Introducing.... CLUBWAKA MLS! (MEDIOCRE LEAGUE SOCCER)

Excitement is building because the beautiful game debuts in Hampton starting April 8th, 2018.  

I've been talking to Brent about developing a soccer league for the last few years and am really glad we've been able to finally launch something, but for him to find such a great location and then to pair it with a fantastic brewery, we couldn't ask for anything better.  There's going to be nothing like soccer in the sunshine on Ft Monroe followed by some post-game hydration with a few Oozlefinch brews.

With the end of sign-ups closing on us pretty quickly, I wanted to provide a few updates as well as kick off (pun not intended) a new segment we'll be writing frequently leading up to everyone's MLS debut. 

TEAMS

• We are officially at 4 teams, but have 3 more friend groups forming and a number free agents.  With the price going up to $71 on 3/18, I strongly encourage everyone to start reaching out to your teammates to push them to sign on the dotted line.  MLS contracts are not guaranteed.  
• TEAMS TO DATE (as of 3/11/18 at 4:00 PM):
• Ronaldo McDonaldo (16 players)
• OTPHJ (14 players)
• UTTOTPHJ (13 players)
• Moat Monsters (15 players)
• FRIEND GROUPS 
• Look Ma, No Hands (11 players)
• Oozlekicks (11 players) 
• Kick in a Box (7 players)
• Hangover 86 FC (6 players)

Come on, Look Ma and Oozlekicks!  One more player each and you reach team status.  Then you get to lock-in your color and you'll be able to avoid Texas Orange.  

Also, a special shout-out to Scott Tinsley who has almost single-handedly filled three teams through an enthusiastic marketing campaign of subliminal messaging and favor promising.  Dude would fit right in with FIFA.   For his efforts, he'll be receiving the first MLS trophy to be awarded during the upcoming Captains Meeting.  I hope he'll dress for the occasion as there are few trophies that will rival the Sign-Up Simon. 

SEASON 1 BLOG FEATURES
As you can see, we'll plan to have an active blog.  Some of the features that are being considered...

• Statistics - goals scored, yellow and red cards (there should be VERY few of these, but we'll be sure to call out you enforcers and hotheads out there)
• Team of the week - Similar to the EPL, we'll be posting a team of the week with 7 players that should be highlighted based on performance, sportsmanship, and general friendliness.  
• Hooligan of the week - Someone who stood out at the bar for any number of antics that may ensue. 
• Get to know your referee - an interview with one or two of the referees that may ref the games during the season.  
• Player Spotlight -- more detail below
• Best Goal Celebration - while 5 minute coordinated goal celebrations will not be encouraged, we will certainly highlight some creativity if you have the marbles to celebrate a goal.  That being said, if you pull a Sharpie out of your sock, I'm going to red card you myself.  
• Photo of the week - I'll try to bring my camera out each week that isn't raining and catch some photos of out-of-shape players dry heaving and secret Fireball shots post warm-ups.
• Goal of the week - probably won't be videoed, but could be videoed.  If not, I'll do my best to weave a word tapestry that gives the goal the glory it deserves.

MLS AWARDS

We've already discussed Sign-Up Simon, but we're also looking at a few other awards that we'll distribute at the end of the season.

- Mediocre Player of the Year
- Golden Gal
- Golden Boot
- Hand of God
- Sign-up Simon
- Sportsperson of the Season
- Hooligan of the Year


NOTE: In order to have nice things, we need a supportive volunteer community, so please please please let me know if you'd like to write for the blog, use your craft skillz to create an award, or keep stats for the league.  Email me at bkirby@kickball.com if you're as into this as I am and we can find a role for you.  Maybe you'll get an award named after you.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT #1 
JAMIE GALLAGHER - LOOK MA, NO HANDS

 

CLUBWAKA Multi-sport athlete alert! Jamie has also played kickball & beach volleyball 

Soccer History: I started playing when I was 4 or 5 and haven’t missed a season up until 2016 when I injured my knee. I played in high school, rec, travel, indoor, futsol, sand soccer, and played 4 years of Club Soccer at VCU. 

Favorite Player: Carli Lloyd is a monster on the field and seems like she’d be a cool person to hang out with in real life. Her twitter is always full of inspiring quotes and pictures of her meals from Chipotle. 

Position: I have played every position possible throughout my soccer career. This season, I plan on going back to center midfield when I am not in my starter position of left bench or team mom. 

Current Boots: I am currently rocking the blue Nike Mercurial Vapors with the silver sparkles. I wouldn’t say they are my favorite, but they were having a sale and I am a sucker for sparkles. 

What are you most looking forward to with the launch of CLUBWAKA MLS (Mediocre League Soccer)? I am looking forward to spending time with my AWESOME team. There are some long-lost teammates that I am excited to reunite with as well as new faces to meet! Is it April yet?