(August 21, 2007) Crossfire Premier and Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association (LWYSA) are very proud to formalize and announce its participation as one of 64 clubs across the nation selected to participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA). In hearing of Crossfire’s selection, U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Men’s National Team Coach John Hackworth was quoted as saying, “We have every expectation that Crossfire Premier’s participation in the Academy will only increase their past successes of developing elite youth players.”
As a club we are excited about the opportunities this presents to our players and coaches by being a part of a program put in place by the U.S. Soccer Federation designed to improve the development environment for players throughout the country building a strong National Team program said Crossfire Coaching Director Bernie James. This acceptance says a great deal about the accomplishments of the club, many of which have their roots directly with the current Crossfire James 88, 89 and 91 teams as well as Crossfire Flory 90.
“The inclusion of Crossfire Premier only adds to the encouraging start of this new program,” said U.S. Soccer’s Director of Coaching Education Bob Jenkins. “The key component to the Development Academy is a focus from the clubs on doing what it takes to get their coaches and players focused on long term player development and we felt Crossfire Premier will provide the right training environment to make this happen.”
At a local level WSYSA, LWSYA, and Crossfire Premier believe the USSDA program represents a major step for youth development in the United States. Crossfire Premier is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural season representing our region and our state. We know in the initial season there will be unique challenges but believe this is a great opportunity for our players.
In response to acceptance and us joining the program Crossfire Premier’s Development Academy coaching staff will be holding open tryouts from age appropriate players. This program is a regional program and is open to all players in the greater Seattle area and beyond, though it is important to note that Crossfire Premier is one of two teams in Washington and one of three in the Northwest. As Crossfire Premier’s selection is recognition of this club and its players, strong preference, but not a guarantee, will be given to existing players on current Crossfire teams in the U15-18 age groups.
Open tryouts will be held on Sunday, August 26th from 6pm to 8pm on field #4 at the Starfire Sports Complex and Tuesday, August 28th from 8pm to 10pm on field #4 at the Starfire Sports Complex. If an interested player can not attend they should contact LWYSA office and talk to the Crossfire Premier Administrator. (Note this is a day/time change)
Finally, it is important to note that the formation of these two team will have an impact to the rosters of existing Crossfire Premier teams in the U15-U18 age groups. This is an unfortunate situation but Crossfire Premier is committed to every current Crossfire player having a place in the club for the upcoming season.
Sincerely,
The Crossfire Board – Kevin Allison, Tina Aldridge, Alan Bechtel, Sarah Graham, John Gray, Steve Hopp, Brian Klein, Lance McIntosh, Barry O’Brien, Karen Whittier
Crossfire Coaching Directors – Bernie James, Dick McCormick
Crossfire Academy Coaches – Bernie James, Neil Megson, Andy Flory
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The Crossfire Premier Soccer Club is based in Redmond, Washington. Crossfire Premier is the Advanced Development Program (“ADP”) affiliated with the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association(LWYSA), a Non-Profit Organization formed in 1968 and devoted to promoting the game of soccer and serving over 7,500 boys and girls in East King County of Washington State USA. In the 2006 season, the Crossfire Premier Soccer program consists of 47 teams (roughly 700 players), ages U-11 through U-19. We are affiliated with the US Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), which in turn is affiliated with FIFA. (LWYSA), a Non-Profit Organization formed in 1968 and devoted to promoting the game of soccer and serving over 7,500 boys and girls in East King County of Washington State USA. In the 2007 season, the Crossfire Premier Soccer program consists of 57 teams (roughly 700 players), ages U-11 through U-19. We are affiliated with the US Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), which in turn is affiliated with FIFA.
The Crossfire Premier Soccer Club provides professional training and player development to qualified players to assist them in advancing to play at the highest levels of play available in the state. Many of the local high school and college teams are chiefly comprised of players who have demonstrated their ability to improve their skills and tactics through Crossfire Premier. Crossfire Premier coaching has produced players that have risen above the Crossfire Premier levels and onto the National Residency Programs in Florida, the U17 and U20 US National teams, and onto careers in the European leagues.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Crossfire Premier Club Office @ 425-821-1741 or at our website www.crossfiresoccer.org 
