WRA Newsletter
Transcription
WRA Newsletter
March 31, 2014 VOLUME 2016 ISSUE 1 WRA Newsletter January, 2016 Message from the President Inside This Issue 1 Message from the President 4 2016 Baseball, Softball and Teeball Registration 5 Centre Square Park Opening and WRA Fieldhouse 9 Basketball Update 13 Field Hockey Update 15 Past Presidents Dinner 16 Intramural Soccer Wrap up 21 Travel Soccer Update 23 Our Sport Offerings 23 Upcoming Events 23 Volunteering _________________________ Register on the WRA website to Play, Volunteer or Sponsor a team! * Whitpain Parks and Recreation Online registration for programs like summer camp and other events and activities in the community. http://www.whitpainrec.com __________________________ It is a great time for WRA and our members. Following the completion of a successful soccer season, we are jumping right into basketball and indoor field hockey. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a great winter sports’ season. As you all know, there has been much going on and so much more to come. Centre Square Park opened in September to great anticipation and fanfare. It was an incredible day not only for Whitpain Township and our travel soccer program, but also for the entire organization as we broke ground on our next big project, the building of our WRA Fieldhouse. While the fields in our Township’s newest park are the official home for travel soccer, they also represent a great opportunity for our intramural program, which has already made use of the fields and will continue to do so in the coming years. But, as we always look to the future of our organization and the needs of our membership, we cannot rest with the success of Centre Square Park. Instead, we are looking forward to the creation of a permanent home for WRA. Believe it or not, in its more than 50 years of existence, WRA has never had a home of its own. Whitpain Township has always generously provided us with space for Board meetings and our various committees and sports have made use of numerous facilities for meetings and events. With the WRA Fieldhouse, that will change. Plans are being finalized and we hope to start construction as quickly as possible. As with any worthwhile endeavor, the WRA Fieldhouse will require time, attention and funding. We could have easily determined that the commitment for a building is too great a task, but our resolve to make WRA stronger requires our continued attention to growth. This project will allow us to do just that. If you are interested in participating, helping with and/or contributing in any way to our new facility, do not hesitate to jump in with both feet. We appreciate it. After all, the goal is to continue our rich tradition of providing the best youth sports we can offer. QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 We are all looking forward to the day when WRA members can meet at our own facility not only for meetings, but also for social events, as well as, for displaying our numerous trophies and awards. Speaking of which, congratulations to our entire organization as WRA was just honored as Whitpain Township’s Partner of the Year for 2015, along with Wissahickon Lacrosse Club. It is a testament to all of our volunteers and supporters that we are worthy of such an award and everyone involved with WRA should be incredibly proud. I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events in 2016. On behalf of the entire WRA Board, I thank you all for your continued support. Very truly yours, Marshall Bleefeld President 2016 WRA Board of Directors Position/Committee Term Expiration Marshall Bleefeld President [email protected] 2017 Sean O'Donnell VP Administration [email protected] 2018 Patrick DiNicola VP Operations [email protected] 2016 Scott Greenberg VP Equipment [email protected] 2017 Pat Guaglianone Secretary [email protected] 2018 Steve Labroli Co-Treasurer [email protected] 2018 Erik Carrozza Co-Treasurer [email protected] 2018 Mike Basile Baseball Chair [email protected] 2017 Lisa Becker Field Hockey Co-Chair [email protected] 2018 Patrick Bailey Travel Soccer Chair [email protected] 2017 Dave Frank IM Soccer Chair [email protected] 2017 Pat Foley Soccer Committee [email protected] 2016 Chistopher Hynes Travel Basketball Chair [email protected] 2016 John Schieve Soccer Committee [email protected] 2016 Matt Schools Travel Soccer [email protected] 2016 Joe Smallberger Basketball Committee [email protected] 2016 Pat Walsh IM Basketball Chair [email protected] 2018 Please contact any member of the Board or click Board of Directors for questions regarding Board duties, membership and meetings. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 Landon Vargas It is with a heavy heart that the WRA shares the sad news of the loss of our own, Landon Vargas. Landon was a 3rd grader at St. Helena’s, a loving son and brother, the consummate teammate and an inspiration to us all. Landon was diagnosed with cancer on his 4th Birthday, but this diagnosis never diminished his passion for life or his love of sport. Even while enduring physically draining treatment, Landon defied the limits of the human spirit by attending games and practice when logic said to rest. He practiced and played with a boundless effort and skill that was undeniable. Landon was an extraordinary young man who exemplified the ideals of a brave competitor. His legacy of courage, dedication, determination, heart, loyalty, respect for teammates and opponents are the best of what youth sports should be. Whether it was on the baseball diamond, lacrosse field, wrestling mat, basketball court or the soccer pitch, Landon’s teammates, coaches and fans were inspired by his infectious smile and winning way. His loss will be felt throughout the WRA family, St. Helena’s and the community as a whole. We extend our most sincere condolences to the entire Vargas family, Landon’s friends and all those who had the privilege to know him. Friends of the Vargas family started a GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/friendsoflandon You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 Softball and Baseball Registration Now Open WRA Baseball/Softball/Teeball 2016 registration opened December 15, 2015. Please log in to your account on the WRA website www.wrasports.org to register. Evaluations for all registrants ages 8 to 12 will be held at The Batter’s Box from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm on both the first Saturday of February (2/6/16) and the third Saturday of February (2/20/2016). The Batter’s Box is located at 3238 W. Germantown Pike Norristown, PA 19403 (484)681-5415. If you would like to coach, please register as a volunteer and complete the background check at the end of registration. If you completed a background check within the past year, you may not be prompted/required to complete another background check at this time. The system will let you know if it is needed. Background checks are MANDATORY for all volunteers. Please sponsor a team at any level. Sponsorships are available for $175 through the on-line registration process. Any questions, please contact Mike Basile, WRA Baseball Chair, [email protected] Baseball Spirit Store Now Open The spirit store for WRA baseball is now open through January 26, 2015. Items will be delivered at baseball/softball evaluations on 2/21-2/22. A portion of every sale benefits WRA. https://runaroundinc.tuosystems.com/stores/wrabaseball You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 CENTRE SQUARE PARK GRAND OPENING AND WRA FIELDHOUSE GROUNDBREAKING The ceremonial ground breaking for the WRA Field house (photo credit Thomas Celona/Montgomery Media) On September 12, 2015, Whitpain Township joined the WRA in opening six brand new soccer fields at Centre Square Park. Thanks to all who worked so hard to give the kids an enviable new home. It was a great day of soccer and we look forward to many years of soccer and fun at CSP. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 6 The U14 Whitpain Wildfire celebrate the first ever WRA win at Centre Square Park. Other CSP “firsts” include First Goal scored by Maia Holeman, and First Shutout recorded by Anastasia Kormos. Congratulations. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 7 WRA Board Member and Capital Projects Coordinator Pat Foley announces the WRA Fieldhouse. (photo credit Thomas Celona/Montgomery Media) We welcome your involvement in building the WRA Fieldhouse. Please contact Pat Foley [email protected] and get involved in planning, fundraising, or lending other expertise to this important project. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 8 WRA NAMED WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP’S PARTNER OF THE YEAR Marshall Bleefield accepted Whitpain Township’s 2015 Partner of the Year award on behalf of WRA on September 30, 2015. Pictured: Roman Pronczak, Whitpain Township Manager; Fred Connor, Chairman, Board of Supervisors; Chuck Wurzbach, Co-Director, Wissahickon Lacrosse Club; Marshall Bleefeld, WRA President; Anthony Greco, Secretary, Board of Supervisors; and Adam Zucker, Vice Chairman, Board of Supervisors You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 9 BASKETBALL UPDATE WRA Intramural and Instructional Basketball is underway. Commissioners and coaches of the eight intramural divisions worked hard to evaluate players in order to create balanced teams. We want to thank the commissioners, coaches, and sponsors who helped make this season a success. Intramural League Practices started in December and games starting on Saturday, January 8th. Instructional League The Instructional League clinics started January 8. Clinics are held on Saturday afternoons at Lower Gwynedd Elementary School for 8 weeks straight. The league is divided into 3 clinic time slots. Please contact Donn Johnston, the Commissioner of the Instructional League, with any questions. Holiday Weekends WRA WILL hold Saturday games and Instructional clinics on the Saturdays of Martin Luther King and Presidents Day weekends. Practice will not be held on the Monday holidays. Travel Basketball The Wissahickon Run completed its inaugural fall season and the results (and impact on the community) far exceeded our original expectations. We can’t wait to see what unfolds as we head into the Spring and then year two. “The Run” was launched with the intent to aggregate the most talented, ageappropriate basketball players from the expanded community and provide them with access to the best fundamental instructors and the opportunity to develop their allaround games through a series of workouts and runs. The emphasis was on developing their skills in workouts as opposed to games. Exposing WRA players to the best talent in the area, in a setting that promotes great sportsmanship, hard work, a commitment to being fundamentally sound and to being unselfish has accelerated the growth and development of over 100 local young athletes this fall. That’s right, over 100 of the most talented basketball players came through The Run this fall spanning 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades. We had numerous high school coaches proctoring workouts and putting these players through workouts that stressed the fundamentals and hard work. Many new friendships (both coaches and players), many new rivalries and a lot of basketball development was spawned from The Run. Two of the three Run teams that entered teams into the Competitive Edge Fall League competed “up a year” in age groups one year ahead of their school year and made the Championship Games. All three teams showed enormous growth over the course of the season and all of the players are now poised to carry that growth into their Travel, AAU, CYO seasons in the winter. We couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 10 Thank you to all the coaches and players that participated. The Run will resume again this Spring and we look forward to the seeing our local players competing and excelling against the best players Philadelphia has to offer. Contact Chris Hynes for more information. Girls 11 Travel Basketball - Winners of the 2015 ICBA King of the Court Pre-season Tournament You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 11 Nine year old Boys Travel team played Bensalem at Temple University’s Liacouras Center You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 12 Coach Hoover’s 10 year old girls travel team wins ICBA bracket. FIELD HOCKEY UPDATE You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 13 The Indoor Field Hockey season began on November 30, 2015. Games are played on Monday nights at the Field House at Germantown Academy. The season runs through February 1 for the Junior and Intermediate divisions. The Senior division finishes on February 8 with an end-of-season tournament. The Field Hockey Committee wishes to thank the dedicated parents who help each week with setting up and tearing down the courts, and thank you to our generous sponsors: Beet Hunger - Support Philabundance! www.philabundance.org (Sandifer Family) Elliott Greenleaf Law (Elliott Family) RE/MAX Achievers Collegeville (Roman Family) Sentinel Investments (Maguire Family) Simmens’ H&R Block (Simmens Family) Sports Unlimited Spring Outdoor Field Hockey 2016 registration is open through January 26. When registering your child, please consider volunteering to coach or sponsor a team. This spring marks the 20 th anniversary of WRA field hockey. We hope you will join us. WRA Field Hockey - Celebrating 20 Years! You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 14 You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 15 WRA Past Presidents Dinner 2015: On November 5, 2015, WRA held the annual Past Presidents Dinner to recognize the efforts of our Volunteers of the Year and to thank our partners at Whitpain Township and Wissahickon School District. Volunteers of the Year: Baseball/Softball – Arthur Salverian IM Basketball – Jessica McVeigh Travel Basketball – Garry Sklutt Field Hockey – Lucy Gil Travel Soccer – Ward McMasters Intramural Soccer – John Bealin You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 16 Intramural Soccer Says Farewell to Jim Cavanaugh, Kovacs, Fell & Seniors Intramural Soccer has wrapped up another season of fun. Congratulations to trophy division winners: HS - Netherlands (coached by Patrick Williams and Patrick Lacon) MS - Aston Villa - coaches Wurtenberg, Goodman & Repko 45G - Pink Panthers - coaches Cannan, Jacobs & Segal 45B - Timbers - coaches Smith & Berger Thanks go out to all the Moms, Dads, and others that made the big sacrifice to coach a team (or two or three!). Our volunteer coaches are our lifeblood and serve such an important role make sure our kids have a great time and learn important soccer and life lessons!! We can’t thank you enough. We owe a big thank you to all the volunteers that came out to set up the fields, distribute equipment, help with Opening Day chores, and goal removal at the end of the season. Especially encouraging were the WRA players that came out to help, including representatives from Kindergarten through High School divisions! We were fortunate to the have the help of high school students as coaches for several of our teams, and would like to give special recognition to them: Eamon Goucher, Kevin Sammon, Talia Abrahams, Chris Annunziato (3rd year coaching!!), John Comonitski, Alex Escude, Will Frank, and Nicole Klein. Also Josh Zales volunteered as our referee assignor, insuring that all games were covered. Sadly, we say farewell to coaches in the HS Division that have ‘graduated’ along with their seniors: Patty Kovacs and Joanne Fell coached their team (United States) to the playoff final, and narrowly missed Patty’s second championship. Also serving in his final year, Jim Cavanaugh will be leaving a huge hole in our organization. He has served as Field Marshall and Head Referee for the past few years, and given a great deal of guidance as a member of the leadership committee of WRA Intramural Soccer, all the while coaching his sons’ teams for their entire tenure in the league. Jim’s first foray into WRA soccer was as a coach for his younger brother! I first met Jim when my son was fortunate to be on his team of first graders. Jim epitomized the intramural philosophy to provide a fun environment for kids to learn the game in the context of good sportsmanship and respect for their opponents, teammates and coaches. Jim saw to it that the referee corp, comprised mostly of WRA players from the IM and Travel programs, developed week after week to provide a safe environment for our trophy division players. That’s just a small sampling of the contributions he has made over the years. We won’t soon forget Jim and all that he has done for WRA IM Soccer, but wish him all the best as he enjoys much-deserved free Saturdays in the Fall!! You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 17 We are gearing up for next season and have need of much help to make it a success. As a volunteer organization, we need help from every family to make the program the best it can be. Please contact a member of the WRA Intramural Soccer Committee to see how you can help! PreK action is always FUN! The winning goal for Aston Villa in the MS Division final is headed in! You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 18 The 4/5 G Pink Panthers celebrate their victory in the final. This one got past the keeper to put Netherlands on top in the HS Division final. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 19 Trav Seniors got together for one last blast of WRA Soccer fun! You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 20 IM SOCCER SPONSORS SPONSOR Donnelly's Heating Plumbing and Cooling VECTOR SECURITY Morrissey Design LLC Center for Advanced Orthopedics Binsfeld Lending Team Binsfeld Lending Team Binsfeld Lending Team ZK Consulting Available Plumbing, Inc. Drem Team Michael Addesso Marble and Granite World Christi Insurance Christi Insurance Kamerman Law Firm Mill Creek Capital Advisors Superior Play Systems PCDE.com Nello Construction Bob McGraths Tree Service LLC PWC Rita's Water Ice - Limekiln Pike Dietrich Law Firm Keystone Volvo PS Squared Properties WhartonHill Advisors Maguire's Market Saffron Indian Kitchen Andy Strosser Plumbing & Heating Kelman and Magliari Advisory Group Union Jacks Pub Division Assigned Team Kindergarten 1G - 1st Grade Girls Kindergarten 4/5G - Grade 4/5 Girls Pre-Kindergarten 1G - 1st Grade Girls 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys MS - Grade 6-8 MS Coed 4/5B - Grade 4/5 Boys 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten 1B - 1st Grade Boys 2/3G - Grades 2&3 Girls 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys 2/3G - Grades 2&3 Girls HS - Grade 9-12 HS Coed 2/3G - Grades 2&3 Girls Kindergarten MS 2/3B - 3rd Grade Boys 4/5B - Grade 4/5 Boys 2/3G - Grades 2&3 Girls 4/5B - Grade 4/5 Boys HS - Grade 9-12 HS Coed HS - Grade 9-12 HS Coed Monahan/O'Donnell Kindergarten 4/5B - Grade 4/5 Rosen Timbers Doolin/Glazer TEAM KLEIN/ABRAHAMS Gochenauer 02 Carey/Pedicino Delletto/Comonitski/Kamer man/Vezina Angell/Kim Arsenal Union Laub McAndrew Ballers Archer/Eberz Salvitti/Geraghty Team France 03 Hess/MacRae Thur Saxon 01 Naticchione/Galloway Mon ENGLAND 07 Slawson/Capparella Tues McDermott/Lising Aston Villa Repko Galaxy 06 Wenz/Dever Thur Dynamo FRANCE NETHERLANDS You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 21 HockeyBuzz.com Tim J. Berman C.P.A Aetna Germer International The Senderling Group Fresh Smiles Foundation Sports Unlimited Andrea Loughlin Portraiture Boys 4/5B - Grade 4/5 Boys HS - Grade 9-12 HS Coed MS - Grade 6-8 MS Coed MS - Grade 6-8 MS Coed HS - Grade 9-12 HS Coed PreK Fire GERMANY Manchester United NETHERLANDS Hudson/Flannery Travel Soccer Wrap-Up The 2015-16 season is in the books for the Travel Soccer program. It was a very busy and exciting season for our Program as well as many of our teams. In addition to completing another fall season full of league games and tournament action, we opened Centre Square Park with Whitpain Township and Wisslax, held Heather Mitts Girls Soccer Clinic for the girls in our Program, instituted supplemental Goalkeeper training for all of our ‘keepers. Knowing that we have access to a field complex that is amongst the best in the area, we will continue to look toward these types of supplemental opportunities for the future development of all of our players. We have published many tournament successes for our teams in our weekly newsletters. In summary, it was a great fall season. Of our 31 travel soccer teams that played in the Inter-County Soccer League (ICSL) in the Fall, we had 8 teams end their seasons at the top of their table! Here are the teams that won their respective age group divisions: • • • • • • • • U9 Wings – Girls (Division 2) - Coach Howard U11 Wild – Girls (Division 1) – Coach Harris U11 Wave – Girls (Division 5) – Coach Roeberg U12 Wonder – Girls (Division 1) – Coach Reilly U8 Green Warriors – Boys (Division 2) – Coach Antwi U11 Wildcats - Boys (Division 2) – Coach Stein U12 Warriors – Boys (Division 1) – Coach Pigeon U15 Wicked – Boys (Division 1) – Coach Fortescue Many of our teams continue to play in the winter in area futsal and other indoor leagues. And a small number are participating in indoor state cups. As of this publication, one of our teams has claimed a state championship. Congratulations to the U11 Whitpain Wild girls who won the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association Horizon Service U11 Girls Challenge Cup on January 9, 2016. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 22 Additionally, it is important to congratulate some of our longest standing teams – the Whitpain Rockets boys and Whitpain United Black girls. These teams compete in elite leagues and college showcase tournaments throughout the region. Success in these leagues and tournaments have created opportunities for some of the players to continue their soccer careers into college. Congratulations to them as they continue to represent the organization extremely well! Finally, thank you is in order for our coaches for developing our players and putting them in a position to succeed and to the assistant coaches and team managers who make things run smoothly. A special thanks to our parents and families who ensure kids get to practices and games – and for being positive role models on the sidelines. We continue to make plans for the coming 2016-17 season and will be implementing changes mandated by US Soccer (small-sided games and calendar year age registration). It has been the source of much concern for players, parents, coaches and administrators alike. We will have additional communication to the families of the program soon so that we can prepare for the tryout season in the spring and another successful fall season for our kids. SAVE THE DATE!!!!! THE WRA ANNUAL SOCIAL EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016. DETAILS TO FOLLOW. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 23 DIRECTOR • THOMAS R. HARRIS 215-646-4444 BLUE BELL Camp BOX 444 BLUE BELL, PENNSYLVANIA 19422 8 week program Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm June 22nd – August 14th, 2015 Boys and Girls ages 5 through 11 www.bluebellcamp.net [email protected] Continuously family operated since 1946, Blue Bell Camp offers children a complete program of exciting and in-depth instruction during the summer. The camp is located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania on fifteen magnificent, highly shaded acres with a creek, pond, aviary, well-manicured playing fields, golf course, mahogany cabins, and heated swimming pool. Our mature, adult teaching staff coaches our campers in small groups of 8 - 10 children during forty-minute periods. Our comprehensive 8-week instructional program allows our campers to learn in a non-competitive atmosphere that promotes confidence, independence, and leadership and provides a well-rounded experience. Offering instruction in many different activities allows each child to gain knowledge in multiple areas and gives them the ability to specialize in the future. We feel it is essential to set the foundation for children to be prepared for a variety of choices following their formative elementary school years. For 70 years, Blue Bell Camp has provided a traditional and wholesome day camp experience that promotes team play, self-esteem, integrity, and sportsmanship in a fun and safe environment. Each of the following 22 activities is taught by our staff made up entirely of professionally certified school teachers and coaches who specialize in their field: Baseball Basketball Football Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Track & Field Archery Fencing Fitness Golf Gymnastics Karate Tennis Swimming Ceramics Chess Drama/Music Nature/Animals/Science Pioneering Riflery Woodshop You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 24 Volunteering Our Sport Offerings: Baseball Spring Intramural for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. Spring Boys Travel for kids ages 8 to 19 years old. Spring Tee Ball for 5 and 6 year old boys/girls. Registration begins in December, and programs run March/April WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Come out and help in any way you through early June. can. Contact one of the league chairs for help in matching your availability and interests with a role in WRA: Basketball Instructional Basketball for boys/girls in grades 1 to 3. Baseball/Softball: Mike Basile, [email protected] Intramural Basketball for Boys in grades 3 to 12 & Girls in grades 3 to 8. Intramural/Instructional Basketball: Pat Walsh Travel Basketball for Boys 9 to 13 years old & Girls 9 to 12 years [email protected] old. Travel Basketball: Chris Hynes, [email protected] Registration begins in the fall and the season runs through February. Field Hockey: Pat Guaglianone, [email protected] Field Hockey Lisa Becker, [email protected] Winter program: (3rd grade thru 11th grade) Registration begins in September Intramural Soccer: Dave Frank [email protected] Programs running December thru early February. We exist solely because of the efforts of dozens of volunteers, including (but not limited to) board members, commissioners, coaches, equipment managers, referees and web managers. Travel Soccer: Patrick Bailey, [email protected] Spring program: (1st grade thru 11th grade) Registration begins in December Programs running mid-March thru early June. Soccer Fall Intramural - Boys and girls ages 4 to 18 Travel - Boys and girls ages 8 to 17 Visit us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/WRAsports Upcoming Events Softball For Boys & girls ages 7 through 12. January: Instructional Basketball begins Outdoor Field Hockey Registration Closes February: Spring Baseball Intramural 8-12 yr. old Evaluations take place. Spring Baseball Intramural Draft - Teams formed Indoor field Hockey Season ends March: Travel Soccer Registration and Tryouts begin Intramural, Instructional, and Travel Basketball Seasons end. Outdoor Field Hockey Season begins. Spring Baseball Intramural Practice begins. You are receiving this email because you registered at Whitpain Recreation Association. TO UNSUBSCRIBE, login to your WRA account and check off the box to opt out of emails or simply delete your account. Our contact information is: [email protected] Whitpain Recreation Association PO BOX 64 BLUE BELL PA 19422-0064 Copyright (C) Whitpain Recreation Association All rights reserved