Greetings LFC IA Michigan Family!
As we bid farewell to the flurries of February, it’s time to catch up on all things MI Reds since our last issue. Let’s dive into the heart of our community and celebrate the spirit of soccer that unites us all.
Liverpool Returns to USA for Pre-season Tour
Just announced! See Liverpool FC in action against EPL rivals Arsenal and Manchester United on American soil. Mark your calendars for summer road trip and secure your seats to experience the thrill of world-class football live! YNWA!
Matches:
- Wednesday, July 31 vs Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA
- Saturday, August 3 vs Manchester United at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC
Purchase Tickets: (insert link)
Coach In Service and LFC Accreditation
In late January, our coaching staff participated in a quarterly Coaches In Service, held at the club’s Central location. More than 55 coaches gathered for an evening filled with invaluable insights and collaborative learning, as well as the opportunity to foster a special bond and fellowship with their peers from all of our sites.
Led by Michigan Director of Coaching, Kevin Garner, the evening showcased a model training session aligned with the latest from the LFC curriculum, setting the stage for dynamic player development. Session observation and engaging discussions on coaching methodologies and player progression underscored the commitment of our coaches to continually enhance their skills. A dozen coaches completed their final on-field sessions as part of the LFC Coach Accreditation requirement.
We appreciate our coaches dedication and collaborative spirit. They embody the essence of teamwork and excellence!
December & January Player of the Month
LFC International Academy coaches around the globe recognize their players who embody the core values of The Liverpool Way: Ambition, Commitment, Dignity and Unity.
Please join us in congratulating players from each of our sites for their achievements. Great job, everyone!
Reds Junior Academy & Mini Reds
If you know anyone with children aged 4-12 interested in soccer, invite them to experience our youth development programming firsthand. Our Mini Reds (ages 4-6) and Reds Junior Academy (ages 6-11) offers 5- or 6-week sessions designed for beginners/intermediate players in a fun, supportive environment.
This spring, we will offer this programming at following locations:
- Troy at Woodland Elementary
- Ann Arbor at A2 Sportsplex
- Ferndale at Harding Park
- West Bloomfield at Drake Sports Park
- Bloomfield Hills (to be announced)
- Clarkston at Pine Knob Elementary
- And introducing Royal Oak sessions at Shrine High School
Registrations open for Winter 3 and Spring sessions. Click here for more information.
Florida Weston Cup
Over Presidents’ Day Weekend, teams traveled to the Weston Cup in Florida where they faced not only tough opponents but also unexpected weather challenges. Despite a bit of rain, our resilient players played with passion and determination! Four teams emerged as Champions and five teams as Finalists. Our athletes showcased their skills and sportsmanship, creating unforgettable memories and forging bonds with teammates along the way. Well done to our awesome players and coaches!
Champions:
- Central 2012 Girls Academy 1 (Danny Price)
- Ann Arbor 2010 Boys ECNL-RL (Seba Godfrey)
- Ann Arbor 2007 Boys ECNL-RL (Minem Vilece)
- Ann Arbor 2008 Boys ECNL-RL (Minem Vilece)
Finalists:
- Central 2014 Girls Academy (Justin Kane)
- Central 2013 Girls Academy (Laura Hamway)
- Central 2012 Girls Academy 2 (Steve Cook)
- Central 2012 Boys Pre-Academy 1 (Andy Harrison)
- Ann Arbor 2006/05 Boys ECNL-RL (Minem Vilece)
Ann Arbor 3v3 Back This Spring
Get your team and get hyped for 3v3 soccer showdown in Ann Arbor. Last year was loads of fun, so we’re doing it again. This year it will be held indoors at new facility in Ann Arbor.
- Saturday, March 30
- A2 Sportsplex, 119 Jackson Industrial Drive, Ann Arbor
- $175 per team of up to 6 players
- Register by March 22
Divisions for boys and girls all ages, from U8 to High School Open. Guaranteed 3 games, and Champions and Finalists medals for winners and runner-ups.
Businesses and soccer enthusiasts, become a field sponsor.
Contact Jenn Perkins at perkins.lfcmi@gmail.com.
Nike Summer Camps are Back!
We are pleased to announce Nike Soccer Camps are back and registration is now open! Join the action-packed soccer camps at these locations:
- June 17-20: Harding Park in Ferndale
- July 15-18: Hartland Heritage Park in Hartland
- July 15-18: UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac
- July 22-25: UofM Mitchell Field in Ann Arbor
Camps are open to any and all entrants aged 6-13, not just LFCIA Michigan players. Experience the legendary Liverpool Football Club training philosophy in a dynamic and fun camp setting. Half- or full-day option available at most sites.
Guided by LFC Michigan coaches, players learn new skills, perfect techniques, boost game knowledge, make lasting friendships, and most importantly, have a blast playing soccer!
Secure your spot — spots are limited and we SOLD OUT in 2023.
Click here for Reds Camps information and registrations.
Central Siblings Write a Book
Caleigh “Q” and Matthew “Z”, who play at our Central site, have co-authored a book emphasizing the transformative power of a simple greeting: saying “hi”. Their narrative, penned at ages 8 and 10, reflects on their experiences pre-pandemic, where a casual “hi” could brighten anyone’s day, and how the pandemic temporarily altered social interactions. Despite challenges, they champion the reclamation of “hi” as a superpower, capable of fostering connections and inspiring positive change, both locally and globally. Their book is currently available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/ffMwhC3
Co-authors Q and Z would like to give away two signed copies of their book to players from our club. Complete registration below by Thursday, March 14 midnight to be entered into a random drawing to be held on Friday, March 15. There will be an option to share an anecdote on how a simple “hi” made an impact on your child.
Registration for drawing is closed.
LFC eAcademy
Here are the skills to focus on for Weeks 16-19. Click on the image for link to LFC eAcademy video (log in required). Need access? Check email for instructions (sent to primary account holder).
- Week 16 – 26th February – Shooting: Penalty
- Week 17 – 4th March – Receiving: No touch
- Week 18 – 11th March – Dribbling: Outside, inside
- Week 19 – 18th March – Passing: Driven pass
Save the Dates
Reds Family Fun Day
Join us for fun, games, and food as we celebrate our LFC Family! Each site will host event for players from 2018-2012 and their families.
Details coming later this spring – please save the date!
- Central/Ann Arbor/South Oakland/Hartland – Friday, May 31
- North Oakland – Thursday, May 30
2024/25 Tryouts
- Open Training sessions will be held during the week of June 3.
- Tryouts are Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. Players should attend both days.
- For Girls U13-U19 interested in joining our ECNL/ECNL Regional League teams, Tryouts will be June 1-3.
Registration will open in March and each site will announce their Coaching Assignments and Open Training & Tryout schedules later this spring.
Veo
Highlights of the Week
If you haven’t seen the Veo Highlights of the Week, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages (click on icons below).
U15 and older can submit highlights to be selected each week (see your email for instructions). Coaches will submit highlights for players U14 and under.
Reds Scholarship Fund
Fundraising Update
The Reds Scholarship Fund supports players by providing financial aid for club fees. Fundraising events held during the season directly benefit those who qualify for financial assistance, aiming to foster inclusivity and opportunity in our soccer family.
Here’s an update on our ongoing fundraising efforts so far this season:
- In October, Little Caesars Pizza Kit sales raised $2,000.
- Giving Tuesday Campaign in December raised more than $4,000.
- At the Hartland site, the golf outing in October and comedy night in February collectively raised an impressive $14,000.
To all our supporters, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generosity and commitment to making dreams a reality for our players.
Fun Night Out at Hartland’s Comedy Night
Hartland hosted its second annual comedy night at Crystal Gardens in Howell on Friday, February 2. Ninety family and friends of our Hartland site enjoyed an evening of laughter, food, drinks, and silent auction prizes ALL donated by our teams.
Special shout-out to Reds Events sponsor Bonefish Grill. The event helped to raise money for the Reds Scholarship Fund which helps qualified players get an additional bit of financial aid to play for us. It was a great night and the support of our soccer family really means a lot to the club!
Central’s Annual Golf Outing is May 17th
Get your foursome together and register to golf with us! Central’s annual golf outing will be held Friday, May 17, at Fieldstone Golf Course in Auburn Hills.
There are many ways to support the event:
- Form a foursome and play the course
- Come for After-Golf Dinner Reception
- Donate Items or Gift Cards to Raffle
- Make a Cash Donation to Fund
- Become an Event Sponsor (contact Jenn Perkins at perkins.lfcmi@gmail.com)
A fun day of golf, community, and giving, so please mark your calendars and spread the word!
Reds Events Family 2 Family Business Directory
Support our families with businesses who are supporting Reds Events through sponsorship.
2023/24 Reds Events Sponsors:
- Murray Center for Behavioral Wellness
- Frame’s Pest Control, Inc.
- Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Bright Ideas Furniture
- Matick Chevrolet
- Bussa Financial Partners
- Future Energy
Click here for business information!
