Bedford soccer club schedules tryout sessions for youths

5/19/2010

Bedford United Soccer Club is entering its third year of providing a higher level of training for young soccer players. In 2008, two soccer clubs, Bedford Soccer and USASEM, joined forces to form the united club to provide soccer for Bedford players as well as players from surrounding communities.

"The majority of our players are from Bedford, but we also have players from … communities such as Monroe, Dundee, and Toledo," said Tom Covrett, club president.

"We found that there are limited opportunities for young players in southeast Michigan to play competitive soccer. It seems you either have to travel down to Toledo or up to Ann Arbor or Detroit. We are excited to have players from surrounding communities playing with BUSC, and we really encourage it," Mr. Covrett said.

The addition of two coaches to the Bedford High School soccer program boosted interest in the sport. Last fall, Marty Moreno became head coach for the boys high school program, and Tony Mastraieni is in his first season leading the girls high school program.

"This is a very exciting time for soccer in our community. Both Tony and Marty bring a lot of passion, as well as coaching and playing experience, to our community," Mr. Covrett said.

Bedford United Soccer Club offers both an academy program for players age 6-9 and a select program for players age 9-14. The academy program is designed to teach young players the fundamentals, and the select program provides advanced training for players who have learned the basics.

The club is considering a high school girls team for the fall season.

"One of the unique qualities of BUSC is that we provide a higher level of instruction and competition, without the significant time and financial commitments you find with other high-level travel soccer clubs," Mr. Covrett said. "I think we really serve a need for those players who want to continue to play soccer beyond the recreational level but can't commit to an expensive high-level soccer club that typically travels out of state."

The club has scheduled placements and tryouts for the Fall 2010/Spring 2011 season on June 5 and 6 at Indian Creek Park, 8456 Douglas Rd.

Placements for players who will be age 6 though 11 for the Fall 2010 season will be June 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. for girls and 6 to 7 p.m. for boys.

Tryouts for players who will be age 12 through 14 for the Fall 2010 season will be June 6th from 5 to 6 p.m. for girls and 6 to 7 p.m. for boys.

Players should bring a ball, shin guards, and water. Tryouts for the fall high school girls team will be announced later.