Albion SC – Las Vegas Grows With Recreational Program
Albion SC – Las Vegas continues to expand as the club welcomes aboard two competitive programs, as well as a recreational league based in Las Vegas.
Related Article: Albion SC Continues to Expand Nationally
Youth Soccer News: On the heels of its March 4th debut, Albion SC – Las Vegas continues to make its mark in the local youth soccer community—recently adding the players, coaches and directors from competitive programs Neon FC and FC Warriors to its expanding club, along with a recreational league that will field over 400 youngsters, which will be known as Albion Juniors.
These new acquisitions support the goal of senior club directors Etienne Barbara and Amanda Schmutz to develop a program that serves all age groups and consists of a strong core of directors and coaches prior to tryouts for the 2017/18 season.
“The addition of the Neon and Warriors teams complements our current roster by giving us boys and girls teams at every age group, strong coaching for every team, and a presence on both sides of town,” said Schmutz. “This is exactly where we wanted to be heading into June tryouts – with a spot for any player at any age.”
Albion SC – Las Vegas is connected to Albion SC, the nationally recognized elite San Diego club that has seen 20 years of program success along with U.S. Soccer Development Academy status and a partnership with Arsenal FC of the English Premier League.
“The Albion SC – Las Vegas team is doing all of the things necessary to make their club successful and we are gratified that the Las Vegas soccer community recognizes what is happening,” said Noah Gins, Albion SC founder and Executive Director.
“I’ve been aware of the terrific job Noah and Albion have done in San Diego and nationally for quite a while,” said Kenny Cartledge, Neon club founder. “Etienne and Amanda are creating something very special – a vision for a true club culture, a first-rate staff and all of opportunities that the entire Albion SC structure can bring to our kids. There’s nothing quite like it in Las Vegas.”
“FC Warriors has competed very well over the past decade and we have placed a number of kids in college with soccer scholarships – but competing with the big clubs has its challenges” said Ken Meechudhone, Warriors club founder. “We share common goals with Albion and we think they have disrupted the soccer establishment in Las Vegas for the better. Their leadership group is aggressive and definitely has the vision and strength to grow the club.”
“Neon FC and Warriors FC are two clubs that have been around for about 10 years,” said Barbara. “Kenny and Ken are guys with good knowledge about the game who have produced quality, competitive teams throughout the years. Both of them also share our same vision of club culture, which is around giving a chance to every kid to be the best they can be. We want our families to be first and we want them to feel that the club is their family and a place to stay.”
In addition to the Neon and Warriors clubs, Durango Soccer League has also announced its merger with the growing Albion SC-Las Vegas Club as Albion Juniors. Durango was founded two years ago by Oscar Cisneros and has grown to serve over 400 players this season. They intend to serve 2,000 kids by the start of the 2018/19 season.
“Developing a real soccer culture in the best traditions of European clubs includes introducing young kids to an organized curriculum being taught consistently at all levels,” said Barbara.
“Albion Juniors will teach youngsters the basics of the game and also develop coaches – giving both the opportunity to advance in the club,” said Barbara. “This foundation establishes the consistency necessary within the club so that its more than a collection of independent teams playing under a common name.”
“Etienne and Amanda have a very clear vision regarding club structure and that includes a consistent style of coaching and playing starting at a young age,” said Cisneros. “The purpose of the Albion Juniors is to offer a well-organized program that serves both the recreational player and the player that wishes to advance to the competitive level. I’m excited to lead this effort under the Albion banner.”
“Kenny Cartledge, Ken Meechudhone and Oscar Cisneros are high quality soccer people,” said Barbara. “We are honored that they feel merging their many years of hard work into Albion SC – Las Vegas will improve the opportunities for their kids. We welcome them as coaching directors, and we welcome their coaches, players and parents as members of the Albion family.”
“Albion Las Vegas has become already such an amazing affiliate and partner,” said Gins. “They have incredible vision and execution around what Albion Represents and are filling a great void for soccer players and families in Las Vegas. We look forward to truly supporting their quest to be the top club in Las Vegas.”
“Everyone at Albion SC – Las Vegas is focused 100 percent on establishing our club the right way, and that means we place player growth and respect for family first,” said Schmutz.
“Successful soccer clubs are all about culture and character. We are building our foundation with people that share that vision and we have the support and backing of a very strong organization,” said Schmutz. “The 2017/18 soccer season is going to be an exciting one.”
“Bringing them under the Albion umbrella also helps us geographically over the city, we are able now to offer all soccer families a location for their kids to join the club without the need to travel too far,” said Barbara.
“It also gives us stability and numbers to show families we are here to stay and grow, not just a small club to be around for a couple of years,” said Barbara. “We want to be an option and a home for those families who are looking for a better change for their kids to develop. By adding these two clubs we acquire soccer knowledge and a good number of experienced A licensed coaches as well those whose first priority is kids development and love towards the club.”
Tryouts for the new Albion SC Las Vegas season will be held in early June. To learn more about the organization and how to get involved, visit here.
