Keeper Wars Ink Battle Ground Finds Virginia!
This past weekend Keepers from over 10 different states around the US found themselves on new hallowed grounds in Virginia! With thousands of shots and thousands of saves made over the weekend, it was truly a keeper's paradise!
Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center held its first-ever Virginia Youth Soccer Keeper Wars Ink event with over 150 keepers! Players came to compete in a unique 1v1 tournament competition designed to showcase the often-forgotten position of goalkeepers.
"As we wrap up our first Keeper Wars event in Virginia, I was very impressed with the competition and the sportsmanship shown around the event. Having over 150 keepers at our first event in the area shows the love for the toughest position on the pitch! We are excited to see these players not only develop as keepers but also as people. The highs and lows of this position can be tough on young keepers, and the overall support system surrounding our events is truly everything I wish I had when I was younger. We are honored to see Virginia take so strongly to our first event. We look forward to many more events giving back to the keeper community with the support of VYSA." Casey Clark, CEO of Keeper Wars Ink
“When the relationship between Keeper Wars Ink and VYSA was first proposed, I was optimistic that there would be this number of goalkeepers participating.…in maybe the third year!”, said Don Rawson, VYSA Executive Director. “The event planning, organization, and atmosphere all exceeded expectations. It was great to see so many smiling faces in a highly competitive format. VYSA is thrilled with the successful start to its partnership with Keeper Wars Ink and looks forward to having this event back next year for an even bigger competition.”
This 3-day event consisted of the following:
Friday
A Pre-Event Youth Keeper Wars Clinic designed to prepare players for Keeper Wars and give guidance to young keepers wanting to sharpen their skills. This Clinic is built and run by Casey Clark CEO of Keeper Wars Ink, Director of USYS GK Club & former professional goalkeeper!
Keeper Wars Ink also gave back to the adult community with an adult cash prize Keeper Wars Event that crowned first, second, and third!
- 1st Place: Marc Herman, Berryville, Virginia
- 2nd Place: Mark Trznadel, Fredericksburg, Virginia
- 3rd Place: Keegan Brade, Front Royal, Virginia
Saturday & Sunday
The main event, a 2-day Youth Keeper Wars tournament took place!
Keepers from over 10 different states went to "war"
The only thing that outnumbered the battles that took place this past weekend was the friendships made. As Keeper Wars' upbeat, family-friendly, music festival-type atmosphere has a special way of making keepers feel like they are not alone!
With 9 boys divisions & 9 girls divisions competing for a chance to join the invite-only USYS Keeper Wars National Championship. Held in Florida alongside the USYS Championship Series event.
Awards and national qualifications were given out to the top 3 individuals of each age group 10U and up!
Inaugural VYSA Keeper Wars Winners can be found below!
Fredericksburg, Virginia City Tour Champions | ||
|---|---|---|
 | 9U Boys & Girls | 1st: Liam Orjada Ashburn, VA 2nd: Harrison Crain Woodbridge, VA 3rd: Elijah Collister Burke, VA |
 | 10U-11U Boys | 1st: Cayden Burns La Plata, MD 2nd: Liam Horner Tappan, NY 3rd: Samuel Meleounis Burlington, CT |
 | 10U-11U Girls | 1st: Kikyo Hinds Oxon Hill, MD 2nd: Eliza Harvey Arlington, VA 3rd: Stella Hartman Williamsburg, VA |
 | 12U-13U Boys | 1st: Oscar Houser Chesterfield, VA 2nd: Soren Weis Hamilton, VA 3rd: Max Scott Ashland, VA |
 | 12U-13U Girls | 1st: Reagan Miskovich Leesburg, VA 2nd: Caylin Retmier Leesburg, VA 3rd: Emily Laxton Fairmont, WV |
 | 14U-15U Boys | 1st: Henry Schofield Vienna, VA 2nd: Zach Cielewich Millersville, MD 3rd: Cooper Wolfe King William, VA |
 | 14U-15U Girls | 1st: Cristina Cuervo Key Biscayne, FL 2nd: Jillian Haar Glen Allen, VA 3rd: Kenzie Roberts Weddington, NC |
 | 16U-19U Boys | 1st: Henry Houser Chesterfield, VA 2nd: James Lockwood Harrison, OH 3rd: Anthony Torrez Springfield, VA |
 | 16U-19U Girls | 1st: Morgan Musselman Purcellville, VA 2nd:Liliana Sines-Kleist Raleigh, NC 3rd: Marie Cable Mechanicsville, MD |