Score Atlanta Vol. 10 Issue 15

Time to look great!

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 |

APRIL 18-24, 2014

|

YOUR SOURCE FOR SPORTS IN GEORGIA

SPORTS CAMP GUIDE 2014

SUMMER IN THE CITY Check out our special camp guide section

MLS to ATL | Pg. 3 Bigtime professional soccer is headed to our city

Presented by

The Atlanta Hawks provide the ultimate summer camp experience for the youth of Georgia. All participants receive professional instruction from qualified coaches

in a fun environment. Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camps offer players of ALL skill levels the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from the pros.

SUMMER CAMP DATES, LOCATIONS & DETAILS

REGISTER TODAY AT HAWKS.COM/HAWKSCAMPS DATE June 2-6 June 9-12

LOCATIONS

TIME

FEE

PARTICIPANTS

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Dunwoody, GA)*

9:00am-4:00pm

TBA

Boys and Girls (ages 6-14)

Davis Academy (Dunwoody, GA)

9:00am-4:00pm

$250

Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

June 16-19

Suwanee Sports Academy (Cobb, GA)

9:00am-4:00pm

$250

Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

June 23-26

Suwanee Sports Academy (Suwanee, GA)

9:00am-4:00pm

$250

Boys and Girls (ages 7-14)

July 14-18

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (Dunwoody, GA)*

9:00am-4:00pm

TBA

Boys and Girls (ages 6-14)

July 21-24

JP Mosely Recreation Center (Stockbridge, GA)

9:00am-4:00pm

$250

Boys Only (ages 7-14)

* For tuition and registration info please contact the MJCCA at: (678) 812-4004 or email: camps@atlantajcc.org

ATLANTA HAWKS MEMBERS RECEIVE A

20%

DISCOUNT ON TUITION

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

HAWKS.COM

Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014 us who are engaged with the sport in North America.”

Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed revealed that he depended on Blank for much more than just owning sports teams. Reed joked that he has a “Bat-Phone” that goes straight to Blank whenever he has nowhere else to turn.

“When Atlanta has a need, when Atlanta has somebody that we need to lean on, when Atlanta needs help, the red phone in the mayor’s office goes to Arthur Blank- ‘Batman’,” said Reed with a laugh.

ON THE COVER

MLS ANNOUNCEMENT

BLANK, ENERGIZED CROWD WELCOME MLS TO ATLANTA

BY STEPHEN BLACK | SBLACK@SCOREATL.COM

rthur Blank has made yet another splash.

A At a gathering downtown Wednesday afternoon, Blank, MLS commissioner Don Gar-

ber and Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed arrived in a black helicopter before addressing a starstudded crowd to announce Atlanta’s entrance into the MLS. The team, the league’s 22nd franchise, will begin play in 2017.

“This is an exciting day for Atlanta, it’s an exciting day for the city, state and region,” said Blank. “It’s also an exciting day for our family of businesses. And for my family, most of which is gathered here in the first couple of rows.”

Blank’s family was a major reason why this more than 10-year project of bringing MLS soccer to the area was so important to him. His grandkids and his fiancé Angela’s children are heavily involved in the sport. He and Angela actually met at one of their kids’ soccer games.

But Blank made it clear he wanted to start a team in Atlanta for the fans as well, and that they would be a big part of shaping the framework and personality of the new franchise.

“We will do everything we can to focus on the fans to make sure we create the right atmosphere to make sure that, technically, we have the best players (and) the best coaches,” Blank stated.

The Falcons owner mentioned that the color scheme would likely be red and black with some gold mixed in, but that the team logo and nickname would be chosen by the fans.

Blank was adamant that winning is of the utmost importance to his new team.

“We want to put a winning team on the field,” he said. “We understand that in all sports, winning and losing does matter and we want to win. You’ve got my commitment to do that.”

“I promise you, whatever resource it’s going to take, not only on the field but off the field, you have that commitment from me,” he said.

SUPER-HERO STATUS …

There was a consistent theme throughout the press conference regardless of who was speaking: the utmost respect everyone seemed to have for Blank and his drive to get an MLS team to the city of Atlanta. League commissioner Don Garber spoke about the many years he and Blank discussed the topic.

“I am so pleased to be here. After so many years of speaking with Arthur and the Falcons to welcoming Arthur and the city of Atlanta to Major League Soccer,” Garber said. “This is such a historic day for the city, for the sport, for the state of Georgia and, of course, all of

HOST WITH THE MOST …

There are a lot of factors the MLS looks at before awarding franchises to cities, including the potential owner(s). Garber had no doubts Atlanta has what it takes to host a franchise.

The new stadium was the cherry on top.

“We’ve always believed that the success of MLS would be driven by visionary, committed owners, world-class stadiums, bestin-class administrators and very ethnically diverse cities, and a very passionate group of folks like the groups we have here,” said Garber. “We have that and more here in the city of Atlanta.”

Garber also said that Atlanta had been considered for many years as a potential MLS city.

The rapid growth, diversity of population, history of hosting sports franchises and popularity of youth soccer in the area contributed to the MLS’s interest. But one of the main factors it took to finally close the deal was the Falcons’ new stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2017.

In March, the Georgia Dome hosted a Mexico-Nigeria “friendly” that drew nearly 70,000 fans. Blank, Garber and Reed each mentioned how impressive that turnout was for soccer in Atlanta. Garber said that while he doesn’t expect that kind of turnout for most MLS games, it does show signs of a soccermad city.

“I don’t think there’s a 100 percent link between international friendlies and MLS success, but we do cede every market prior to coming in (to the MLS) with international games and … if you can’t be successful in those games, you absolutely will not be successful at Major League Soccer.”

The stadium will host MLS games on its artificial surface with only the lower deck available to fans, an amount of around 29,000 seats. Blank made it a point to mention that the field would not have any lines from football games painted on it, signaling his commitment to treating the new MLS team with the same respect he gives his NFL franchise.

The importance of the announcement to the city could be measured by who showed up for the event. Current Falcon players Osi Umenyiora and Sean Weatherspoon were there as was former Falcon Alge Crumpler.

Former Hawk Dikembe Mutombo, who stands

5

more than seven-feet tall, was easy to spot in the crowd.

Atlanta Silverbacks manager and technical director Eric Wynalda, a U.S. men’s national Team legend, also was on hand to lend his support to the MLS in Atlanta. Alexi Lalas, another USMNT legend, was the M.C. of the press conference while CONCACAF, the world soccer region the United States is a member of, was represented by its president, Jeffrey Webb. Frank Poe, meanwhile, represented the Georgia World Congress Center.

The new team’s official supporter group, the Terminus Legion, was on hand rocking the building with drums and loud cheers including several that honored Blank. Team scarves and MLS soccer balls were handed out and a mini festival for fans took place across the street.

Blank became wistful towards the end of his speech, as he mentioned his family in the front two rows of the assembly. It was clear to all that Atlanta’s new MLS franchise is one of his proudest accomplishments and will be a top priority in the coming years.

Photos courtesy of Perry McIntyre, Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons and Michael Benford/Atlanta Falcons.

THEY’RE ALL INSPIRING. BUT ONLY ONE WILL BE COMEBACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. Help choose our Comeback Athlete of the Year. Visit choa.org/vote between May 1-15, 2014, to watch these 8 amazing stories and cast your vote.

©2014 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved. For official contest rules, visit choa.org/comeback.

Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014 SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

CAMPS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES GIVE PARENTS MULTIPLE OPTIONS

BY ROBERT TINTER | RTINTER@SCOREATL.COM

t might feel like yesterday that our streets were frozen, but summer is right around the Icorner.

We know how busy summer is for

parents, and we want to help. Summer camp provides children with the opportunity to stay active and meet new people. It also allows parents the ability to do what they need to do while their children are mastering new skills.

More than eight million children attend summer camps each year; why not make that number even larger?

If your child is interested in sports, you and your child are in luck. The Atlanta area is home to a large number of sports camps. Many camps are general sports camps, but the city is also home to sports specific camps. Whatever sports your child is passionate about, there is a camp for them!

SPORTS GALORE …

There are camps available for all sports that spark a child’s interest. Advantage Basketball camps are run by former college and professional coaches and players. The camps focus on developing proper shooting techniques and advanced ball handling skills. These camps are not easy and are perfect for a child

that truly wants to get better and learn the game of basketball. The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream offer fun and relaxed camp atmospheres. Talented and experienced coaches mix friendly competition with professional instruction to provide an unforgettable experience. The Nike Advanced basketball camp is for experienced and skilled basketball players.

Nike offers separate lacrosse camps for boys and girls. There is an eight-to-one camper-to-coach ratio that allows for exceptional detail-oriented instruction from college coaches. Xcelerate, intended for older and more experienced players, is an overnight lacrosse experience. Xcelerate develops skills for all positions and even offers special goalie assistance.

Those interested in golf can attend one of Nike’s full day, half day or week-long golf camps at Legacy Golf Links in Atlanta. Campers with an interest in multiple sports can get a taste of everything at Marist’s fun camp.

Sports-A-Rama also holds multi-sport day camps that are favorites in the East Cobb area.

Don’t let your children miss out on opportunities to develop physically and socially playing the sports they love!

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SCORE ATLANTA | www.ScoreAtl.com

WHICH CAMP IS BES ADVANTAGE BASKETBALL

There is finally a basketball camp out there that is designed to give serious athletes an advantage and it is coming to several convenient Atlanta locations. Athletes between the ages of 5 and 18 are encouraged to register. The camp will teach effective ball-handling skills and precision shooting to help give young athletes a competitive advantage and a boost of confidence. ABC understands sports are just as much about self-confidence and self-discipline as it is abilities. Professionals will be available to help in these critical areas by teaching skills that will build self-esteem and bring out each individual’s best.

KIDS & PROS

Kids & Pros teaches safe, non-contact instruction and life skills to campers ages 7-13. This nonprofit organization, launched in 2002 by former Atlanta Falcons Bobby Butler and Buddy Curry challenges experienced players, and introduces newcomers to the game of football. Over the last 12 years, Kids & Pros has shared its mission with more than 15,000 campers throughout the Southeast. Kids & Pros is an official LICENSED PARTNER OF HEADS UP FOOTBALL. For more information on Kids & Pros, Inc., please log on to www.kidsandpros.com, follow them on twitter @kidsandpros, or connect on Facebook at Kids & Pros, Inc.

MARIST

ATLANTA DREAM

Summer Hoops are back! And this year the Dream have two chances for youth friendly summer fun. Run with the Dream this summer at Kid’s Day on June 18th and Youth Sports Day on July 29th. Both games tip off at 12pm, but the fun starts well before then! Doors open at 10:30am so you and your entire group can enjoy our Kid’s Zone full of face painters, games, the chance to play your favorite sport and win tons of giveaways! Call now to learn more about the exciting on-court Fan Experiences. With all Lower Level tickets priced at $14, these games are sure to sell out! Call (877)9777729 or visit Atlantadream.net for tickets today.

ATLANTA HAWKS

The Atlanta Hawks provide the ultimate basketball camp experience for the youth of Georgia. All participants receive professional instruction from qualified coaches in a fun environment. Players of ALL skill levels are offered the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from the pros. Campers receive an official Hawks camp jersey, tshirt, headband, socks, travel bag and a free ticket to an NBA game during the 14-15 season. Daily prizes include Hawks merchandise, player autographs, game tickets and additional promotional items. Camp is open to boys and girls, ages 6-15, and the cost for a full week is $250.00. To register online visit www.hawks.com/hawkscamps

BLESSED TRINITY

Involvement in extracurricular activities is a great way to promote growth and maturity in children. Blessed Trinity understands the importance of being involved and provides a camp specifically designed for every type of sports and activities. From baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, sports medicine, tennis, volleyball, acting and musical theatre, campers can attend a camp at the Roswell campus tailor made to encourage the interests that draws a child to his or her favorite activity while expanding their skills.

At the Marist School, the summer is just getting into the heat of things. Marist knows the importance of the summer for young athletes looking to gain an advantage in their favorite sport. No matter the sports interest, Marist offers more than 11 summer camps for boys and girls and a variety of sessions that are sure to fit different schedules and athletic needs.

MERCER UNIVERSITY

The Bobby Lamb Football Camp presents multiple age and skill level football players the opportunity to learn from one of the best coaches in the NCAA and take their performance to the next level. Each camp is specifically geared to bring out the best in each participant in whichever position they are looking to improve.

Whether it be at Senior Elite Day Camp, QB/Receiver School, OLineman School, QB Middle School Camp, or Youth Skills Camp, Coach Bobby Lamb has a regiment that will benefit you. Camps are centered on teaching and individual performance with a focus on repetitions enhanced by lectures, video and film study. Camps are open to Individual participants as well as teams who send multiple players. Go to our website for more information and to register: www.bobbylambfootballcamp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=641

NIKE BASKETBALL

Nike Basketball Camps provide focused, intensive training that is essential to improvement for all skill levels. Every facet of the game is covered with an emphasis on fundamentals to help players become valuable team members. At each location, campers are broken into groups with other players of similar age, abilities and goals. Each camp staff does their best to advance players to the next level, keeping in consideration each camper’s experience and desire to improve. Our Georgia programs feature one overnight location and eleven day camp locations to get better this summer.

NIKE GOLF

Nike Golf Schools and Jr. Camps offer a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of each camper. Every facet of the game is covered during morning instruction and afternoon course play. Beginning, intermediate, high school and advanced players can immerse themselves in the sport for an entire week. Our camps are led by directors who are nationally recognized PGA/LPGA professionals and college coaches and are joined on staff by other teaching professionals, college assistant coaches, and former/current college players. Enroll in a Nike Jr. Golf Camp today and see why over 160,000 junior golfers have participated in what we believe are among the best junior programs in the country.

Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014

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ST FOR YOUR CHILD? NIKE BOYS & GIRLS LACROSSE

At the separate Nike Girls and Boys Lacrosse Camps at Berry College, the goal is to stimulate a love for the game by immersing each camper in the sport with the kind of focused, intensive training essential to improvement. Over the course of camp, your enthusiasm and self-confidence will grow along with your skills. As the sport strengthens in Georgia, this camp presents an incredible opportunity for youth and high school players to improve their skills on one of the most beautiful college campus in the country.

XCELERATE NIKE BOYS LACROSSE

Oglethorpe University is one of the newest members of Division 3 Men’s Lacrosse and Xcelerate Lacrosse is honored to be hosting the school’s high performance summer camp. Located just north of downtown Atlanta, and featuring a NEW Athletic Turf Field, the school is situated perfectly for players throughout the Southeast. From the easy access playing fields to the air conditioned dorms to the all-you-can eat dining hall, campers will get a true taste of college life. The playing talent is rich in Georgia and the Southeast and our coaches can’t wait to help campers reach a new level of play.

XCELERATE NIKE GIRLS LACROSSE

Located just north of downtown Atlanta, and featuring a NEW Athletic Turf Field, Oglethorpe University is situated perfectly for players throughout the Southeast. Come join us in 2014 for a fun filled week of lacrosse. From the easy access playing fields to the air conditioned dorms to the all-you-can eat dining hall, campers will get a true taste of college life. The playing talent is rich in Georgia and the Southeast and our coaches can’t wait to help campers reach a new level of play.

OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY

Oglethorpe University is hosting 3, 4 and 5-day volleyball summer camps that will be targeting skills needed to be the best volleyball player possible. Registration is online but walk-ups are invited (no t-shirt is included). Athletes can choose from four sessions starting on June 11 and ending July 16. The option for overnight camp will be available for only one of the sessions. July 16-19 camp will be reserved for high school team camp.

PLAY-BY-PLAY SPORTS BROADCASTING

Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camps realizes the growing desire of youth and teens aspiring to work in sports broadcasting. As a result, camps are designed for ages 10-18. There is no better time than now to experience such an opportunity that can jumpstart a career in sports broadcasting. Register today. Play By Play will be at Emory University (Atlanta) from July 14-18. Campers can choose between day ($575) and overnight camps ($1195).

SPORTS-A-RAMA

Located at the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Lower Roswell Road , Sports-A-Rama is the one-stop shop for all sporting activities. No matter your preference, Sports-A-Rama has what you need. School will soon be out for summer and parents will soon be out of things for their kids to do. Not if you hurry and sign them up for the Sports-A-Rama multi-sport camp starting May 27. Give your kids the summer experience that is not a waste of their time or yours. Pre-register by calling (770) 977-9789.

TOP NOTCH TRAINING

Top Notch Training center, located in Peachtree Corners is helping gymnasts raise their skill levels a notch. Top Notch offers gymnastics training suited to meet each individual’s goal. Regardless of aspirations, gymnasts will receive the best instructions from coaches who have experience at all levels. So, no matter if you are in preschool, elementary, middle or high school, Top Notch has just what you need to excel.

TGA PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF

Join TGA of Gwinnett County for a summer of fun at Peachtree Golf Center! TGA Premier Junior Golf Camps offer an unforgettable experience for your child by combining expert instruction, daily course play and exciting activities that keep them active all day. With a low camper to instructor ratio and group pairings by age and skill, TGA camps provide ample individual attention and proper instruction for your child.

All golf camps feature full swing, short game & putting instruction, rules, etiquette and scoring lessons. Each day features fun games, contests and golf history. No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome. Open to girls and boys 5-13. Youth equipment can be provided or available for purchase. Sibling and multi-week discounts available. Weekly sessions from June 2nd – August 1st with the option of 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (includes daily course play). To register online visit www.playtga.com/GwinnettCounty/Registration.aspx

TGA PREMIER YOUTH TENNIS

Join TGA of Gwinnett County for a summer of fun at Hudlow Tennis Center! TGA Premier Youth Tennis Camps offer an unforgettable experience for your child by combining expert instruction, daily matches and exciting activities that keep them active all day.

With a low camper to instructor ratio and group pairings by age and skill, TGA camps provide ample individual attention and proper instruction for your child. All tennis camps feature racquet & rally skill instruction, rules, etiquette and scoring lessons. Each day features fun games, contests and challenge matches. No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome. Open to girls and boys 5-13. Youth equipment can be provided or available for purchase.

Sibling and multi-week discounts available. Scholarships are also available based on need. Sessions will run June 9 – 13, June 23 – 27, July 7 – 11 and July 14 – 18 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. To register online visit www.playtga.com/GwinnettCounty/Registration.aspx

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SCORE ATLANTA | www.ScoreAtl.com

Day Camps: Alpharetta St. Francis High School Kings Ridge Christian School Atlanta Sandy Springs Cumming Piney Grove Middle School

Lawrenceville Creekland Middle School Marietta Marietta High School Kell High School Norcross Greater Atlanta Christian School

Peachtree City Kedron Fieldhouse Roswell Blessed Trinity High School Smyrna Smyrna Community Center

Overnight Camps: Mount Berry Berry College

To register or for more information:

1-800-NIKE CAMP

USSportsCamps.com/basketball

All Rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license.

Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

facebook.com/usscbasketball twitter.com/usscbasketball

NIKE TENNIS CAMPS SERIOUS. FUN.

JUNIOR OVERNIGHT AND DAY CAMPS Boys & Girls | Ages 6-18

ALABAMA

NORTH CAROLINA

FLORIDA

University of Alabama

Duke University Wake Forest University

Rollins College Ocean Reef Club Tournament Tough at Ocean Reef Club University of Tampa University of West Florida

GEORGIA Emory University

SOUTH CAROLINA Furman University Charleston

MISSISSIPPI University of Southern Mississippi

LOUISIANA Southeastern Louisiana University

USSportsCamps.com 1-800-NIKE CAMP (1-800-645-3226) All Rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license.Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014

GA Berry College GA Oglethorpe Univ.

July 14-17 June 29-July 2

GA Berry College GA Oglethorpe Univ.

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July 21-24 June 29-July 2

1-800-NIKE CAMP USSPORTSCAMPS.COM Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps. Nike and the Swoosh Design are trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its afďŹ liates and are used under license.

Overnight Camps: Berry College, Rome, GA Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA Samford University, Birmingham, AL Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC Rollins College, Orlando, FL

Day Camps: Legacy Golf Links, Smyrna, GA Royal Lakes Golf Club, Flowery Branch, GA

1-800-NIKE CAMP USSPORTSCAMPS.COM follow @NikeJrGolfCamps All rights reserved. NIKE GOLF, the Swoosh Design and the Nike Golf Logo are trademarks of NIKE, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license. NIKE is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

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SCORE ATLANTA | www.ScoreAtl.com

SUMMER CAMPS

SPORT

COACH

LOCATION

DATES

Baseball

Mike Stickland

Advance Skills (Marist)

June 16 - June 20

Baseball

Mike Strickland

Marist

July 7 - July 11

Boys & Girls, Ages 5-12

Baseball

Dan Perez

Chastain Park

June 2 - June 6 | June 16 - June 20

Boys & Girls, Ages 5-12

Baseball

Dan Perez

Murphey Chandler Park

June 9 - June 13 | June 23 - June 27

Boys & Girls, Ages 5-12

Basketball (boys)

Greg McClaire

Marist

June 16 - June 20

Boys, Ages 7-15

Basketball (girls)

Kim Hixon

Marist

June 2 - June 6 | June 9 - June 13

Girls, Ages 6-15

Cheerleading

Elizabethe Dete & Trisha Urrea

Marist

June 9 - June 13 | June 16 - June 20

Girls, Ages 5-12

Football

Alan Chadwick

Marist

June 2 - June 6 | June 9 - June 13

Lacrosse (boys)

Scott Mandy

Marist

June 16 - June 20 (After-Camp Care Available)

Boys, Ages 6-14

Lacrosse (girls)

Naitnaphit Limlamai

Marist

June 15 - June 19 (After-Camp Care Available)

Girls, Ages 6-14

Soccer (boys and girls)

Brendan Murphey

Marist

June 22 - June 26

Distance Running

Eric Heintz

Swimming

Terry Blish

Marist Aquatic Center

June 2 - June 6

Boys & Girls, Ages 7-17

Diving

Terry Blish

Marist Aquatic Center

June 2 - June 6 | June 9 - June 13

Boys & Girls, Ages 6-17

All Summer

INFORMATION

Boys, Ages 9-16

Boys 7-15

Rising 2nd-9th Grade Boys & Girls, Ages 10-18

For additional information, online and registration forms, go to the NEW Summer Camps Website | www.maristsummercamps.com

Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014

GETTING TO KNOW THE MLS

BY STEPHEN BLACK, RICKY DIMON, BRIAN JONES AND CRAIG SAGER II

ATLANTA (NAME TO BE DETERMINED)

A

fter a campaign led by Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank, Atlanta will become host to Major League Soccer’s 22nd franchise.

It will begin play in 2017, coinciding with the opening of a new $1.2 billion multi-sport stadium in downtown Atlanta. Already playing in the city are the Atlanta Silverbacks, who are in the North American Soccer League. The Atlanta Beat made an appearance in the now-defunct Women’s United Soccer Association from 2001 to 2003 and finished runner-up twice. A different Atlanta Beat franchise played in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer league in 2010 and 2011.

N

ew York City FC was announced on May 21 of last year as Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise. It will begin play in 2015 and will be hosted by Yankee Stadium, at least until a proposed venue in the Bronx is built adjacent to the stadium no earlier than 2018. The rights to this franchise were purchased by Manchester City, one of the richest clubs in the revered English Premier League, for $100 million. Claudio Reyna is the franchise’s director of football operations. The American midfielder played for both Manchester City and the New York Red Bulls during his career. The Red Bulls are a MLS club based in Harrison, N.Y.

T

he Seattle Sounders are best known for having by far the most rabid fan-base in Major League Soccer. They have led the league in attendance since its expansion year in 2009.

Last season, Seattle boasted an average attendance of 44,038.

No other club averaged more than 22,152 fans per match. Eddie Johnson led the Sounders in goals in each of the past two seasons before joining D.C. United for the 2014 campaign. U.S. men’s national team star Clint Dempsey is in his second season in Seattle. The Sounders have posted winning records in all five years of their existence, but have never reached the MLS Cup.

O

rlando City SC currently plays in the USL Professional Division. The Lions were announced in November of 2013 as Major League Soccer’s 21st franchise and they are set to begin MLS play in 2015 alongside New York City FC. The franchise was originally founded in 2008 and was based in Austin, Texas before relocating to Orlando in the fall of 2010. With Orlando’s move to MLS, Florida will have a team in the United States’ most heralded league for the first time since 2001, when the Miami Fusion and the Tampa Bay Mutiny folded. Head coach Adrian Heath’s playing career included stints with Everton and Manchester City.

J

ohn Hackworth, who took over the club in 2012, leads Philadelphia in its fifth season. Hackworth previously served as head coach of the United States U-17 men’s national soccer team as well as an assistant on the national team. Union won a record 12 games last season and was led in scoring by Tennessee-native Jack McInerney’s 12 goals. McInerney was traded to Montreal for Duke-alum Andrew Wenger before this season. Sébastien Le Toux, who led Union in scoring from 2010-11, rejoined the team in 2013 after spells in New York and Vancouver. Union plays at soccer-specific PPL Park along the Delaware River.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY LOCATION: Kansas City, Kan. STADIUM: Sporting Park FOUNDED: 1995 COACH: Peter Vermes

S

porting Kansas City is one of the 10 original MLS teams. The club claimed the 2013 MLS Cup in a shootout over Real Salt Lake. The club has won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Cup twice (2004, 2012) and took home its first MLS cup in 2000 after a win over Chicago. Matt Besler, a mainstay on the United States men’s national team, leads Sporting Kansas City’s defense. Midfielder Graham Zusi, who led Maryland to NCAA national titles in 2005 and 2008, paced the MLS in assists in 2012 with a league-high 15. Zusi also scored the equalizer in stoppage time during the United States’ 2-2 tie with Panama in a 2014 World Cup qualifier (Oct. 15, 2013).

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

A

LOCATION: Vancouver, B.C. STADIUM: BC Place FOUNDED: 2009 COACH: Carl Robinson

lthough they have never posted a winning record in three Major League Soccer seasons, the Vancouver Whitecaps have improved with each year. Their 13-12-9 mark in 2013 gave them 48 points, five more than their 2012 total and 20 more than in 2011. Among Vancouver’s notable players is captain Jay DeMerit, a defender who started all four matches in the 2010 World Cup for the U.S. men’s national team. Camilo Sanvezzo, a Brazilian who now plays in the highest Mexican soccer league, led Vancouver in goals in two of his three seasons there (2011 and 2013). NBA star Steve Nash is a minority owner.

ORLANDO CITY SC LOCATION: Orlando, Fla. STADIUM: Florida Citrus Bowl FOUNDED: 2013 COACH: Adrian Heath

LOCATION: Chester, Pa. STADIUM: PPL Park FOUNDED: 2008 COACH: John Hackworth

LOCATION: Seattle, Wash.

STADIUM: CenturyLink Field FOUNDED: 2007 COACH: Sigi Schmid

NEW YORK CITY FC LOCATION: New York, N.Y. STADIUM: Yankee FOUNDED: 2013 COACH: Jason Kreis

PHILADELPHIA UNION

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

LOCATION: Atlanta, Ga. STADIUM: TBD FOUNDED: 2014 HEAD COACH: TBD

TORONTO FC

T

T

he Red Bulls, known as the MetroStars until 2006, have been competing in the MLS since its beginning. The club won the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, the award given to the club with the best regular-season record (17-9-8). Mike Petke, who was drafted by the MetroStars in 1998, took over as Red Bulls head coach in 2013. Petke is the franchise record holder for most games played (169). Georgia-native Clint Mathis (Heritage-Conyers High School) broke an MLS record while on the MetroStars with five goals in one game. French striker Thierry Henry, one of the biggest names in MLS history, stars on the current roster.

LOCATION: Toronto, Ont. STADIUM: BMO Field FOUNDED: 2006 COACH: Ryan Nelson

oronto became the first Canadian MLS team during the 2007 expansion. The club won four consecutive Canadian Championships from 2009-2012 and reached the semifinals of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League. Dwayne De Rosario is the all-time leading scorer for the Canadian national team and currently stars for Toronto FC. De Rosario won Canadian Player of the Year four times and was named the 2011 MLS MVP. During his MVP season, De Rosario recorded his first hat trick with each goal coming short-handed and set an MLS record later in the season with a hat trick that took just nine minutes.

NEW YORK RED BULLS

LOCATION: Harrison, N.J. STADIUM: Red Bull Arena FOUNDED: 1995 COACH: Mike Petke

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CLUB DEPORTIVO CHIVAS USA

C

LOCATION: Carson, Calif.

STADIUM: StubHub Center FOUNDED: 2004 COACH: Wilmer Cabrera

hivas USA entered the league in 2004 playing the role of “little brother” to its parent club, C.D. Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most popular teams. Chivas USA shares StubHub Center with the rival Los Angeles Galaxy, but could go a new direction. The MLS purchased the club in 2014 and is in the works to sell to a new owner that could rebrand it for 2015. Chivas reached the conference semifinals four straight seasons (20062009), but has failed to qualify for the postseason since. Erick Torres Padilla leads the current roster. The Guadalajara-native scored 12 goals in his first 21 appearances with the team.

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COLORADO RAPIDS

REAL SALT LAKE

C

olorado has been a part of the MLS since its inception. The Rapids won the 2010 MLS Cup by topping FC Dallas 2-1 in the 2010 finals to give the club its first major trophy. Colorado used to share Mile High Stadium with the Denver Broncos before moving into the $131 million soccer-specific Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (located eight miles north of Denver) in 2007. Firsttime head coach Pablo Mastroeni retired after a 18-year playing career in 2013 and jumped straight into coaching. Jamaicanborn forward and UCF-alum Deshorn Brown led the team in scoring last season with 10 goals at just 22-years old.

B

eing one of two expansion teams in 2004, Real Salt Lake began playing in 2005 and has seen some success. The club won the MLS Cup in 2009 and was runner-up in 2013. Real Salt Lake was also runner-up in the CONCACAF Champions League (2010-2011) and the U.S. Open Cup (2013). One of the most recognizable players in team history is Jason Kreis, who is currently the head coach of New York City FC. From 2005-2007, he scored 17 goals in 58 appearances. Real is currently led by Kyle Beckerman, who has been the team captain since 2008. Beckerman is a five-time all star and has appeared in 379 MLS games.

FC DALLAS

C Dallas is one of the 10 charter clubs in MLS. When the organization was founded in 1996, it was originally called the Dallas Burn. The name changed to Dallas FC in 2005. Dallas has never won the MLS Cup, but it did reach the finals in 2010. One of the club’s most famous players was Carlos Ruiz, who played for FC Dallas from 2005-2007 and is one of the Top 10 scorers in MLS history. This year, the team is led by new head coach Oscar Pareja and is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2013 season. Blas Perez, the team’s leading scorer in 2012 and 2013, will be a key in this year’s possible turnaround. Michel Garbini-Pereira will also be a key player.

T

he Galaxy are one of the 10 charter members of Major League Soccer and they are also one of the most decorated clubs.

They have won four MLS Cups (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012) and are also one of two MLS teams to win the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. The Galaxy made headlines in 2007 when they signed David Beckham from Real Madrid. He was with the team until 2012 after scoring 18 goals in 98 appearances. Head coach Bruce Arena has been with the Galaxy since 2008 and his team is looking to bounce back after losing in the conference semifinals last year.

They will be lead by Landon Donovan and Captain Robbie Keane.

T

he Earthquakes are one of the 10 charter members of the MLS. They took part in the first game in MLS history when they defeated D.C. United 1-0 in 1996. Since their inception, they have won two MLS Cup titles and two Supporters’ Shields. The most notable former player for the Earthquakes is Landon Donovan. During his time in San Jose, Donovan scored 32 goals and had 29 assists in four years. Now, the top player for the Earthquakes if Chris Wondolowski. He led league in scoring in 2012 and scored 11 goals last season. He is a two-time MLS Golden Boot Winner and won the Major League Soccer MVP award in 2012.

T

he Portland Timbers were the 18th franchise to join the MLS. But they are the fourth Portland team to share the legacy of the name “Timbers”, which first originated in the North American Soccer League in 1975. The Timbers started playing in 2011 and struggled their first two years when they finished 12th overall in 2011 and 17th overall in 2012. But things changed in 2013 when they won 14 of their 34 games and reached the conference finals.

The Timbers are led by midfielder Diego Valeri, who also plays for the Argentina national team. He scored seven goals last year and was named MLS Newcomer of the Year.

C United is arguably the most successful franchise in the MLS in on-field success. United has won the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield four times each (tied with LA for most in the league) and the U.S. Open Cup three times. It also claims a league-best 13 total championships. Bolivian Jaime Moreno leads United in most offensive categories and was the first player in the MLS to total more than 100 goals and assists. United plays in the heart of the nation’s capital, at venerable RFK Stadium, but has looked into building a soccer-only facility. United competes for the Atlantic Cup against the rival New York Red Bulls.

HOUSTON DYNAMO LOCATION: Houston, Texas STADIUM: BBVA Compass FOUNDED: 2005 COACH: Dominic Kinnear

H

ouston enjoyed immediate success in its first two seasons when it won the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups. The players and coaches on those teams came almost entirely from San Jose, which had been put on hiatus. A consistently successful franchise, the Dynamo has played in the Western Conference finals six times and won it on four occasions in its eight seasons. MLS co-founder Philip Anschutz owns the team and boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya is one of the team’s part owners.

The Dynamos biggest rival is FC Dallas, who they play annually in the Texas Derby. Houston leads this series 9-4-7.

CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER CLUB

T

LOCATION: Bridgeview, Ill. STADIUM: Toyota Park FOUNDED: 1997 COACH: Frank Yallop

he Fire is named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a landmark event in city history. Chicago won what is known as “the double” by taking the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in 1998, its first season in the league. The Fire went on to win the U.S. Open Cup in 2000, 2003 and 2006 and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2003. Originally based at Soldier Field, the Fire moved to Toyota Park in 2006. Official club colors are red and white, but the Fire has used black and blue prominently on its uniforms. After making the conference finals four times in five years from 2005-2009, the Fire has not been back since.

PORTLAND TIMBERS LOCATION: Portland, Ore. STADIUM: Providence Park FOUNDED: 2009 HEAD COACH: Caleb Porter

D

LOCATION: Santa Clara, Calif.

STADIUM: Buck Shaw Stadium FOUNDED: 1996 HEAD COACH: Mark Watson

LA GALAXY

LOCATION: Carson, Calif.

STADIUM: StubHub Center FOUNDED: 1996 HEAD COACH: Bruce Arena

LOCATION: Washington D.C. STADIUM: RFK FOUNDED: 1995 COACH: Ben Olsen

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

LOCATION: Frisco, Texas STADIUM: Toyota Stadium FOUNDED: 1996 HEAD COACH: Oscar Pareja

F

DC UNITED

LOCATION: Sandy, Utah STADIUM: Rio Tinto Stadium FOUNDED: 2005 HEAD COACH: Jeff Cassar

LOCATION: Commerce City, Colo.

STADIUM: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park FOUNDED: 1996 COACH: Pablo Mastroeni

MONTREAL IMPACT

T

he Impact’s first season was in 2012 after becoming the league’s third Canadian side. Montreal’s biggest rival in the MLS is Toronto FC. The Impact has one of the most nationallydiverse clubs in the MLS, with players from 11 different nations.

Montreal won the Canadian Championship last year, a competition between the Impact, Toronto, Vancouver Whitecaps and NASL franchises Edmonton and Ottawa. The Impact’s stadium is named after owner Joey Saputo, a Canadian dairy mogul. Head coach and director of player personnel Frank Klopas is a native of Greece, but played for the USMNT.

COLUMBUS CREW

O

LOCATION: Columbus, Ohio STADIUM: Columbus Crew FOUNDED: 1994 COACH: Gregg Berhalter

ne of the league’s founding franchises, the Crew won the first overall pick in the first MLS draft. With that pick in the 1996 draft, the Crew selected U.S. men’s national team star Brian McBride. Columbus had to wait until 2002 before it won its first major trophy, the U.S. Open Cup. Since then, it has won the 2004, 2008 and 2009 Supporters’ Shields and the 2008 MLS Cup. American Jeff Cunningham is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 64 goals. Former USMNT player Gregg Berhalter is in his first season as the team’s head coach. The club’s biggest rival is its closest geographic neighbor, the Chicago Fire.

LOCATION: Montreal, Quebec STADIUM: Saputo FOUNDED: 2010 COACH: Frank Klopas

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

T

LOCATION: Foxborough, Mass.

STADIUM: Gillette FOUNDED: 1995 COACH: Jay Heaps

he Revolution are one of the original 10 MLS franchises. The team’s nickname comes from the region’s strong influence on the American Revolution. In fact, the New England supporter group “Midnight Riders” got its name from Revolutionary War heroes Paul Revere and William Dawes. Current head coach Jay Heaps, a native of nearby Nashua, N.H., played with New England for nine seasons. The Revs have been to the MLS Cup final three times, but have yet to take the trophy home. They also have never won the Supporters’ Shield. However, New England won the U.S. Open Cup in 2007 and the North American SuperLiga in 2008.

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Join us this summer for

FOOTBALL CAMPS

For the past 12 years, Kids & Pros has been teaching football instruction and life skills to campers across the Southeast.

TGA of Gwinnett Golf & Tennis Summer Camps Girls & Boys ages 5-13, All Skill Levels Weekly Sessions June 2 - August 1

Peachtree Golf Center 9:00am - 11:30am or 9:00am-3:00pm w/ daily course play

COMING TO A FIELD NEAR YOU!* JUNE • Alpharetta • Cumming • Atlanta • Rome • Warner Robins JULY • Dalton • Chattanooga • Atlanta *Please check the website for up-to-date listings

To register online visit www.PlayTGA.com/GwinnettCounty For questions email tdavis@playtga.com or call 404-855-1090

Kids & Pros Executive Director and USA Football Master Trainer Buddy Curry and the Kids & Pros Camp Staff, comprised of former NFL players, teach safe HEADS UP FOOTBALLSM tackling techniques and position fundamentals, along with character-based lessons at 1-day clinics and 3-day camps for athletes ages 7-13.

KIDS & PROS OFFERS THE FOLLOWING: • Football Camps and Clinics • Parent Information Sessions • Coaches Clinics • Life Skills Coaching A special thank you to the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and to our local market sponsors for their support. Check out the Kids & Pros Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @kidsandpros to keep up to date.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US AT:

KIDSANDPROS.COM

June 9 - 13, June 23 - 27, July 7 - 11, July 14 - 18

Developing Character and Skills Through Athletics!

Hudlow Tennis Center Scholarships based on need 9:00-12:00pm racquet & rally skill instruction

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Vol. 10 Iss. 15 Special Edition | April 18-24, 2014

TAKE YOUR SUMMER TO NEW HEIGHTS AT SKY ZONE’S SKY CAMP! THE SUMMER CAMP THAT COMBINES HEALTHY EXERCISE WITH AWESOME FUN! Activities include: • Open trampoline jumping on Sky Zone courts • 3-D Dodgeball and ageappropriate SkyFitness • Games, activities & crafts • Daily snack & beverage

SIBLING DISCOUNDT !

PROVIDE

Visit our website for dates and times. Space is limited!

Contact your nearest location to reserve your spot.

SKY ZONE KENNESAW

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678-426-4400 skyzone.com/kennesaw

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Overnight Camps: Mount Berry, GA Berry College Statesboro, GA Georgia Southern University Birmingham, AL Samford University Charleston, SC Charleston Southern University

Day Camps: Alpharetta St. Francis High School Kings Ridge Christian School Atlanta Sandy Springs Cumming Piney Grove Middle School Lawrenceville Creekland Middle School Marietta Marietta High School Kell High School

Orlando, FL Rollins College

Day Camps: Smyrna, GA Legacy Golf Links Flowery Branch, GA Royal Lakes Golf Club

Norcross Greater Atlanta Christian School Peachtree City Kedron Fieldhouse Roswell Blessed Trinity High School Smyrna Smyrna Community Center

Overnight Camps: Mount Berry Berry College

Emory University – Atlanta, GA Junior Overnight and Day Camps Boys & Girls | Ages 9-17 Junior Day and Half Day Camps Boys & Girls | Ages 5-17 All Skill Levels | Tournament Training | High School Directed By: Emory Head Men’s Tennis Coach, John Browning

Berry College Boys: July 14-17 Berry College Girls: July 21-24 Oglethorpe University Boys & Girls: June 29 – July 2

1-800-NIKE CAMP USSPORTSCAMPS.COM All rights reserved. NIKE and The Swoosh Design are trademarks of NIKE, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license.

NIKE is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.