Maine's Soccer Landscape Continues to Change
Soccer
- Premier
May 11, 2010
The merger between the
two power houses continues to change the premier
soccer landscape less than two months after two
other soccer power houses; Seacoast Maine and
Odyssey Sport merged.
Portland ME: MPS
Portland Phoenix and Maine Coast United Soccer Club
will come together and create a new Premier Program
called the MCU Portland Phoenix beginning in the
fall of 2010.
MCU, founded in 1995,
boast a proud record of thirty-seven State
Championships and seven All Americans. Founded in
2009, MPS Portland Phoenix is a sister organisation
to Massachusetts Premier Soccer, which is the
biggest club in New England with over 2000 players.
The Phoenix quickly established a reputation for
professionalism and quality, offering programs for
elite players of all ages. The club also had instant
success on the field with two teams qualifying for
Super Y National Finals in the club’s inaugural
year.
Pooling together the
resources of both clubs will create a comprehensive
program for ambitious young players, offering a
year-round club with a unique player development
structure which builds to the Phoenix PDL team.
Phoenix
General Manager and PDL Head Coach Paul Baber said:
“MCU has already established itself as the leading
soccer club in Portland and the surrounding areas.
Working together makes absolute sense as we work to
create better opportunities for local players to
progress to college soccer and beyond.”
His
thoughts were echoed by MCU Club President Todd
Whitcomb: “MPS has a full time office and full time
coaching staff which will add to our club’s
resources. We are excited about the new curriculum
and the additional opportunities that we will now be
able to offer.”
Benefits
for players will include:
- A
unique and comprehensive player pathway. You can
stay with the club from the age of five right
through to college and beyond.
- A new
curriculum and access to staff on a full time basis.
- Being
an Adidas club offers access to some of the
countries most prestigious showcases.
- Access
to the MPS College Showcase events through
association with Massachusetts Premier Soccer.
- All
players will be given the option to play in the USL
Super Y League throughout the summer. The only club
in Maine who play in the Super Y League.
MCU
Coaching Director David Halligan commented: "The new
entity will continue to have a commitment to
developing relationships with the local soccer
community. High quality player and coach education
will be delivered to towns in their own back yard,
nurturing talent and providing extra opportunities."
MCU
Portland Phoenix will be hosting an informational
presentation for all players and families, detailing
the club’s vision for season 2010/11. This will take
place in early June. Try-outs for MCU Portland
Phoenix will take place in July. for more details
contact Ally Bain at
abain@mainepremiersoccer.com. Dates and
locations will be announced shortly on this website.
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