> SOUTHERN INDIANA —  

Southern Indiana United U17 Renegade go into this weekend’s Indiana Challenge Cup finals at Lawrence Soccer Complex in Indianapolis as not only one of the best sides, but also one of the smartest. 

The players, who attend six different high schools, have an average GPA of 3.5. Many also participate in community service and maintain part-time jobs.

Team manager Delana Goodson said there is a great mix of players on the team, the core of which has stayed together for more than five years without venturing across the river to play for Louisville clubs.

“It is truly a home-grown team,” she said. “SIU soccer has played a huge role in their lives and the boys have bonded more than any team I know.”

Her son Austin is one of the original members of the U13 team and he said playing on it has been “an awesome experience.”

“There are no egos on our team,” he said. “We are friends that love to play the game.”

Coach Jonathon Eade, who has coached at Southern Indiana United for 11 years, also has been with Renegade since they were U13s.

“It has been such an awesome experience for me to see the guys stay together, develop and work together, and then experience success as a result of their hard work and team camaraderie,” said Eade. “They have developed friendships and have learned the importance of team commitment and the reality that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Renegade swept their Challenge Cup preliminary round bracket, beating SEI United (6-1), Three Lions FC (1-0) and Evansville (2-0) to make their second successive semifinal in the competition, which is open to travel and recreational-plus teams.

They will play USF Real from east central Indiana on Saturday (6 p.m.), a side they’ve not yet met this season. The victor will take on either Westside United or Three Lions White in the final on Sunday (4 p.m.).

“We are excited that we qualified for the semifinals now two years in a row, and look forward to competing for a championship,” said Eade.

Locals on ‘Express’ train to State Cup

The Indiana State Cup finals also take place this weekend at Lawrence Soccer Complex, and one participant will have a heavy local influence. 

Columbus Express has amongst its ranks Acy Huffman, Cauldon Feldhaus (both of Jeffersonville), Kameron Jenkins (New Albany), Andrew Wimp (Providence) and Danny Laird (Floyd Central).

Express beat Sullivan County Youth The Pride (2-1), Jr. Irish NIFA Premier (5-1) and Marion Lightning/Stoddard (2-0) in the preliminary stages to make it to the final four of Indiana’s top-tier tournament.

They will play Fort Wayne Fever in the semifinal on Saturday (10 a.m.), with the winner taking on either FC Pride ‘94 or Millennium Vardar in the final on Sunday (4.30 p.m.).

Tryout time

Both Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers will be holding tryouts over the next week.

It’s ladies first, as Net-Surfers’ stage theirs on June 5, 7 and 11 at the CCSA/John Woerhle Fields (Charlestown Pike, Jeffersonville) at 6 p.m.

Tryouts are for all teams, from academy (U8/U9) to U18, with players encouraged to attend all three sessions. 

It costs $10 to participate, and everyone will receive a Net-Surfers t-shirt. For further information, you can contact John Leddon at johnrleddon@aol.com or check out the club’s website at netsurfers.cornerkicksystems.com.

Next week sees SIU hold tryouts for U10 to U14 boys’ players on June 12-13 at Prosser Fields in New Albany (off Charlestown Road) from 6-8 p.m. 

Registration commences at 5.30 p.m., while a mandatory parent meeting will be held the first evening (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. 

Players are expected to attend both sessions, as coaches cannot make a decision from one stint.

Participants need to complete a registration form (available from the SIU website or at tryouts), bring a soccer ball, water and shinguards. A parent must sign the medical release on the registration form.

There is a $10 tryout/registration fee, which covers the cost of the T-shirt. Cash or checks payable to SIU (no credit cards).

Signups for boys’ and girls’ U9 academies will also be held June 12-13 at Prosser. All who sign up will be placed on one of the academy teams; there will be no cuts. A training session for participants will be held both evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tryouts for players U15 and older will be held after the high school soccer season in late October or early November.

For further information, contact Debbie Webb at webb.debbie@insightbb.com, or call 812 945-5627. You can also contact Dutch Vigar, director of coaching, at 812 945-6743 or visit the website at www.siusoccer.com.

New Albany soccer camp

New Albany High School will be hosting a soccer camp for boys and girls at Prosser Fields from June 18-21 (6-8 p.m.).

The camp, for children ages 4-12, will be split up in groups based on age and will focus on the introduction and mastery of skill in a fun, learning environment. 

This will be achieved through maximum ball contact, expert coaching, skills challenges and daily homework assignments.

Cost for camp is $50 and checks should be made payable to NAHS. Each camper will receive a T-shirt and a player evaluation. Financial assistance is available.

For further information, contact Julie Deuser at 812-599-5776 or Rhonda Iglesias at 502-817-9490.

You can contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com.