Bridges FC Newsletter – Winter 2012

Bridges FC has been very busy since this past summer’s European Tour. In the Fall, we continued training and preparing players for further development and professional trials. In November, Bret Hall, Rob Keith, and Jeff Roy travelled to Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands to establish and solidify relationships with 1st and 2nd division professional clubs as well as lay the groundwork for next summer’s European Tour. Here’s a look at other important happenings in Bridges FC.

Training

This past winter we saw over 200 players participate in training over the past 6 months, with an average of 35-40 players training each day. During the peak season in December and January, 2 training sessions per day allowed over 60 players training opportunities on average each day. Several MLS, NASL, and USL Pro players participated in training, which created a highly competitive training environment. In addition, through Bridges FC’s partnership with Smith & Fuller, Ltd. (A Player Representation Agency), we were able to provide top level speed, agility, and injury prevention training through Pro Force sports performance training, headed by Chris Browning. A select group of players participated in this training for over two months, seeing dramatic improvements in strength, speed, and overall health.

2012 Professional Signings

We are excited to see the opportunities that our players continue to have to play professional soccer. Patrick Hopkins and Steffen Vroom were signed in January by Ljungskile SK, a Swedish Football Club playing in the Superettan, the 2nd highest league in Sweden. Greg Jordan, who came on the Bridges FC European Tour this past summer, was signed in February by the Philadelphia Union, an American professional team playing in the MLS. Greg Preciado, Kyle Knotek, and Jeff DeGroot, all who came on the Bridges FC European Tour this past summer, were signed in January by Dayton Dutch Lions FC, an American professional team playing in USL Pro. John (JC) Aikenhead, who also came on the Bridges FC European Tour this past summer, will begin his professional career in Australia with the Brisbane Wolves FC, a 2nd Division professional team playing in the Brisbane Premier League. We are looking forward to watching these players continue in their development throughout this next year.

Spiritual Formation

A foundational component of the Mission of Bridges FC is “…seeing lives transformed through Jesus Christ”. Weekly Bible Studies have had an average of 8 – 10 players in attendance as we discussed various topics including Forgiveness, Hope, Love, and Wisdom. Discussions have been lively and encouraging as players continue to seek Truth and learn more about Jesus. We also have regularly attended the Saturday evening service at Willow Creek Church throughout the winter. Again, this has been a positive time for players in learning more about Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

European Tour 2012

We are gearing up for summer 2012. This year, we will be traveling to the Netherlands and Denmark to play against high level professional clubs. The team will begin pre-season in May and will play friendlies against high level American professional and semi-professional teams in preparation for the trip to Europe in July. Overall, the Bridges Summer Program will consist of 9 weeks of training in the United States followed by a 3 week European Tour, totaling 12 weeks of top level training and competition.

New Website

Bridges FC has a new and improved website! We will continue to update the site with news, photos and important information. Come check it out at www.bridgesfc.com.

Donations

Many players who train with Bridges FC do not have the means to provide for all or a portion of their expenses. Through our partnership with Sockers Youth Foundation, Ltd., a tax exempt Illinois 501(c)(3) Corporation, Bridges FC is able to provide scholarships to players in need.  All donations are tax deductible.  A tax receipt will be mailed to you.

If you would like to donate, please mail your contribution to:

In the Memo Line, write “Adult European Tour”.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Bridges FC.