Desperate Soccer Moms

As Director of Coaching for Carmel Valley Manchester Soccer Club, in San Diego, The Surf Cup is a BIG DEAL. Just being accepted is an honor. To win gives that team National exposure and credibility. Guaranteed acceptance requires success in State Cup or Nationals. Failing this a team must put together a strong argument, to convince the Tournament Selection Committee of their credentials and strength. Last year CVMSC had 5 teams accepted but this year only 2 of our teams earned a guaranteed invite. Our u12 girls team, coached by our talented Felicia Kappes reached the semi -final of CYSA Nationals, losing on penalties, for the second consecutive year in a heartbreaking thriller against Arsenal, the eventual winners.Our u10 boys, coached by my partner Billy Garton lost in the State Cup Final, 3-2 in the last second of a magical game.

Both of these teams had now secured their places in the Surf Cup for July 2009. My u12 boys team have played in the past 3 Surf Cups with great success-Winning in 2006, losing in2007 in the Final (both games against our good friends LAFC) and losing in the Quarter Final in 2008 in a Penalty Shoot -Out. However, with our loss in the last sixteen of Nationals, we left ourselves hoping for a sympathetic hearing on our application to the Surf Cup!

Why is this tournament so important to my Club?

1. Practically-the tournament is held only 5 minutes from our own home field-No hotels .No travel
2. An opportunity to play against many of the top Competitive teams in the USA
3. Magnificent fields-20-side by side
4. Impeccable organization
5. Fantastic weather
6. Great refereeing (Honestly!!)
7. Great food and entertainment

As the Decision Day grew closer my parents, players and myself became more tense by the day. We had made our case, showing our many Tournament successes during the past season, whilst emphasizing our great results in the past 3 Surf Cup Tournaments. A negative response would cast an early cloud over our early season preparations,  especially as we had added 4 great new players to last seasons team, including a National Level goalkeeper, 11years old and 5 foot 7inches tall!!!

Finally, the call came. We were IN!! For the first time in 30 years the Surf Cup had accepted 20 teams in one age group, due to the quality of the teams applying. We had made it -Barely.

With 6 weeks to go we are now in full training mode, to prepare for what will surely be a World Class U13 battle between Americas Finest.

I will let you know how all three of our teams do in my favorite Tournament.

If you have any comments or questions on the Surf Cup feel free to send them to me on my Web -Site  http://www.DesperateSoccerMoms.com

Best wishes
JeffIllingworth
Author of Desperate Soccer Moms (and Dads)