Score |
Result |
| MI Bucks (PDL, USA) |
2-2 |
Draw |
| Chicago Inferno (PDL, USA) |
3-0 |
Win |
| Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO, USA) |
3-4 |
Loss |
| Indy Eleven (NASL, USA) |
2-1
2-0 |
Win
Win |
| Dayton Dutch Lions FC (USL PRO, USA) |
6-2 |
Win |
| MN United FC (NASL, USA) |
4-4 |
Draw |
|
|
European Matches
Our matches in Europe tested the resolve of our players with high level competition. We competed well and showed that training in mental toughness, technical and tactical development, had shown in the development of our players.
Record: 3-1-2 (Win, Loss, Draw)
| Opponent |
Score |
Result |
| HB Køge (1st Division, Denmark) |
0-1 |
Loss |
| Ljungskile SK (Superettan, Sweden) |
1-1 |
Draw |
| Degerfors IF (Superettan, Sweden) |
0-0 |
Draw |
| Lidköpings FK (2nd Division, Sweden) |
2-1 |
Win |
| Norrvalla FF (Division 3, Finland) |
7-0 |
Win |
| Vasa IFK (Kakkonen, Finland) |
2-0 |
Win |
|
|
|
2014 New Signings
ÍBV (Úrvalsdeild, Iceland)
Dominic Adams
FC Ilves (Ykkönen, Finland)
Wojciech Wojcik
FC Jazz Juniorit (Ykkönen, Finland)
Prince Lapnet
Vasa IFK (Kakkonen, Finland)
Travis Cantrell
Sporting Kristina (Kakkonen, Finland)
Drew Jeskey
PS Kemi Kings (Kakkonen, Finland)
Kyle Knotek
Karlstad BK (2nd Division, Sweden)
Christian Silva
Lidköpings FK (2nd Division, Sweden)
Jochen Graf
Myresjö/Vetlanda FK (3rd Division, Sweden)
Oluwanisola Abolaji
Chad Burt
IFK Stockaryd (4th Division, Sweden)
Oluwayonda Abogunrin
Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO, USA)
Pat McMahon
Giving
Thank you for your support and prayers! To donate, visit our website and click on DONATE, or mail a check to:
Sockers Youth Foundation, Ltd.
126 W Liberty Drive
Wheaton, IL 60187
In the Memo Line, write “Bridges FC”
