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Health & Fitness

Grayslake Galaxy SC Pre Season Event

On 4/6 and 4/7 Grayslake Galaxy Soccer Club marked the start of the Spring 2013 season with their third Pre-Season Scrimmage event.

On 4/6 and 4/7 Grayslake Galaxy Soccer Club marked the start of the Spring 2013 season with their third Pre-Season Scrimmage event. The event saw over 500 players from 8 local travel soccer clubs playing informal scrimmages against each other at Alleghany Park, Grayslake. This seasons event was the biggest yet with teams from Warren United (Gurnee), GLSA (Libertyville), Chicago Fire Juniors (Highland Park), Palatine Celtic (Palatine), Mundelein Strikers (Mundelein), Heat United (Huntley) and Lakefront SC (Chicago) attending. 

Grayslake Galaxy introduced the Pre-Season Scrimmage event three years ago as a way to assist their preparations for the season ahead. Instead of travelling to a tournament and going straight back into competitive action the club invited local teams to participate in games where the emphasis is on enjoyment and sportsmanship. For the majority of games there are no referees and the players and coaches are asked to manage the game themselves.  Scores are not recorded and games are split into thirds or quarters to allow coaches to let the players play and discuss aspects of development at the breaks.

Speaking at the scrimmages Liam Lacy, Director of Coaching at Grayslake Galaxy, said “We are delighted to welcome all of the clubs and players to our event. We introduced the event in 2010 as, through discussions with other coaches, it became apparent that there was a need for a fun and informal way to assist team preparation for the upcoming season. The scrimmages give players the chance to get back outdoor and play on grass again after the 10 week indoor season. For the coaches it allows us to give players experience playing in other positions and within different formations before the travel season begins. Hopefully all players, parents and coaches will find the games to be enjoyable and beneficial for the season ahead”.

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Jamie Martin, Director of Coaching at Warren United Soccer Club, added “Over the last three years, these friendly games have formed an integral part of our pre-season preparations. After the long winter “indoor” season, all our players (and parents) are itching to get back outside. What better way to start the spring, than to get back on the grass in an informal environment where fun, sportsmanship and competition can be had by so many players”.

Grayslake Galaxy would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped out in various roles over the weekend and Grayslake Park District for their assistance with the event. Good luck to all of the players and teams involved for the Spring season.

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