The Albion Cup National Soccer Showcase is an annual three-day event held throughout San Diego. The event is for club teams in divisions U8-U19 for both boys and girls. The Showcase offers a chance to face top competition, gain visibility from college coaches and compete in a quality tournament sponsored by Puma. This year’s tournament offered an amazing depth of talent from California as well as many teams from around the country. Many games were fought hard under the sun in an exceptionally hot weekend. There were several stellar performances on different levels, but Albion, the namesake team took top honors in several different levels and established their dominance in the final day of the tournament. Laguna Hills Eclipse also came out on top in multiple divisions.

ALBION CUP 2009 – Soccer Highlight Video from Sports Force on Vimeo.

The tournament offers both Showcase and Cup brackets for each age group with Showcase featuring elite teams. Puma also sponsored a special elite bracket, the Puma V Elite, for both Boys and Girls in the U14 and U15 divisions. The Boys in the U15 division were also competing for a chance to play in Tottenham, England at the USA Cup in 2010.

Championship Results

Men’s U19

Showcase Champions: United Futbol Black

Cup Champions: PQ Premiere

Women’s U19

Showcase Champions: Albion SC White

Cup Champions: Laguna Hills Eclipse

Boys U17

Showcase Champions: FC San Diego Gold Quinn

Cup Champions: Legends FC Black

Girls U17

Showcase Champions: SD United Futbol Black

Cup Champions: Laguna Hills Eclipse Blue

Boys U16

Showcase Champions: Central California Aztecs

Cup Champions: Folsom Galaxy

Girls U16

Showcase Champions: Laguna Hills Eclipse

Cup Champions: Fontana United

Boys U15

Puma V Elite Champions: Albion SC

Cup Champions: United Futbol Black

Girls U15

Puma V Elite Champions: SoCal Blues Draluck

Cup Champions: United FC

Boys U14

Puma V Elite Champions: San Diego Surf Academy

Cup Champions: Albion SC

Girls U14

Puma V Elite Champions: Albion White

Cup Champions: El Dorado United Eclipse

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On July 12, at Poway High School SportsForce was on hand to capture footage from the San Diego High School Baseball Showcase. The event was put on by the San Diego County Baseball Coaches Association and featured many of the best seniors throughout the county. In attendance were college coaches (including USD, LMU, University of Oklahoma and Long Beach State) and MLB scouts. The event was a great opportunity for the athletes to showcase their many skills with the hopes of reaching the next level.

The event consisted of four teams: South County, North County, East County, and a San Diego City team. During the morning, the North and South teams both ran the “60” (60 yard sprint) with scouts and coaches eagerly timing each player. After, both teams proceeded to take a 30 minute batting practice session, followed by a ten minute infield/outfield. The teams then played a nine inning game with slightly different rules. Each ½ inning consisted of a new pitcher facing a maximum of five batters, with the bases being cleared after three outs. During the afternoon, the same process was repeated by the East and City teams.

There were many impressive players throughout the day, but there were a few from each team who really stood out.

South County:

Agustin Lopez from Montgomery got the game started off on the right foot by blasting a home run to left field in the 1^st inning. Lopez, a 6’1” RHP / 1B, also pitched a scoreless inning on the mound. He is coming off a very strong year on the mound where he had a 1.91 ERA and held opponents to a .189 BA. Hector Montes, an infielder from Bonita Vista, put on a very impressive power display during batting practice, belting numerous homers to left and center field. At 235 lbs, he was surprisingly fast, running his 60 in 7.47 seconds. Montes was dominant during his high school season batting .429 and hitting 7 home runs. Robert Lucero, a 6’1” outfielder from Chula Vista, displayed impressive power by hitting a home run during the game. He ran his 60 in 6.78 seconds which is above average speed for an outfielder.

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With summer tournaments, showcases and camps happening nearly everyday of the week in California, SportsForce has been all over the place getting footage and meeting with coaches, athletes, parents and teams.

19^th Annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic

SportsForce was meeting with coaches and filming at the 19^th Annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic where some of San Diego’s best graduating senior football players are showcased before heading off to play college football. Many of the players at the showcase have signed with college programs including SportsForce alum, La Jolla’s Robbie Beathard who will be playing at the University of San Diego. Jerik Davis of Mira Mesa who will be playing at New Mexico State and Robbie Rouse of Madison High School who is signed with Fresno State.

San Diego High School Baseball Showcase

The San Diego Showcase sponsored by the San Diego County Baseball Coaches Association was held July 12 at Poway High School. The event showcased top baseball players from around the county who are entering their senior year. Over 20 college coaches (including USD, Long Beach State, Univ. of Oklahoma, LMU and more) and MLB scouts were at the event while SportsForce filmed the entire pro-style workout and games.

Champions Cup Softball 16U Tournament

SportsForce was able to see top softball players at the Champions Cup Softball 16U Tournament in Irvine, CA this weekend as well. Over 50 college coaches attended the event, which was the first of a two-weekend tournament. The 18U Tournament will be held next weekend.

Top Soccer Tournament – Albion Cup

SportsForce is partnered with the Albion Cup for this weekend’s National Soccer Showcase. The tournament offers college exposure showcasing the top teams in the country. The Showcase is open for teams to play in either the Top Showcase Group or the Cup Group and is for Boys and Girls U8-U19. www.albioncup.org

The Showcase is an amazing opportunity for the athletes and teams that attend and Puma is helping to make one level even more competitive. Puma is putting on a special Puma V Elite Bracket for U14 and U15 teams, including special invitations sent out to Puma clubs from around the country. Noah Gins, Technical Director/ Director of Coaching for the Albion Peninsula Soccer league commented on the company’s involvement. “They’ve brought all the bells and whistles for this including banners, retail stores and tents, and a lounge for kids to hang out in. We had (former women’s national team player) Leslie Osborne here last year,” he said. “We’re at a point now where we want the best teams in the country and that’s what we’re after.” Follow up with us next week for a full recap of the Albion Cup National Soccer Showcase.

New Additions

SportsForce has added a new member to our Street Team, Katherine Salter. Katherine was a former high school volleyball player that was recruited by smaller schools to play college volleyball. Katherine is assisting with our grassroots efforts for Girls and Boys Volleyball.

District Champs

SportsForce partner Dan Plashke’s son Jackie and his little league team won their district this past weekend. The team is now the 9-10 year old District 31 Champions are moving on hoping to win the divisional title this coming weekend. We wish them the best of luck!

SportsForceonline.com

The SportsForce team also met with our web development group, Barefoot Solutions (www.barefootsolutions.com) to discuss the homestretch towards launching the new site. We have a lot of video and content to add to the site as well as some changes to make to ensure the best experience when we launch (hopefully) in early August.

Alex Miller – OF / SS – Softball – Class of 2010

Alex Miller is a member of the San Diego Renegades as well as the softball team at West Hills High School. She was named MVP OF her high school team in 2009 as well as the All-Academic Prep Team. Alex was also named Varsity Rookie of the Year in 2008.

Alex Pardieu – Middie / Attack – Boys Lacrosse – Class of 2010

Alex Pardieu is a member of the 2009 All County, All CIF La Costa Canyon Boys Lacrosse team. He leads his team in assists and is second in points. He is also a member of the NC Starz Elite and West Coast Starz. Pardieu has also lettered on the team since his freshman year.

SportsForce is even busier than usual as we prepare to launch our site very soon. As usual we have a ton of events coming up on the calendar as well as finalizing some clients’ final products. Though many of our team members were in the office on Friday working hard, the 4^th of July provided a nice break for the team and chance to recharge and continue to move forward.

Fox Sports en Espanol sportscaster Adrian Garcia Marquez Stops In

Fox Sports en Espanol and the San Diego Chargers Radio Network en Espanol sportscaster Adrian Garcia Marquez was in the office this week to talk sports, the future of SportsForce and more.

New Addition to SportsForce Street Team Ronan Galvin

SportsForce is still growing as a company as we get closer to our site launch. This week SportsForce added Ronan Galvin to our street team. Ronan said of his experience so far, “SportsForce is a unique atmosphere wth like-minded people all working to help create the next big thing in high school sports. The Sports Development Intern is an ideal position because I get to research the sports I love and be in an environment of a small business.” With a background in football and basketball, we are excited to have him as an addition.

“Old Yeller” Swings by Office

Integral SportsForce Video Production Partner, Ken Heshler stopped by the office to check up on our equipment and outfit us with some new editing equipment to make our workflow even faster. Ken was also sure to share some stories of precarious shooting conditions in the early days of SportsForce. We’ve come a long way!

SportsForce’s Tom Antl Visits University of Louisville Athletics Department

SportsForce’s Tom Antl was visiting with the University of Louisville Athletics Department this past week. Though the trip was to visit a friend, Tom always on task, was sure to check out the program and even snap a pic of their pristine women’s lacrosse field.

Sara Fraschetti, Girls Lacrosse Coach, Stops In To Check In

Our own adviser for girls lacrosse, Sara Fraschetti stopped in this week to talk about the future of SportsForce and girls lacrosse. Sara graduated from La Costa Canyon High School (Carlsbad, CA) in 2001 when the Girls Lacrosse team seized their first California State Girls Lacrosse Championship. She went on to play at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as attack and center for three years where she helped the team earn three of their seven consecutive Club Division-I National Championship Titles. Sara returns for her third year as the La Costa Canyon High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach. Sara helped lead the team to a 23-0 record in 2008 and 2nd consecutive CIF Championship (San Diego section).

Things are back to full speed with the holiday weekend behind us. Be sure to stay posted!

SportsForce at the San Diego All-CIF Awards

SportsForce started the week at the San Diego All-CIF awards at the San Diego Hall of Champions, which honored top Spring athletes including some SportsForce alumni. The awards ceremony honored a series of SportsForce profiled athletes. Profiled SportsForce athletes who were honored included the following baseball players, Noah Murray an infielder from Steele Canyon, Alex Murren of Romona, a standout outfielder and Dillion Haupt of MiraMesa who was named to the second All-CIF team for his performance as catcher this season.

Dillon Haupt – Baseball Recruiting Video from Sports Force on Vimeo.

Softball standouts Alex Miller of West Hills and Alysha Isaacson were named to first and second All-CIF teams respectively. Miller is an outfielder and Isaacson a left-handed pitcher. Catcher Bri Austin also of West Hills and outfielders Kaitlin McGinley, Valhalla Jr. and Katie Schumacher, Scripps Ranch Jr. were named to the All-CIF second team for softball as well. Girls Lacrosse stars and SportsForce alums Alanna Parker of Monte Vista Sr, who signed a scholarship to Davidson in the fall and Sammy Slattery Carlsbad Sr. were named to the first All-CIF team.

Kaitlin McGinley – OF – Softball Skills Video – 2010 – San Diego Renegades from Sports Force on Vimeo.

Earlier this season SportsForce had the pleasure of filming the following CIF Players of the Year: Myles Muagututia, of Francis Park for Boys Volleyball, Zach Leslie, Point Loma for Boys Tennis, Bobby Braun of Coronado for Boys Lacrosse and Jackie Candelaria of the CIF Champion La Costa Canyon for Girls Lacrosse team.

Football Skills Camp in Orange County Features Top NFL players

Aside from catching up with our San Diego area athletes, SportsForce was in Orange County for the Sage Hill Football Skills Camp on Saturday. SportsForce was able to get some great footage on some talented high school football players as well as conduct in depth on field interviews with some NFL players. In attendance were Kirk Morrison – Oakland Raiders – LB, Kevin O’Connell – NE Patriots – QB, Freddie Kieaho – Ind. Colts – LB, Robert Ortiz – NE Patriots – WR to name a few. We asked them about their transition from high school to college football, what the college recruiting process was like for them, what advice they have for high school athletes and more. Keep posted for a video interview to follow.

Boys Lax Players Head East for Nike Blue Chip Camp

SportsForce also finished working with some of the top Lacrosse Players in San Diego who are on their way to the east coast for the Nike Blue Chip Lacrosse Camp.

Coming up this week SportsForce will be at the Baseball College Coaches Camp, and holding down the fort in the office testing out our soon to be launched site as well.

Stay Posted!

SportsForce was at the 2009 Breitbard All-CIF awards held at the Hall of Champions in San Diego, CA June 22, 2009. Former Padres Pitcher and 1976 Cy Young Award Winner Randy Jones was the keynote speaker, and honorees had the pleasure of receiving their awards from him.

Awards were given out to members of the first and second teams in baseball, softball, boys track and field, girls track and field, boys swimming, girls swimming, boys volleyball, boys tennis, boys golf, gymnastics, boys lacrosse and girls lacrosse. The “First” and “Second Team” recognition was decided by a media panel with input from coaches. The honorees came from several high schools through out the region, with no one school dominating the awards. Some of the schools with top athletes were: Mission Hills, Rancho Buena Vista, Poway, Mt. Carmel, Steele Canyon, Scripps Ranch and Escondido to name a few.

Player of the year honors for baseball went to Steven Packard of Mission Hills. Laura Winter of Rancho Bernardo nabbed the top honor for softball. Mac Fleet of University City was the top athlete in Boys Track and also the top athlete for the 1600M. Sammy Silva of Our Lady of Peace was the Athlete of the Year for Girls Track and the top competitor in the 1600M. Spencer Didio of Carlsbad was named the top performer in 100 Butterfly as well as the Athlete of the Year for Boys Swimming. Jessica Schmitt of Torrey Pines was named Athlete of the Year for Girls Swimming, as well as the top performer in the 200IM.

Myles Muagututia of Francis Parker was honored as Player of the Year for Boys Volleyball. The top honoree for Boys Tennis was singles player Zach Leslie of Point Loma. Top finisher and Boys Golf Player of the Year was awarded to Steven Kearney of La Costa Canyon. Gymnastics Athlete of the Year and All-Around Top Competitor is Tina Wilhem of Mt. Carmel. Bobby Braun of Coronado was named the Player of the Year for Boys Lacrosse. Jackie Candelaria of La Costa Canyon took the honors for Girls Lacrosse.

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While most of us will be spending the next few months traveling, surfing, relaxing, and pretending to work out, there is a small, hard working group of teenagers all over the country who will be doing exactly the opposite: high school football players. Regardless of the level, football players around the country are spending their summers getting up unnecessarily early, practicing, lifting, memorizing their playbooks, training, and drinking protein shakes in preparation for their fall seasons. While spring ball is when these athletes spend time in the weight room bulking up, summer ball is when they take the time to hone their skills and build team chemistry. This is the time for coaches to teach their players the ins and outs of their playbooks, and then see who emerges on top with the right to start in the fall.

SDSU Passing League 06_19_09 from Sports Force on Vimeo.

In order for coaches to test their kids in game situations and in order for the players to gain valuable playing experience at their respective positions, passing league tournaments are run all over the country to satisfy that competitive need. Throughout the “off-season,” football players are put through rigorous training sessions with the expectation that by the time summer rolls around, they will be in top physical shape. Finally, come late May, they have the opportunity to show off their hard work on the field at a passing league tournament. A passing league game features all offensive and defensive players, with the exception of lineman, squaring off without pads or helmets. In this two-hand-touch, 40-minute game, crisp passes, precise route running, and lock down man defense are the keys to victory.

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The SportsForce Week in Review will keep you informed on what’s going on in high school and club / travel team sports this week, what events SportsForce is attending, what we are working towards, and maybe what our favorite lunch of the week was. Check in every week to catch up with the SportsForce team.

June 15-21

SportsForce has been very busy this past week as with every week. As we expand the number of people on the SportsForce team we are powering faster towards the launch of our new site and locking down the Southern California sports market. On Tuesday, SportsForce was lucky enough to be invited to the Connect Sport Innovators Capital Forum at the HardRock Hotel in downtown San Diego. CEO Andrew Beinbrink was able to present to a room of startups and investors and share the SportsForce vision . For more info on the event and the Connect Sport Innovators visit http://www.connect.org//programs/sports-innovators/forum/ .

This Week in Sports:

SportsForce was at the annual SDSU high school Passing League Tournament this weekend, where the SDSU football coaching staff hosted over 30 teams. Some of the top teams in the tournament were: Oceanside High School (Oceanside, CA), Brophy Prep (Phoenix, AZ), La Quinta (Orange County, CA), La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, CA). Look for the Justin Robinson’s recap of the event to come in a later post.

SportsForce was a video production partner for the 39th annual California Baseball Coaches Association North – South Series at San Diego State University both Friday and Saturday. This three game series featured more than 40 of California’s top rising senior baseball players. With over 20 college coaches including coaches from UCLA, CAL, Fresno State, SDSU, USD, Long Beach State and about 10 Major League scouts in attendance the competition was strong. Over the years, more than 100 participants in the showcase have reached the major leagues. For more info on the event visit http://www.eteamz.com/cbca/ .

The North-South Series was played at San Diego State University on June 20 and 21. A doubleheader was held on Saturday and a single game on Sunday morning. The showcase is run by experienced high school coaches who have done this for over 20 years. There is no cost to the players other than bringing two baseballs with them to be used during the workout sessions. Players have been observed by over 100 pro and college scouts during these workouts.

SportsForce was at the MaxPreps Summer Series Basketball tournament. Following our blog on summer camps, the series shows there are many options to develop your game over the summer. The action was quick and talent great with many great Southern California club teams. Over 15 club teams participated in the two-day tournament.

Lots of action this past weekend and more in the coming week. There is no off-season for SportsForce! Coming up this week is the Baseball National Prospects Camp and the Cal Cup.

One of the most important steps towards becoming a student-athlete at the college level is confirming your athletic eligibility with the NCAA. The process can be somewhat confusing, but the NCAA is taking steps to make it as pain free as possible.

The NCAA Eligibility center is unveiling a new website that hopes to make the eligibility registration process as easier. The site aims to aid coaches in accessing important information on student-athletes in order to help them with the amateurism certification process and academic registration. The site also hopes to offer a more interactive and inviting atmosphere for student-athletes and their parents.

The site will be launching on June 29^th, 2009 and be accessible for student-athletes hoping to register and certify their amateur status for the 2010 season. The new site is www.NCAAstudent.org.