2025 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
Central Boys Teams are invited to an exceptional evening on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 6:00-9:30 pm (doors open at 5:30), as we host our annual Boys Banquet at Somerset Inn in Troy. This event celebrates our male athletes and provide special recognition to our seniors.
This year’s gathering is open to all 2012-2007/06 / U13-U19 male players. Seating is limited, allowing each player to bring one parent/guardian, while seniors may bring two parents/guardians.
Attire for the evening is semi-formal (e.g., suits, ties). The doors open at 5:30, with dinner served at 6:00 pm as a plated meal, followed by a guest speaker, player awards and team recognition. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction.
Tickets are priced at $45 per person. Register for the event using the link below, with the RSVP deadline set for Wednesday, May 7.
Additionally, we have a few requests:
– Raffle and Silent Auction Items: Each team is requested to contribute a raffle or silent auction item or a basket of items. These prizes are always a hit with the girls.
– Player Photos: Submit one high-quality photo of your son from the season (individual or group) for the slideshow. Email photos to photos@lfcmi.com and include your team and player name in the subject. (Please do not email photos to club administrator Karen Parker.) An email will be sent to confirm receipt of photos. The deadline for photo submissions is Friday, May 16.
– Volunteers: Parents willing to assist with room setup on the day of the event are needed. If you are available to help, please contact Jenn Perkins.
We encourage you to attend this event and kindly consider supporting it with your time and talents to ensure a memorable night for our boys.
Jennifer Perkins
perkins@lfcmi.com
2024 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
MAY 22, 2024
On Wednesday, May 22nd, the Central 2011-2006 Boys Banquet was held at the Somerset Inn in Troy. The event was a joyful gathering that brought players and parents together to celebrate the 2023/24 season.
Following a sit-down dinner, attendees were inspired by guest speaker Justin Meram. Justin shared his journey from growing up in Michigan, through high school, Division 1 college soccer, and into his professional career. Despite numerous roadblocks, he worked tirelessly to achieve his goals. Justin has an impressive playing history, having played soccer in Arizona, at the University of Michigan, and professionally for Columbus Crew, Orlando City FC, Atlanta United FC, Real Salt Lake, Charlotte FC, and currently Michigan Stars. He also played for the Iraq National Team for more than eight years. His message of hard work, perseverance, and mental toughness resonated with all the boys present.
The banquet also spotlighted each team’s accomplishments during the season. Coaches took the stage to summarize their team’s journey and present two prestigious awards: the “Players’ Player Award” and the “Coaches’ Player Award.” These awards recognized individuals who demonstrated exceptional performance, teamwork, and dedication throughout the season, highlighting their impact on the team’s success.
As part of the banquet’s cherished traditions, two deserving seniors were honored with scholarships. Carlos Escoto received the Dan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship, while Beck Peters was awarded the Servant Leadership Scholarship presented by Big Boy. Both scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, will undoubtedly support the recipients in their pursuit of higher education.
Overall, the Central 2011-2006 Boys Banquet was a remarkable event that fostered camaraderie, celebrated achievements, and created lasting memories for all attendees.
Photo credit: David Veillette
2023 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
may 25, 2023
On Thursday, May 25th, the Central 2010-2005 Boys Banquet took place at the Somerset Inn in Troy. The event was a joyful gathering that brought players and parents together to celebrate the 2022/23 season.
Following a sit-down dinner, attendees were treated to a speech by senior Josh Copeland, a prominent member of the 2005/04 E64 Boys team and a dedicated member of the club since 2019. Josh shared his appreciation for the staff members and teammates who have had an impact on him as well as valuable insights from his playing career to date, leaving a lasting impact on the players and parents present.
One of the highlights of the evening was the heartfelt recognition of the senior class. Each senior was honored, and memories of their time with the club and their cherished teammates were shared, evoking nostalgia and appreciation for their contributions. It was a fitting tribute to their dedication and commitment over the years.
Furthermore, the banquet provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on each team’s accomplishments during the season. The respective coaches took the stage to deliver a summary of their team’s journey, while also bestowing two prestigious awards: the “Players’ Player Award” and the “Coaches Player Award.” These awards recognized individuals who demonstrated exceptional performance, teamwork, and dedication throughout the season, underscoring their impact on the team’s success.
As part of the banquet’s cherished traditions, two deserving seniors were honored with scholarships. Alessio Camilleri was awarded the Dan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship, while Arvin Gorospe received the Servant Leadership Scholarship presented by Big Boy. Both scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, will undoubtedly support the recipients in their pursuit of higher education.
Overall, the Central 2010-2005 Boys Banquet was a remarkable event that fostered camaraderie, celebrated achievements, and provided lasting memories for all attendees.
Photo credit: Amanda Thicke Photography
Past Central Boys Banquets
2022 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
June 2, 2022
On Thursday, June 2, the Central 2009-2004 Boys Banquet was held at Somerset Inn in Troy. After a two-year hiatus, it was great to get players and parents together again to celebrate the 2021/22 season.
Following a sit-down dinner, players and parents were treated to guest speaker Matt Habrowski, a Berkley native who played with the club in his early years. Matt shared his experiences, including playing with the U.S. Soccer National Team Camps and the Olympic Developmental Program team both in the United States and abroad. In college, he was center back and two-year captain of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In his speech, Matt provided advice on navigating the ups and downs of the game and imparted life lessons learned along the way.
All of the senior class were recognized and memories of their time with the club and their teammates were shared. Each team received a moment in the spotlight as their respective coach gave a summary of the season and awarded the “Players’ Player Award” and the “Coaches Player Award.”
As is tradition, two seniors were awarded with a $1,000 scholarship to use toward college: Ross Harrison received the Dan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship and Diego Beaman received the Servant Leadership Scholarship presented by the Amezcua family.
Photo credit: Amanda Thicke Photography
2021 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
2019 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
MAY 30, 2019
This past Thursday, May 30th, the Central U8-U19 boys teams and their families gathered to celebrate the 2018/19 season at the annual Boys Banquet. It was a fun night as parents mingled and boys bid to win fun prizes such as soccer gear, gift cards, games and toys, candy, and Liverpool swag.
Attendees were treated to hear guest speaker Danny Karbassiyoon, a former American professional soccer player, who at the age of 18 signed a contract to play for Arsenal in the English Premier League. He also had short stints at Ipswich Town and Burnley on loan, after which he worked as the Chief North American scout for Arsenal. Danny wrote about his experiences as an American playing in England in “The Arsenal Yankee.”
Before more than 550 guests, Danny shared his experiences and three key points on his success in soccer — through a strong passion for the game, a goal-driven mentality, and good character to handle the ups and downs of his playing career.
Each team was then recognized by their respective coach, and awards were given out to players from U12-U19 teams based on player votes and coaches votes. The seniors in attendance also received special recognition and an LFC sweatshirt as a gift.
To wrap up the evening, Coaches Kevin Garner and Steve Cook awarded two seniors each with a $1,000 scholarship to use toward college on behalf of the club. Nicholas Mancani received the Dan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship, in memory our our dear friend and colleague. Alberto Hernandez received the Servant Leadership Scholarship. It was presented by Manny Amezcua, club parent and President and CEO of Mass Mutual Great Lakes, and given in honor of his immigrant father for the values he instilled in his children.
Photo credit: David Veillette
2018 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
MAY 27, 2018
Last Thursday night, coaches, players and their families from the Central site gathered to celebrate its boys teams. There was good food and great fun with raffle prizes, and the boys all looked handsome dressed up for the evening. Each team was recognized by their coaches for their accomplishments over the last nine months and special recognition was given to our graduating seniors.
International soccer player Leandre Elgdix Griffit, who played professionally in France and Sweden, as well as in the EPL with Southampton and Crystal Palace and MLS with Columbus and Toronto, was our guest speaker for the evening. Speaking about his experiences playing with giants of the game such as Thierry Henry and Gareth Bale, Leandre challenged the boys to not just work hard, but put in the extra work, the importance of earning the respect of your teammates, and being a team player first.
To cap off the evening, selected players received the Players’ Award by vote of their peers and Coach’s Award for representing the club’s highest standards in excellence in Ambition, Commitment, Dignity, and Unity, known as the Liverpool Way.
Photo credit: Leah Garner Photography
2017 Boys Team Banquet & Senior Recognition
June 8, 2017
An evening to remember as the club held our first Boys’ Awards and Senior Recognition Night on June 8th, 2017. Keynote speaker Tim Bergsma, former Force FC player and Captain of the UofM Soccer Team, talked to the boys about lessons in soccer and life — taking ownership in their efforts, calling out and going after goals, and doing the right thing, always. Tim is a role model for every LFCIA-MI player that strives to play The Liverpool Way and to take the next step on and off the field.
Thanks to all who came to celebrate our boys teams. Congratulations to our graduating seniors as they depart on their soccer and academic ventures and to all players who received awards, as voted on by their peers and coaches.
