Dear Raptors Family,

With the Governors anticipated announcement later this week to move Illinois to Phase 3 of the state’s recovery plan on June 1, we'd like to inform you of the club's plans when we reach this stage. 

Despite the opportunity to conduct training sessions with 10 or fewer people, we have decided not to return to the training fields until at least June 15th. Based on the protocols and guidelines set forth by US Soccer, the USYSA, and the IYSA (https://illinoisyouthsoccer.demosphere-secure.com/illinois-youth-soccer-return-to-activiy-protocol-updated-may-26), the feasibility of conducting these sessions pose many logistical and safety challenges that would be difficult to meet at this time. 

Additionally, due to the State’s strict guidelines and protocols the Rockford Park District is required to adhere to for this reopening, Sportscore 2 will remain closed until further notice. 

Every registered player will be required to complete the new “IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement” before being allowed to return to any club activities. Please complete the attached form and email it to your team coach or manager to keep on file. 

Until we can return to the field, we will continue to offer the current lineup of club-wide training with our live technical training on Monday and Wednesday, and Movement Fitness SAQ Training on Tuesday and Thursday. We will also be scheduling future webinars that will benefit our players on and off the field.

2020-2021 Tryouts

Due to the uncertainty of when we can return to the field we will not be holding in-person tryouts. All Raptors players registered with the club for 2019-2020 season will offered a "Club" roster spot for the 2020-2021 season. 

Any new players wishing to be considered for the upcoming season should complete the New Player Tryout Formhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=14R-KPW4ArH6LchZ_-9ZkDS7e008MQbEsBxkN0BVnBQM

Once the coaching staff has had thorough time to evaluate the list of returning players, along with any new players wishing to join the club, actual "Team" rosters will be announced with the goal of placing each player at a training and competition level appropriate to support their continued development.

Details on how to register and accept your place in the club for 2020-2021 season will be available soon. Club fees will not be increased and will remain the same as 2019-20. 

We’d like to again thank all of you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times. We’re all eager to get back on the pitch and resume training and games but the health and safety of all our players, parents, and coaches remains the top priority. We will keep you updated as new developments are announced. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Frank Mateus, Executive Director

frankmateus3@gmail.com
815-505-1590

Hugh Ward, Director of Coaching

shuggy6@comcast.net

815-871-9678

Roland Hahn, ECNL Director

rolandh13@att.net

312-617-8501

The Rockford Raptors have cancelled the 2020 Puri Champions Cup Powered by Puma that was scheduled for June 26-28th due to the COVID.

We are still planning on Running the 2020 Puri College Showcase on July 24-26th.  If your team is interested in attending click on logo to apply: Contact Frank Mateus at 815-505-1590 or frankmateus3@gmail.com 

if you have any questions  Updated as of May 22nd 2020

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2020  Puri Cup College Showcase Powered by PUMA  SCHEDULED FOR April 3rd-5th  HAS BEEN POSPONED AND MOVED TO JULY 24-26th.  STILL ON AS OF MAY 22ND ALL AGE GROUPS 8U-19U BOYS & GIRLS 

ALL GAMES AT MERCY HEALTH SPORTSCORE 2 COMPLEX.  ONE DAY PER DAY FOR ALL TEAMS.  

Application Deadline: Monday, June 15th

12U-19U Boys and Girls. 

12U  will play 9v9 or 11v11 full 70 minute games

13U-14U will play full 70 Minute games

15U-19U will play 80 Minute games

12U-14U will have playoffs and awards for 1st and 2nd place teams

15U-19U Will be College Showcase format with three games and no playoffs.

Hoping for Great competition, good number of college coaches, and one location for all of the games (Mercy Health Sportscore 2

2020 Puri Cup College Showcase Powered by PUMA,  JULY 24-26th Entry Fees  - JUST ADDED 8U-11U WITH LOWER FEES FOR 14U-8U

$750 plus parking fee of $60  total =$810 per team 2005-2000 (15U-19U Boys & Girls)

$675 plus parking fee of $60 total =735 per team for 2008 (11v11) -2006 (12-14 Boys & Girls)

$600 plus parking fee of $50 total =650 per team for 2009-2008 (9v9)  (11U-12U Boys & Girls)

$550 plus parking fee of $50 Total = 600  per team for 2012-2010 (7v7)  (8U-10U Boys & Girls)

Dear Raptors Family,

We’d like to thank our members for your all of your support and patience as we continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times. We’re all eager to get back on the pitch and resume training and games, but the health and safety of all our members remains the priority. We continue to abide by the mandates of the state and federal government, as well as the soccer governing bodies under we which we compete.Based on the governor's 5 Phase Plan to reopen the state (https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/), the opportunity to play this summer still remains up in the air. However, we are planning for the best-case scenario should we be given the go ahead to safely return to the pitch.Please remember that the suspension of all training and games in Illinois remains in affect until at least May 31 and will not be lifted until we have full clearance from the proper state and health officials, along with US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer.

Here’s what competitive information we do know so far:

·       IYSA: All training and games suspended, at minimum, through 

        May 31

·       IWSL: Spring season canceled

·       YSSL: Spring season cancelled

·       Midwest Conference: Spring season cancelled

.       IYSA State Premiership: Tentative June start

·       IYSA State Cup: Tentative June start

·       ECNL Boys: Play suspended, at minimum, through May 31.

·       Raptors Puri Champions Cup, June 26-28: On schedule as planned

·       Raptors Puri College Showcase: July 24-26: On schedule as planned

Updates to any schedules and events will be posted here as soon as they become available. Individual teams will also be notified by their coaches.

As we await a return to the pitch we encourage all of our players to stay fit and sharp by following any training sessions provided by your team coach, and participate in the excellent training resources provided by the club:

·       Raptors Live Technical Training

·       Movement Fitness Sports Performance Training (Live and recorded)

·       Raptors GK Training

Information on these programs can be found on our website Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Stay healthy!

Due to the Covid-19 deadline for return to play we are currently working on new dates for club tryouts.

If you are new to the club and want to try out please fill out the attached form below. Once reviewed, a member of our staff will contact you with further information.

For additional information contact us at rockfordraptorsfcinfo@gmail.com

Thanks!

Below is the NEW  link for all Live Raptors club trainings.

Please be aware that U-8s-U13 Boys and Girls go one Monday’s at 4pm. 

Ages 14s and Up will go 4pm on Wednesdays.

What You’ll Need:

Down load the Zoom App

The Password once you click on the Zoom meeting link you will need to put in raptors for password.

*Cleats

*If you have cones that would be great if not you’ll need anywhere from 4-8 markers. Please reach out to your coaches as we had a conference call last night and we will be giving kids that don’t have any cones that would like some.

*Lastly, this is all new to everyone and we will do our best to make it as smooth as possible but we will have to work through some kinks in the beginning so please be patient.

*Mike Rizzo and or a former Raptors that are playing at the college level will be demonstrating the drills. 

*Anyone can do both sessions if you would like. 

Best,

Mike Rizzo

Frank Mateus is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Rockford Raptors Training 
Time: May 6, 2020 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
        Every week on Mon, Wed, until Jun 17, 2020, 13 occurrence(s)
        May 6, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 11, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 13, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 18, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 20, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 25, 2020 04:00 PM
        May 27, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 1, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 3, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 8, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 10, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 15, 2020 04:00 PM
        Jun 17, 2020 04:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMod--srD0jHND6Fb2nSXhCy1z1Zm5NuCpD/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvqzssHtaTuR-DRpwEGYigM-jzpiFEgo15yjnnUS5gWgvVL7NYY4hyRfbF

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87506426964?pwd=a1gxblUxYVNnMzhVS015NGNnbXArZz09

Meeting ID: 875 0642 6964
Password: raptors
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,87506426964#,,1#,869322# US (Chicago)

A list of the Raptors 2020 players who have committed to play in college is listed in the Home menu under the College Players button. Congrats to all!

This list will be updated as other players finalize their decision.

Please click on the "Club Message" tab  in the "Home" menu  to see the weekly videos from Frank and Hugh.

During this difficult time it is even more important that we support our locally owned businesses.

Please see attached a list of  businesses that are owned by our Raptor families.

This list will be updated on a daily basis.  If you want to add your business to the list,  please email Hugh Ward at shuggy6@comcast.net.

2020 Puri Champions Cup Powered by PUMA,  WILL NOW BE PLAYED ON JUNE 26-28th.  

U8-U19 Boys and Girls.  Last year was the 2nd largest tournament we have ever had with 535 teams participated

Application Deadline Thursday,  Monday, May 25th

Application are now open.   Last 4 years we have had too declined teams because we have had too many teams apply so don't be left behind be ready to apply as soon as the application is opened.

U12 Boys & Girls can choose to play 9v9 OR 11v11. Please select the right playing numbers when you apply.

U8 Boys & Girls Can choose to play 4v4 or 7v7.  Please select the right playing numbers when you apply.

Great tournament for all of your club's teams from top to bottom since we typically have four level of flights for all age groups.  

Playoffs for 8U-14U and Awards for all age groups.  15U and Older awards will be given out after the three round robin games.  All Bracket winners will Receive team and individual awards.  Team and Individual awards for 1st and 2nd Place teams in the 8U-14U age groups.

2020 Puri Champions Cup Powered by PUMA,  June 24-26th Weekend:  Tournament Entry fee:

U8-U10 (7v7) - $550 plus parking fee of $50
U11-U12 (9v9) - $600  plus parking fee of $50
U12-U14 (11v11) - $675 plus parking fee of $60
U15-U19 (11V11) - $720  plus parking fee of $60

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2020  Puri Cup College Showcase Powered by PUMA  SCHEDULED FOR April 3rd-5th  HAS BEEN POSPONED AND MOVED TO JULY 24-26th. All Fees, Age Groups etc will remain the same.  

ALL GAMES AT MERCY HEALTH SPORTSCORE 2 COMPLEX.  ONE DAY PER DAY FOR ALL TEAMS.  

Application Deadline: Monday, June 15th

12U-19U Boys and Girls. 

12U  will play 9v9 or 11v11 full 70 minute games

13U-14U will play full 70 Minute games

15U-19U will play 80 Minute games

12U-14U will have playoffs and awards for 1st and 2nd place teams

15U-19U Will be College Showcase format with three games and no playoffs.

Hoping for Great competition, good number of college coaches, and one location for all of the games (Mercy Health Sportscore 2

2020 Puri Cup College Showcase Powered by PUMA,  JULY 24-26th Entry Fees

$750 plus parking fee of $60  total =$810 per team 2005-2000 (15U-19U Boys & Girls)

$675 plus parking fee of $60 total =735 per team for 2008 (11v11) -2006 (12-14 Boys & Girls)

$600 plus parking fee of $50 total =650 per team for 2009-2008 (9v9)  (11U-12U Boys & Girls)

$550 plus parking fee of $50 Total = 600  per team for 2012-2010 (7v7)  (8U-10U Boys & Girls)

Clink on logo to apply for the 2020 Puri Cup College Showcase (NEW DATE) JULY 24-26TH

NEW DATE BUT SAME GREAT EVENT THAT WE NORMALLY RUN IN APRIL.  ALL GAMES AT MERCY HEALTH SPORTSCORE 2 COMPLEX.  APPLY ASAP SO YOUR TEAM DOESN'T GET LEFT BEHIND 

WE HAVE ALSO JUST ADDED BOYS & GIRLS 8U-11U TO THIS EVENT SO OPENED TO 8U-19U BOYS AND GIRLS THIS YEAR 

Fine Designs will have onsite apparel for purchase  during the tournament but if you prefer to avoid the lines and get a head start.  If You forget to pick some up at the event you can also use the links below to order online.

-2020 Puri Champions Cup Powered by Puma  (6/26-6/28-2020): 

 https://store.finedesigns.com/midwestern/2020-puri-champions-cup.html

-2020  Puri Cup College Showcase Powered By Puma (7/24-7/26/): 

https://store.finedesigns.com/midwestern/2020-puri-cup-college-showcase.html

Fine Designs will have onsite apparel for purchase  during the tournament but if you prefer to avoid the lines and get a head start.  If You forget to pick some up at the event you can also use the links below to order online.

-2020 Puri Champions Cup Powered by Puma  (6/26-6/28-2020): 

https://store.finedesigns.com/midwestern/2020-puri-champions-cup.html

-2020 Puri Cup College Showcase Powered by Puma  (07/24-07/26/20): 

https://store.finedesigns.com/midwestern/2020-puri-cup-college-showcase.html

Written by Calvin Wetzel from the "Her Hoop Stat"

#TwoSports #ThreeStories
Tales of Division I Decisions and Dual-Sport Dominance from Three Extraordinary Athletes

There are 3,323 NCAA Division I women’s basketball players that qualify for the Her Hoop Stats minutes per game leaderboard this season. The collective group would only fit into half of the Ivy League arenas. But the number of those that have played another Division I sport? They would likely fit into your car.

As Kansas State head volleyball coach Suzie Fritz puts it, “That’s a very, very difficult endeavor that is probably limited to a handful of people.” Handful, indeed—the word is only fitting for a group that you can count on one hand. There are three of them, to be exact. Three ultra-talented athletes who are better at their second sport than most are at their first.

The multisport tie that binds aside, each one has a unique story.

McKaela Schmelzer 
Redshirt Junior Guard, UW-Milwaukee 
3.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 35.7 3P% 
Photo Credit: UW-Milwaukee Athletics

There’s being in shape, there’s being in Division I-athlete shape, and there’s being in two-sport-Division I-athlete shape. Then, there’s McKaela Schmelzer.

Schmelzer is perhaps the only player on this list who runs less in basketball than in her other sport. “She’s probably the most conditioned athlete I’ve ever coached at any level,” said UW-Milwaukee head women’s basketball coach Kyle Rechlicz.

“Training, in the weight room, fitness—I mean that kid loves to compete,” added UW-Milwaukee head women’s soccer coach Troy Fabiano.

Schmelzer’s college decision is a quintessential story of coming full circle. After originally committing to play soccer for UW-Milwaukee during her sophomore year of high school, a change in the Panthers’ coaching staff led her to reopen her recruitment. Before long, Northern Illinois swooped in and Schmelzer was all set to become a Husky.

Then came the final months of McKaela’s high school basketball career. Around January of her senior season, she realized that she wasn’t ready to give up basketball just yet. Northern Illinois wasn’t keen on the two-sport idea, and thus began another period of open recruitment. When Rechlicz heard about Schmelzer’s decision, she didn’t hesitate. “I absolutely jumped on the opportunity,” Rechlicz said, “because she’s just such a competitor.”

Such a competitor, in fact, that breaks from workouts are more nuisance than respite. “You try to take her out of a drill because you want to manage her minutes, and she loves to give you a dirty look,” Fabiano said.

It’s a relentless work ethic that’s accompanied by humility and a drive to improve. During an attacking drill in a soccer practice last season, McKaela was losing the ball a bit too frequently. Fabiano quipped, “Wow, you’re a point guard in basketball?”

Schmelzer’s response? “Yeah, but did you see how many turnovers I have?”

“That’s the type of person she is; she doesn’t sell something she’s not,” Fabiano said. “She doesn’t throw her teammates under the bus … she just wants to get better.”

Rechlicz sees the same determination on the basketball court. “I think part of that is due to soccer, and I also think part of that is due to who McKaela is as a person,” she said. “Being as competitive as she is, she never lets something hold her back.”

Schmelzer’s number one piece of advice for young athletes would be to have that same mindset: “Don’t ever let anybody tell you no.”

The one time when McKaela will tell you no is when you ask her if one of the sports is her favorite. “I don’t think I’ve ever given anybody an answer,” she said. “Whichever one I’m in I love, like with a passion.”

After redshirting her freshman year of basketball, Schmelzer will return next year for one more season before graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering. Her collegiate soccer career is over, but Fabiano sees potential for more soccer in her future. “If she wants to be, she could be a pro,” he said. “She has all the tools.”

Top Stories

JAN 24, 2020/MEN'S SOCCER/MORE HEADLINES +

TRILK SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES

Players who are interested in trying out for the Raptors Club and ECNL High School age boys teams, please contact the below coaches to set up a try out time.

2005 Boys: Nick Roman : nickroman12188@gmail.com or Eddie Garza: eduardo.garza12.eg@gmail.com

2004 Boys: Louie Mateus: lmateus@comcast.net or Vee Jevremovic: vladajev20@gmail.com

2003 Boys: Frank Mateus: frankmateus3@gmail.com or Eron Harvey:  eronh13@gmail.com

2002/01 Boys: Hugh Ward: shuggy6@comcast.net or Brian Denu: bdenu@sdb.k12.wi.us

The Rockford Raptors would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the Inaugural Raptors Golf Outing. We are grateful for our sponsors, the 72 golfers who took the course, to those who donated their time and services, and we're especially grateful to all of our club families who generously donated gift baskets to our silent auction and raffle prizes. Without the support of you this event would not have been possible! 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the second annual event in 2020! 

The Rockford Raptor Gu23 are Regional Champs after winning the Region II Tournament of Champions tournament vs Detroit Sun Reserve in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday July 28th.  The  Game was  Streamed Live and here's the link to watch the game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R0xedb6-Yg

Raptors Finished first in there group by beating   Fort Wayne 4-0 and Detroit Sun 2-1.  The Raptors advanced into the finals by beating  Louisville 2-0 in the Semi-finals which set up a rematch against Detroit.  In the Championship game the final score once again was 2-1 for the Raptors but this time this was after PKS Shoot out win 

Congrats Raptors Girls U23 and all of those who participated

The 2007 Boys team lost in the Championship game to Team Chicago at the USA Cup Weekend Tournament in Blaine , MN . Congrats to the team! The team is coached by Scott Anderson and Marc Scordato.

Rockford Raptors Gu23 are IL Women's State Cup Runners Up after a 1-0 defeat to Chicago City yesterday at Wheeling High School.  Raptors Started the State Cup run with a great 4-3 win over last year's State Cup Champs IL Monarchs and followed that up with a great 5-1 performance over Elgin Pumas before falling to Chicago City in the Finals.  Raptors will represent IL next weekend July 27-28 in Forth Wayne, Indiana in the Tournament of Champions, Regionals.  Good Luck Raptors !

The Rockford Raptors would like to remind everyone about the class of 2019 boys and Girls college signing today, Wednesday July 17th at 5:30pm on Field 3 which for a total of 35 student athletes that will go on to play college soccer this upcoming fall.  

Here's a list of the class of 2019 that will be playing at the college level this fall:

BOYS ECNL ANNOUNCES IMPRESSIVE LIST OF NEW MEMBER CLUBS FOR 2019-2020

18 New Clubs and a New Conference to Debut

RICHMOND, VA (March 20, 2019) – The Boys Elite Clubs National League (Boys ECNL) is excited to unveil a significant class of nationally-renowned clubs joining the rapidly growing youth platform for the 2019-2020 season, including the creation of a new conference.   

Adding to recently announced new members Minnesota Thunder Academy and Loudoun Soccer, the Boys ECNL will add 16 additional clubs that are proven top-level performers for the fall.  Collectively, these clubs have developed hundreds of players for NCAA Men’s Soccer programs and will immediately elevate the on-field standard within the league. 

In addition, the Boys ECNL has created a new Northwest Conference to be launched this fall, stretching the league footprint to fully cover the United States from coast to coast in a meaningful way, brokering opportunities for powerhouse clubs in an exploding soccer market to join its ranks.  

The full list of new member clubs of the Boys ECNL for the 2019-2020 season is below: 

Former Raptors player Lexi Zambrano attends and plays college at Trinity Christian College. her team just won the NCCAA Division 1 National Championship.

The Raptors U17 Girls team beat Crystal Lake Force Elite+ 3-2 after extra time in  the State Cup Final.

The team will now compete in the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships in Saginaw, MI on June 21st thru 26th, 2019.

Are you interested in joining the Rockford Raptors and missed tryouts?  It may not be too late!  Please contact one of our Directors for information.

Frank Mateus - FrankMateus3@gmail.com

Hugh Ward - Shuggy6@comcast.net

Please see below for the Raptors FC outline of programs available for yor child.  Contact us with any questions you may have.

Thank you, Raptors FC Staff

•More than 300 former Raptor Players have gone on to play at the College level.

•3 former players now play in the MLS

•Currently More ODP Players than any other local Club

•More National Team players come from Raptors FC than any other local Club

•TopDrawerSoccer.com has listed 2 Raptors FC players on the Top 100 players in the Country

•Only Player from Rockford named to ESPN’s Rize All Chicago Team

•Only local Club to have players selected to All-Midwest Regional Team

•Entire Coaching staff is certified and licensed while more Raptors Coaches hold advanced diploma‘s and more Licensed "A" coaches than any other local club.

•Average tenure for a Raptors Coach is more than 6 years with the Club and many have been with the Club since the inception.

•National Champions (2 times)

•National Runner-up 2004 and 2005

•Regional Champions (5 Times)
 

The History

•Establishedin 1994 as one professional team in the former USISL (now called USL, a second divisionleague below MLS) with the help of Dr. Wedgbury and established Youth system shortly thereafter. Doing so with the sole purpose of creating quality soccer training opportunity for Rockford’s youth. Later was the backing for establishing ISC and Sportscore Two as The premier Soccer Facility in the Country.

•Annually provides more than $70,000 in scholarships and financial aid for players.

•Annually provides recreational leagues for more than 2,000 kids

•ONLY Local Club that have participated in MRL (boys & Girls) since its inception.

•Established and continues to host one of the most successful and sought after tournaments in the Midwest and Country as The Puma Cup hosts more than 680 teams annually over 2 weekends in April.

•Established and hired a Full-time Professional Athletic Trainer. To continue to raise and set the bar for other Clubs to try and copy but not duplicate. The ONLY local Club to do so.

•2009 Raptors  named as PUMA Premier ClubThe Rockford Raptors have received the designation as a Puma Premier Club. They join an elite group of clubs from across the nation: Sacramento United (Sacramento, Ca), Les Bois SC (Boise, ID), Southern California Blues (Costa Mesa, CA), Albion SC (San Diego, Ca), TSF Academy (Lincoln Park, NJ), Brooklyn Italians, (New York, NY), Charlotte United (Charlotte, NC) and Snohomish United (Snohomish, WA)

Passion, Dedication, Loyalty and Honor

Rockford Raptors FC

The BEST