Opening Weekend RCL: Storylines to Watch
Opening Weekend: RCL League Kicks Off Saturday
It is finally here! Opening weekend of the Regional Club League (RCL) kicks off this Saturday. The RCL boasts the best youth premier teams from all over Washington. Our Ranger teams will face off against clubs from around the state each weekend. Here are a few Ranger storylines to follow this season.
“Playing RCL gives our kids the chance to learn from, and test themselves against, the best teams and players at their age groups in Washington. Perhaps more importantly, it also allows them to train regularly in a competitive environment with teammates and clubmates who share their commitment to – and love of – the game.”
Assistant Director of Coaching Seamus Leonard
Ready to Rival
The Boys 2000 Gold team senior class look to take advantage of final premier season with the Rangers.
“Over the summer, the boys have showed a fantastic attitude and have been very receptive of the methods and style of play we want the team to have,” explains head coach Ryan Pow. “There is a great team spirit within the team and that will serve us well throughout the season. We made some huge strides this summer in terms of level of intensity in practice, our ability to dominate possession of the ball, and our defensive shape. I am excited to see us grow both individually, and as a team, and I think we are well equipped to have a fantastic season as long as we are consistent with our effort and intensity.”
Lead by captains Connor Steward and Mason Kealy the Rangers are looking forward to a challenging season. “Connor and Mason are both great leaders on the field and set a great example for the rest of the team. The players really respect those two and they will be vital to our success to this season,” say Coach Pow.
The 2000s have plenty of talent on their roster and expect everyone to make contributions through out the season. Coach Pow highlights a few key pieces in his roster, “Ben Carpenter is a midfielder who is capable of scoring and creating goals for us. He is a player who works tremendously hard in midfield and can play several positions. Kevin Galiano is a powerful forward who leads the line very well, he has good movement, and he has already scored some important goals in tournament play.”
The 2000 Gold team will play their first RCL season game at home this Sunday, 12pm at Phillips 66 Park.
Introducing the New Generation of Rangers
Rangers is proud to kick off our inaugural RCL season with our U9 and U10 teams. These new premier soccer teams have provided Whatcom County youth players with the opportunity to play soccer at a competitive level. This is the first time in Whatcom County history we have provided year-round training, professional coaching, and travel soccer opportunities to these age groups.
“Playing RCL gives our kids the chance to learn from, and test themselves against, the best teams and players at their age groups in Washington.” Assistant Director of Coaching Seamus Leonard explains. “Perhaps more importantly, it also allows them to train regularly in a competitive environment with teammates and clubmates who share their commitment to – and love of – the game.”
Each of our U9 and U10 teams play an 18-22 game schedule which starts in September and ends in March. The Rangers host half of their league games in Whatcom County at Phillips 66 Soccer Park, and travel to play clubs in the greater Seattle area for the other half of the season. The league schedule allows for a winter break starting early December- January.
The RCL league has multiple divisions, teams are placed into the appropriate division that provides a balance of competition for each team. The U9 & U10 leagues are founded with development as it main goal, scores are not recorded.
Seamus Leonard, the Rangers ADOC works closely with all the Rangers U9 and U10 teams. “Development. It’s a thrill to see players develop their skills and understanding of the game on an individual level, but it’s also brilliant to observe a team spirit being cultivated. It’s amazing to watch relationships grow between players and families who barely knew each other just three months ago. It’s very gratifying to see how these kids already love being with Rangers, and we want to do everything we can to help strengthen that bond between the club and its members, as well as with the wider Whatcom County soccer community.”
Tough Early Test for Division 1 Teams
The 2004 Boys Gold and the 2005 and 2006 Girls Gold teams have once again earned their spot in RCL Division 1, the top premier league in Washington. They will have a tough set of league matches against some of the top talent in Washington State.
The 2004 Boys kick their season off by heading across the state to play #5 ranked Three Rivers FC. It will be a tough early challenge for the team. “The group is well aware of how tough it is to compete at the RCL Division 1 level,” head coach Kyle Segebart comments. “The travel, ability of other teams, and mindset required on a daily basis, are all challenges we will face this season.”
The 2004 Boys competed in Divison 1 last season and hope to continue to make strides in their development and earn results along the way. “As an age group we are focusing on the training environment,” say Coach Segebart. “If we can teach each individual what is required within a high performance training environment then the results will come and we will set the age group up for success.”
The 2006 Girls will also compete in the Division 1 of the RCL. They start their season at home Saturday, 4pm at Phillips 66 Park. “I am excited to see each player play in a competitive game and to learn how the team plays on the field, says new head coach Jason Conway. “I am looking forward to see how players respond to a new voice and how they will progress through a tough Division 1 schedule.”
Lead by head coach and ADOC Ike Onyeador, the 2005 girls start their season on the road to face off against #7 ranked Crossfire Premier.
