PASL-Premier Arena Soccer Comes to Edwards, CO
08/31/2009, 12:00am (MDT)
By arenaleague.com
PASL-Premier Arena Soccer Comes to Edwards, CO
Edwards, Colorado - August 29, 2009 – Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District (WECMRD) has assembled a Powerhouse coaching staff for its new Semi-Professional Soccer team. The “WECMRD Freedom FC” will pull from a vast array of experience that spans continents. This talented group will surely give the new franchise a solid foundation to build from as it enters its inaugural season this winter in the new WECMRD Field House.
Brandt Marott was recently selected Head Coach to lead the “WECMRD Freedom FC” in 2009-2010. He will also serve as the Director of the new “Freedom Soccer Academy”. Coach Marott hails from Clovis, California where he played Soccer his entire life. After participating in the Olympic Developmental Program (ODP), he was an All-Conference Midfielder and outside striking defender at Division 1 California State Northridge. He was drafted out of college to play professional soccer with the Anaheim Splash (CISL) in 1995, where he played for 2 seasons. He later joined with the Milwaukee Wave (NPSL) where he won his first National Championship in 1998. He won his second National Championship in the summer of 1998 playing for the Chicago Stingers. Brandt ended his professional athletic career in 1999 and decided to use his experiences and resources towards sports innovation and development. Coach Marott also served as Director of Development for the West Coast Soccer Club and has specialized in one on one or group soccer instruction.
The “FreedomSoccerAcademy” will foster the development of area youth soccer players by enhancing skills, mastering techniques and providing for a greater awareness and insight into the game. The Player Development Programs have designed innovative, challenging, age appropriate and skill specific curriculums for all training levels. The FreedomSoccerAcademy will run year round including indoor academies, outdoor summer camps, and one-on-one or small group lessons available with the Freedom Coaching Staff.
Leading a new franchise from its inception is no easy task. But, Coach Marott has plenty of resources to help him establish a winner. The rest of the coaching staff definitely has some local flavor and plenty of experience. Newly hired WECMRD Soccer Coordinator – Matt Zaremba, will anchor one of the assistant Slots. Matt has played for 2004 National Semi-finalists University of Colorado, University of Westminster in London, in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, and for the National Soccer League of Chicago. Locally Matt is a member of Pepi’s Soccer Club and coaches for the Vail Valley Soccer Club. Matt will also administrate the WECMRD Recreational Youth Soccer program.
Assistant coaches Lee Jones and Corey Bruce also bring a wealth of experience to the WECMRD Freedom FC. From ManchesterEngland, Lee Jones brings a true passion for the sport of soccer. Lee won many awards and excelled in the North West counties and Manchester Amateur Leagues. Lee has played and coached in England, Greece, Australia, and South Africa. Locally, Lee is Director of after School programs for the Youth Foundation. Including the extremely successfully WECMRD Middle School Soccer League (MSSL). The MSSL league consists of players from Middle Schools across EagleCounty.
Corey Bruce is a Colorado native and brings 20+ years of playing and coaching experience to the staff. This includes coaching for the Colorado Explosion, Extreme, and Rush. The Colorado Rush is one of the top Soccer Clubs in the United States. For the Rush, Corey has coached state and regional champions, as well as two top 2 finishes nationally. He also previously coached at Arvada West and ThorntonHigh Schools. Locally Corey works for the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department and currently is the Coaching Director for the Vail Valley Soccer Club.
The WECMRD Freedom will consist of a 26 player roster. Players are not paid but all expenses will be covered by the team (Uniforms, Travel, Food, etc.). Thirteen players will dress for home games and travel throughout Colorado. Thirteen additional players will be selected for the Freedom reserve team. The first Phase of tryouts for the WECMRD Freedom FC will be held at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (EPIR) on September 8th and 9th. September 10th will be added if needed. The tryouts will run from 6pm-10pm. This phase will be by invitation only and will be closed to fans and the general public. Local soccer teams and players will be personally contacted in the coming weeks for these dates. Each player will receive a “WECMRD Freedom FC” T-shirt for trying out. An “Open Tryout” will be conducted on Saturday September 12th at FreedomPark (Turf Field) in Edwards. The tryout will be conducted from 1pm-3pm. This phase of tryouts is open to any player who is interested in trying out for the team. This try out is open to the general public.
In September, WECMRD will be conducting a “Name the Mascot” Campaign in conjunction with EagleCountySchool District. We are excited to see what the local kids will come up with for our Bald Eagle Mascot. The winner of the contest will be the special guest of the Freedom at the 1st Home Game. The team will play a couple of “Friendly” matches with Denver area teams in November. The first few games of the season will be played on the road with an expected home debut in early January. Get ready EagleCounty…to Support the WECMRD Freedom. For additional information regarding the WECMRD Freedom FC, please contact:
Mike Staten: Area Recreation Manager – Edwards
Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District
970-777-8863 or mike@wecmrd.org
Tag(s): Club News & Events
