EWSA TRAVEL TRY OUTS & ACADEMY ASSESSMENTS

REGISTER HERE:

https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/gnslite/camp/000354/Welcome.html

More information contact nbird.premieruk@gmail.com

 

    

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The 99 Lady Hammers currently compete in the Open East Division and look to play in the Elite Division in the Spring. They are ranked in the top 10 in their age group in NC. Supplemental tryouts are planned for Tuesday, 11/13 (6:30pm-7:30pm) at East Wake High School, 5101 Rolesville Road, Wendell, NC. Players eligible for the team can be born between 8/1/99 and 7/31/2000.

Please contact: Nathan Bird-Head Coach @ nbird.premieruk@gmail.com or 919-525-4169 for more information.

The 99 EWSA Lady Hammers won the top U-13 Division in the Twin City Classic Tournament held August 18-19, 2012 in Winston Salem, NC. In their first game, the Lady Hammers started off slow with a 1-1 tie against Roanoke Star Elite from Virginia. Later in the day, the Lady Hammers picked up the pace and defeated Charlotte United Futbol Club CUFC Green 5-0. Game 3 was the semi-finals against another Virginia team, the New River United 99 Rapids. A 2-0 Victory over the Rapids put the Lady Hammers into the finals against the host TCYSA 99 Lady Twins White. The championship game was an intense affair, but the Lady Hammers prevailed 1-0 to claim the trophy. This was a great ending to a full weekend of soccer. Susannah Snellgrove was awarded MVP of the tournament for her outstanding play on defense. The 99 EWSA Lady Hammers are comprised of girls from all over Eastern NC and are coached by Nathan Bird, a professionally licensed coach with Premier UK.

Premiere UK soccer program gives boost to area By R. Cory Smith - Correspondent
With several local high school soccer teams recently making it on the map nationally, the East Wake Warriors and Knightdale Knights might not be too far off thanks to a local program. Premiere UK is a youth soccer program in eastern Wake County that is not only trying to change the culture of soccer locally but also give players the opportunity to play outside of the state. “We want to make a difference in the way soccer is viewed in the United States,” said Nathan Bird, a Premiere UK coach who serves as the East Wake Soccer Association’s director of coaching. “All of our coaches are ex-professional players from England, and we want to bring our coaching styles to the kids that are part of our program.
“The biggest thing we want to do is make a difference locally and hope that expands.” For the past four years, Premiere UK has worked side-by-side with the EWSA and surrounding schools to coach young players to not only learn the game of soccer but to become better athletes altogether.
Coaches work with athletes on things as varied as nutrition and sports psychology to help nurture them. Luke Duffy, a recent addition to the coaching tree who will work with Knightdale and East Wake players, said he can tell his work is already paying off. “The biggest difference is the coaching,” Duffy said. “When the boys or girls do something wrong, we work extremely hard to correct it. I love it when our kids do something wrong and they are able to correct it themselves because they finally get it. “I never want to give up on a kid, because each of them is important to me.”

Recently, nine players from the program were chosen to attend the Olympic Development Program in Georgia. Out of those nine players, Taylor Ward, who attends Wendell Middle School and will attend Knightdale High School in 2013, was chosen from Premiere UK. Ward’s mother, Bridgett Ward, said she might not have had the opportunity if she was not part of the Premiere UK program. “Nathan Bird has been her coach, and he is just excellent,” Ward said. “He has been developing Taylor into the type of player that she is right now. I don’t think she would have made the first team without his help on the field. There are over 100 girls who come out, and not every soccer player gets that opportunity.”
While Premiere UK has only been in the community for four years, it has grown from just two classic teams to nine teams and should be expanding to 15 teams in the near future, according to Bird.
“The coaches are not just focused on developing great players,” Ward said. “They are also committed to making the players better individuals. Having respect for others, making good grades and developing into positive role models.”
East Wake Soccer Association tryouts will be held from May 21-26. For more information, visit www.premieruksoccer.co.uk.
rcorysmith@gmail.com

(click on the photo above to go directly to the website)

Premier UK Soccer is employed by the Lady Hammers as their professional Coaching staff.

Please visit the FACEBOOK link for more info!!

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THIS PARTNERSHIP

The ’98 EWSA Lady Hammers won their division in the CASL Girls Shootout. The Lady Hammers were undefeated in four games and outscored their opponents 12-1. A five-goal outburst in the opening game against Freestate SA Charge of Bowie, Maryland set the tone for the weekend. The 3-0 victory in the championship over WCWAA Black from just outside of Charlotte, NC was a perfect bookend to a great weekend of soccer for the Lady Hammers. At the awards presentation, coach Nathan Bird had high praise for his team. With half of his roster consisting of girls playing a year up in age, he stressed their dedication and work ethic as key. In particular, Mikayla Atkinson was awarded MVP of the tournament for her outstanding defensive play. The Lady Hammers currently compete in the Open East Division and look to play in the Elite Division in the Spring. For any further information on the try-outs planned for 11/16 (7pm - 8pm) please contact: Nathan Bird-Head Coach @ nbird.premieruk@gmail.com or 828-260-0421

'98 EWSA Lady Hammers will be holding a supplementary try-out on Wednesday, November 16th, from 7-8pm. The tryouts will be held at Zebulon Community Park (401 S. Arendell Avenue, Zebulon). The team trains and plays out of Knightdale, NC and offers very affordable prices.

The East Wake Lady Hammers are Professionally Coached by Nathan Bird of Premier UK Soccer. He holds a UEFA B License and NSCAA National Diploma. The team also holds a prestigious link with West Ham United International Football Academy of Great Britain. The main goal and philosophy of the team is to develop players for the future with an emphasis held on correct training methods to perform at the highest level in competitive games.

The EWSA Lady Hammers currently compete in the NC Open Classic East Division. Players eligible for the team can be born between 8/1/98 and 7/31/2000.

For any further information on the try-outs please contact:

Nathan Bird-Head Coach @ nbird.premieruk@gmail.com

828-260-0421

or

Debby Futrell-Team Manager @ Debby.Futrell@arealahec.org

May 27, 2011 - Premier UK Director Andy Thompson,“We are honored to create a partnership with a Football Club such as West Ham United and it's prestigious history, it is an unbelievable opportunity for all players and coaches involved, the relationship creates a great deal of exposure and extra avenues for talented soccer players within Premier UK to further enhance their soccer development. Premier UK Soccer shares the intention with West Ham United to create a cooperative club organization that builds on that philosophy that shares ideas,coaching methods, administrative guidelines and more, to the benefit of all coaches, players and parents affiliated with Premier UK Soccer. We believe that the philosophy and methods shared between the partnership will be the source of great success and achievement in the future for players that experience it. The 'West Ham Way' is renowned in the United Kingdom for it's progression and development of world class soccer players. The United States holds an abundance of talented, athletic and motivated players striving for improvement and identification. Through the partnership and outreach of Premier UK Soccer to some of the most talented players in the United States, we strive to make a players dream come true of playing at the highest level. This opportunity will be provided to top level players,who will be invited to attend the West Ham United National ID camp to showcase their talent and desire to be the best in front of Tony Carr, Director of West Ham United Academy. A further progression for the players in which to excel and have the opportunity of a lifetime to train with the West Ham Academy players at there home training facility in London, England. The '98 EWSA Explosion will be changing their name to '98 EWSA Lady Hammers and will continue to be coached by Nathan Bird. www.westhamacademyinternational.com/

http://www.easternwakenews.com/2011/05/08/11180/explosion-wraps-up-season.html

The EWSA ’98 Explosion Girls competed in the PGSA Beast of the East Soccer Tournament this past weekend (February 5-6) in Greenville, NC. The rain-shortened event had to be modified to accommodate the excessive rain that resulted in Saturday’s afternoon action being cancelled. However, by virtue of the fact that the East Wake Girls won all three of their matches without allowing a single goal, they won the U-12 championship based on points.

On Saturday morning, EWSA played CASL Surge and won by the score of 3-0. They got 2 goals from Taylor Ward and one from Anna Reese Vick. Barkley Browder assisted Ward’s first goal, and her second was unassisted. Vick scored off a drop pass from Mikayla Atkinson.

When play resumed on Sunday morning, the Explosion was matched up against the JASA Lancers from Jacksonville, NC. The result was the same as the day before, as EWSA earned a 3-0 victory. Browder opened the scoring off an assist from Mary Paul Hunt. The second goal was another unassisted one by Ward. The third goal came off an assist from Erin Cooke to defender Reily Nelson, who had just been moved up to offense.

What turned out to be the championship game was a matchup with another Explosion, the WYSA ’98 Explosion Girls from nearby Wilson, NC. Once again, East Wake prevailed 3-0 in what became a common theme for the weekend. All three goals were unassisted and were scored by Ward, Erin Cooke, and Anne Elliott Taylor.

For the weekend, East Wake outshot their opponents by a combined 76-11. Given the huge discrepancy in shots taken, the relative lack of scoring was a bit a disappointment. However, EWSA clearly controlled possession, and the outcomes of the games were never seriously in doubt. The Explosion begin their regular season playing in the NCYSA Classic First Division on March 6 against FSC in Fayetteville, NC. The ’98 Explosion girls are coached by Nathan Bird with Premier UK. Coach Bird is a professional, British coach with an UEFA B license. If you are interested in finding out more about this team, please contact Debby Futrell, 252-289-6685 or Coach Bird, nbird.premieruk@gmail.com.

In the season opener, the East Wake Explosion U12 classic girls’ soccer team defeated the Triangle United Silver 2-0. Erin Cooke scored the first goal with an assist by Anne Elliott Taylor. Gabbi Lyons scored the second goal two minutes into the second half. The Explosion outshot the Silver 14-1 and were able to put together 64 completed passes. The Explosion's stalwart defense was led by Reilly Nelson, Mikayla Atkinson, and Bailey Hardison. In the second game, the ’98 Carolina Select lost to the Explosion 10-0 and were not allowed any shots on goal. For the Explosion, goals were scored by Mallorie Aycock, Erin Cooke, Emilee Futrell, Barkley Browder, Lyons, Atkinson, and Nelson. Finally, in the third game of the season, the Explosion traveled to Gibsonville to play the ’98 Burlington Cardinals. At the half, the Explosion had the lead 2 -1, Browder and Futrell were able to both find the net. In the second half, Taylor scored off a ricochet from Futrell and the final score was 3-1.

On Saturday, September 25, the EWSA traveled to Chapel Hill and defeated the Triangle United Bronze 3-1. Futrell scored in the first five minutes of the game. At half-time the score was tied 1-1. Nelson scored 15 minutes into the 2nd half and the final goal came from an assist from Futrell to Browder. EWSA outshot the Bronze 23 – 3.

We are looking to continually develop the area’s most talented players. All are welcome to come and join and make East Wake 98' Explosion a force in North Carolina. If you are interested, please call 252-289-6685.

Chapel Hill, NC - Finished 3rd in the top u12 division

The EWSA ’99 Explosion Girls competed in the Pinehurst Pine Cone Tournament on November 21-22, 2009 in Southern Pines. The U10 Explosion played in the U11 Division in preparation for their move to U11 Classic in the Spring. The team won the tournament championship with a 4-0 record, outscoring their opponents by a combined 18-1.

In the 1st game on Saturday, EWSA defeated GCAA Cleveland United Strikers 5-0. On Saturday afternoon, the Explosion dispensed of host Sandhills Celtic SC White by a 5-0 margin. On Sunday morning, the Explosion prevailed 3-1 after struggling against the FVAA Lightning Red. Sunday afternoon’s championship game featured a rematch with the Strikers.

The Explosion harassed the opposing defense but could only manage to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. However, with a quick goal to open the second half, any hope of a Cleveland United comeback faded away. EWSA scored two more goals to make the final margin 5-0.

As in East Wake’s last tournament, Explosion coaches, Jeff Futrell and Stephen Taylor were particularly pleased with the number of assisted goals. Coach Futrell said, “12 of our 18 goals were scored off assists, and we feel like that best represents the unselfish brand of soccer that we try to teach.” Offensive production was spread across the board as follows: Anna Grace Abrams had 5 goals and 6 assists, Essence Canady had 7 goals and 4 assists, Emilee Futrell had 5 goals, Gabbi Lyons had 1 goal, Mikayla Atkinson had 1 assist, as did Reily Nelson.

Coaches Taylor and Futrell also praised the defensive efforts of Bailey Hardison, and Reily Nelson, as well as Anna Shaye Thompson in the goal. Taylor emphasized Thompson’s effort by naming her his Finals MVP. “She did not have to make a lot of saves in the tournament, but she came up big in the final by making several saves that really could have changed the tone of the game if they had gone in,” he said.

The coaches said that in addition to those girls that made the stat book or got special recognition, everyone on the team deserved credit for their hard work throughout the tournament. Futrell said, “Our motto is ‘a team is a group of people that go out of their way to make each other look good.’ Those people include Anna Reese Vick, Anne Elliott Taylor, and guest player, Brayleigh Jones.”

Finished 7th in Kickit 3 v 3 World Championship - Orlando, Floriday - January 16 – 18th - Six members of the East Wake Soccer Association Explosion girls team competed in the Kick It 3v3 World Championship held at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida. The girls, all members of the same U10 travel team, had qualified for the event by winning a preliminary event in Raleigh during the summer of 2009 and then placing in the top 5 in the regional qualifying event held in Rock Hill, South Carolina in the August, 2009. The tournament was a "once in a lifetime" experience for the girls who got to showcase their talent against some of the best players in the country. The girls won their division in pool play with a record of 2-0-1. They beat two teams from Chicago and tied one team from Austin, Texas. One of the teams from Chicago, eventually made it to the finals of the 32 team event. During single elimination play, the girls beat a team from Charlotte and another team from Austin, Texas which advanced them to the final 8 of the tournament. In the quarterfinals, the girls lost to the eventual champion from Denver, Colorado and fell into the consolation bracket. In the consolation game, the girls lost to a team from Indiana to finish the tournament in 7th place out of 32 with a 4-2-1 record. The girls will rejoin the remainder of their team when they begin playing in the U11 Division of the NCYSA Classic League in the Spring.

The EWSA ’99 Explosion Girls competed in the Triad ChallengeFest October 10 and 11, 2009 in Winston-Salem. The team won the tournament championship with a 4-0 record. The Explosion outscored their opponents 33-3 in the 4 games and received overwhelming praise from opposing coaches and fans.

In the 1st game on Saturday, EWSA defeated CASL WF United Blue 9-1. Saturday afternoon saw the Explosion race to an 11-0 victory over the Yadkinville SWAT. On Sunday morning, the Explosion defeated the NDSL Sidekicks 10-0. Sunday afternoon’s championship game featured an exciting match between EWSA and the Jamestown Jammers Gold.

The Jammers surprised the Explosion and took a 2-0 lead into halftime. However, the Explosion responded to the challenge and scored three goals in the 2nd half to claim a 3-2 victory. Coach Futrell called the 2nd half some of the most exciting soccer he had ever seen. “Our defense completely shut them down and did not allow a single 2nd half shot. Our offense put on an equally amazing performance with a barrage of scoring opportunities. The final goal came off a rebounded corner kick in the last minute. I think my heart
is still pounding!”

Explosion coaches, Jeff Futrell and Stephen Taylor were particularly pleased with the fact that over 70% of their goals were assisted. Coach Taylor said, “We emphasize passing and try to stress to our girls that assists are just as important as goals.” Offensive production was spread across the board as follows: Anna Grace Abrams
had 6 goals and 8 assists, Essence Canady had 7 goals and 3 assists, Mikayla Atkinson had 7 goals and 1 assist, Anne Elliott Taylor had 3 goals and 5 assists, Emilee Futrell had 3 goals and 3 assists, Anna Reese Vick had 2 goals and 2 assists, Reily Nelson had 2 goals and 1 assist, Gabbi Lyons had 2 goals, and Bailey Hardison had 1 goal and 1 assist.

Coaches Taylor and Futrell also praised the defensive efforts of Nelson, Hardison, and Futrell. In the goal, Anna Shaye Thompson, recorded two shutouts and allowed only three goals in the entire tournament while carding a total of 12 saves.

The U10 EWSA Explosion Girls brought home the championship in the U10 Girls Gold Division at the 2009 Dick's Sporting Goods Charlotte Invitational held the weekend of August 22 and 23.


The Explosion went undefeated in Flight A on Saturday with wins over the Charlotte Soccer Academy Force 1 and the CFC Lady Chiefs Gold from Atlanta, Georgia. They advanced to the semi-final game on Sunday and beat the Lake Norman Soccer Club Lady Avalanche 8-2. The final was a rematch with the CFC Lady Chiefs, a team that the Explosion overcame 8-5 on Saturday. The Explosion defeated the Lady Chiefs for a second time to claim the Championship with a result of 5-1.



East Wake outscored their opponents 35-12 for the tournament. Scoring was as follows: Anna Grace Abrams (11), Essence Canady (8), Reily Nelson (4), Mikayla Atkinson and Emilee Futrell (3 each), Anne Elliott Taylor, Bailey Hardison and Anna Reese Vick with 2 goals each. Gabbi Lyons and Anna Shaye Thompson had a total of 27 saves in the goal.

Gray brings home silver from Galaxy Shootout XIII - The Explosion Gray brought home the silver medal in the Galaxy Shootout XIII U9 girls division on May 26, 2009, in Hickory.

Wilson won its division then took on LNSC Strikers Glaswegians in the championship Sunday, a day after the teams battled to a 5-5 tie. After a scoreless first half in the final, Wilson fell 5-2.

Anna Grace Abrams led the Gray in scoring and assists with eight goals and three assists. Essence Canady and Mikayla Atkinson each had four goals while Canady made two assists.

Also, scoring a goal were Anne Elliott Taylor, Gabbi Lyons and Emilee Futrell. Reily Nelson made a pair of assists while Anna Shaye Thompson and Lyons each had one assist. Hannah Hendrix was sited for a solid offensive game and Bailey Hardison had a great defensive game.

WYSA Gray (U9) Finish 2nd in 2009 FVAA Presidential Classic (U10 G)- Red Division - February

Explosion Gray takes silver


The Wilson Youth Soccer Association Explosion Gray U9 girls Challenge team took the silver medal in the FVAA Presidential Classic U10 girls' division last weekend.

The WYSA Gray tied for first place with the FVAA Dynamo and were awarded the silver medal based on bonus points. The Explosion Gray finished the weekend with 3 wins and one tie.

The tournament site official, who was also the coach of the Dynamo, had very high praise for the Explosion girls during the award ceremony.

"The WYSA Gray girls are the best U9 team I have ever seen," he said. "That's saying a lot, because I have been around."

Essence was the top scorer with four goals and Anna Grace and Mikayla each had three goals and one assist. Other offensive performers were Emilee (2 goals), Anne Elliott (2 goals, 2 saves) and Bailey (2 assists).

Gabbi made 27 saves in goal while Olivia drew praise for her offensive play and Reily was saluted for her defensive play.

Finalist in Virginia Beach - Sun Cup August, 2008