TNT Dynamite Soccer Club

TNT Dynamite Accepted into Super Y League
Mid-Michigan's Premier Soccer Organization Receives Exclusive Rights to Nation-wide League

LANSING, MI - December 1, 2010 - The TNT Dynamite Soccer Club, Mid-Michigan's largest and most successful youth soccer organization, was recently accepted into the Super Y League, a nation-wide league featuring some of the most elite programs in the country.

TNT will represent Michigan as one of three clubs with exclusive access to this league. The Super Y League organizes divisions geographically and limits membership to ensure quality competition, with the top teams in each division qualifying for the North American Finals, held in Tampa, FL in November.

"Many families have asked me recently about the 'big announcement' that was teased in our most recent monthly newsletter. This is it - it's a big deal for our club, and we're ecstatic about this opportunity," said Todd Derby, club President and CEO. "This becomes another layer to our club that further sets us apart from other programs in regards to quality player development opportunities."

Several current TNT players competed in the most recent North American Finals - the u14 Chicago Fire Juniors-Michigan, lead by TNT coach Danny Price, included Tara Lierman (TNT 97 Red) and advanced to the championship game, only to fall in penalties. Josh Robison (TNT 95 Red), Esteban Russell (TNT 93) and John Reglin (TNT 93) competed with teams from Alliance FC that advanced to the semifinals.

TNT will offer boys and girls Super Y teams from U13 through U17 that will compete in the Midwest division, and their schedule will consist of practices and games in June and July, with most games usually played over weekends at a neutral site. Training and home games will take place in Lansing. Players will be selected via tryouts, scouting and invitation, and opportunities to play for a TNT-Super Y team are open to all players, both in and outside of the club.

"TNT-Super Y teams are considered a separate program from our traditional teams; it's a different league, with rules that do not apply to our regular teams and a summer schedule that will appeal to only the more committed soccer players," said Dan Raben, Director of Coaching and Player Development.

"Our goals with this program are to field competitive teams and deliver a positive experience to the players who participate - whether it's current TNT players or those who play with different programs around the state. We're confident that we will accomplish both of these goals."

Information on tryouts, coaching assignments and fees will be posted over the next few weeks on the club's website: www.tntsoccer.net. A Frequently-Asked-Questions document is available online.

Said Raben, "This is another example that sets our club apart from other programs: from our teams finding success in State Cup, to our players competing at the Regional and National stages of ODP, and now our club joining the Super Y League. Although the snow is falling outside, the sun is shining on TNT."

The TNT Dynamite Soccer Club is Mid-Michigan's largest, oldest and most successful youth soccer club. Established in 1999, the club provides competitive soccer opportunities to boys and girls ages 8-18, and strives to prepare these players -- for the next level of soccer and the next step in life -- by providing them with the finest coaches and the most sound club structure available. Its commitment is to do so with integrity, character and sportsmanship.

What is Super Y?

Founded in 1999, Super Y is a nation-wide youth league operated by the United Soccer Leagues (USL), which is the largest organization of elite soccer leagues in North America; USL also operates USL Pro, the Premier Development League (PDL) and the W-League.

Divisions within Super Y are organized geographically, and membership in the league is limited to only a few elite programs to ensure strong competition. The league schedule consists of 8-12 games played primarily in June and July. Top teams in each division may qualify to compete in the North American Finals in November in Tampa, FL. Super Y also operates its own ODP system, which is separate from US Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program.

What are the advantages of playing Super Y?

Playing for a TNT Super Y team has several benefits:

competitive matches: teams will compete against some of the top clubs in the Midwest

quality coaching: teams will be lead by nationally licensed and experienced coaches, who are dedicated to player development and are positive role models.

preparation for the fall season: the Super Y season can serve as excellent preparation for players readying themselves for the fall season, whether it's with their high school team or their club team.

meeting and training with new players: TNT Super Y teams will consist of players from around the state, and provides players with the chance to play with and meet new people.

affordability: TNT Super Y teams provide a quality soccer option at an affordable price compared to the traditional summer soccer camp players often attend.

Who is eligible to participate?

Super Y teams within the TNT Dynamite Soccer Club are COMPLETELY SEPARATE from the TNT teams that play during the traditional seasonal year (Fall-Winter-Spring); coaches of traditional TNT teams will not coach the same age group of TNT Super Y teams. Most rosters will consist of players who are currently on TNT teams, but also players from other clubs from around the state. Super Y teams are not restricted by state association "poaching" or recruitment rules.

How are Super Y Teams Formed?

Players are selected to Super Y teams from one of the following steps or processes:

Tryout

Scouting

Recruitment

Invitation

Tryouts will take place later in December.

What is the typical schedule and commitment required?

Teams will approximately twice per week, with each session lasting 90-120 minutes. Training will begin in June; some teams may try to train beforehand. Most games will be played on weekends, often at neutral sites (ex: Hebron IN or Fort Wayne IN) with each team playing multiple games to reduce travel (ex: one game on Saturday and one game on Sunday). Teams may play in-state opponents on weekdays. Most if not all matches will be played in July.

Where will training and home games be held?

Training and home games will take place at the Kenneth Hope Soccer Complex (5801 Aurelius Rd, Lansing MI 48911); some training and games may take place at the East Lansing Soccer Complex.

How many players will be selected to each team?

Teams may roster up to 26 players, and may dress 18 for each match. A player pool of over 18 players is often created for Super Y teams; injuries and summer commitments (vacation, ODP Regional Camp, camps, etc) typically prevent teams from having an issue with too many available players.

What are the North American Finals?

The Super Y-League North American Finals, regarded as one of the top youth soccer events in North America, is a five-day tournament that includes more than 130 of the best U12 to U17 boys and girls soccer teams in the U.S. and Canada. Teams qualify from their respective regions and face the best from throughout North America in a quest to become league champion. This event typically occurs the week before Thanksgiving.