Greetings!
As 2023 progressed from a late spring break-up onto the summer solstice, so did Cook Inlet SC in affirming its place as Alaska’s premier youth soccer club. The second quarter of the year saw the club’s recreational program explode in growth while its competitive program continued a haul of in-state championships as well exhibiting to its Far West Regional opponents why Cook Inlet SC is unrivaled when it comes to Alaskan teams competing in events out-of-state. As such, we are thoroughly proud of the accomplishments of our players, coaches, team managers, treasurers, families, alumni, and staff have all achieved over the first part of the year!
With that, please enjoy below a rundown of club news from the first half of 2023 both on and off the pitch!
In this edition:
- From the Desk of the Executive Director
- Community Partners
- Rec Program Update
- Comp Program Update
- Alumni Update
FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greetings Cook Inlet SC members,
Firstly, thank you for being a valued member of Cook Inlet Soccer Club!
As a member of the coaching staff for over the last six years, I am grateful for this opportunity to be named Cook Inlet SC’s new Executive Director. In my short time in the role, less than a month in fact, I’ve seen quite a number of things that have reassured me that I made the correct decision to retire from teaching after 22 years to take on this role. From an alumnus of ours playing in the U-20 World Cup to three of our girls teams advancing out of their groups at Far West Regionals, two of which were a goal short of a place in the Finals, these are accomplishments to be proud of and celebrated. These highlights are in addition to the success our competitive teams have experienced playing well in both in-state and out-of-state events like the Alaska Airlines Cup and Presidents Cup respectively.
In addition to the success our Competitive teams have experienced over this short span, our Recreational soccer program has seen unprecedented growth with the largest recreational number in years and more importantly, kids having the time of their lives playing the beautiful game. I always knew there was something special about Cook Inlet SC, which is why I registered my kid to play soccer with the club when he was younger. However, since taking the role of Executive Director earlier in the month, it’s clear to me now why we are not only the biggest, but the best soccer club in Alaska… it’s the people: our staff, coaches, parents, board members, and, of course, our players.
And while I do not have a lot to share at this time as I’m still familiarizing myself with all facets of the club, I do see a lot of big things on the horizon for the organization and look forward to reporting on them as we move forward together. Additionally, I look forward to meeting as many of our players and parents as I can and enjoying watching all our kids having fun finding success at all levels of the soccer landscape.
Again, thank you for being a member of the CISC family. I am excited for what the future brings.
Sincerely,
Scott Hickox
Cook Inlet SC Executive Director
Without all of our community partners, Cook Inlet SC would not be able to offer the most affordable and quality soccer programs in the state. Thanks to their generosity, CISC is able to award over $15,000 in financial aid for the 2022-2023 soccer season and increase access to organized sports for more young Alaskans.
When you see owners and employees of our community partners, please thank them for their contributions to youth development and support their businesses.
We are pleased to share the latest companies supporting Cook Inlet SC’s programs and look forward to seeing their logos on new competitive program jerseys as well as recreational uniforms this summer.
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Cook Inlet Soccer Club is proud of its partnership with Kendall Auto Alaska for the benefit of Alaska’s youth. Through a generous donation from Kendall Auto Alaska, Cook Inlet SC is able to carry out its mission to administer the best competitive and recreational youth soccer programs in the state, mentor the next generation of community leaders and help Alaskans develop healthy lifestyle habits through playing the beautiful game.
As the Official Recreational Sponsor of Cook Inlet SC, Kendall Auto Alaska prides itself on giving back to the communities its customers and employees live, work, and play in. Through the Kendall Cares program, Kendall dealerships support local non-profits and community initiatives.
Kendall Auto Alaska’s logo will appear on the front of every recreational jersey and includes naming rights to all Cook Inlet SC’s recreational programs throughout the state.
“We are extremely excited to work with Kendall Auto Alaska. Through partnerships like this, CISC can have a greater impact, serve more Alaskans and help propel Alaska soccer to the next level,” said Cook Inlet SC board member Dylan Faber. “We look forward to the next level this partnership will allow CISC, and Alaska soccer as a whole, to reach and are grateful to have Kendall Auto Alaska as a major partner and contributor toward our shared goals.”
To learn more about Kendall Auto Alaska and unrivaled customer experience they provide through their highly motivated, knowledgeable and caring team of professionals, please visit their website at kendallautoalaska.com.
CISC RECREATIONAL SOCCER SEASONS
Anchorage’s most affordable, largest, and comprehensive youth recreational soccer program continues to see unprecedented growth, seeing nearly 650 players registered for the Summer Outdoor Season! That’s on top of the nearly 400 AND 500 players registered for the Winter 2023 & Spring 2023 Seasons respectively! Cook Inlet SC’s Recreational program is on pace to make 2023 a EXTRAORDINARY year and one of the best in the club’s history!
With that, registration for the CISC Fall 2023 Outdoor Recreational Soccer Season, presented by Kendall Auto Alaska, is currently open with spots filling up fast!
The seven-week season will commence on July 31 and conclude on September 14, 2023 with practices and games taking place between Monday through Thursday evenings (depending on the division). The U4 Lil’ Strikers Division will play twice per week with practices and games combined within the 45-minute session. The U6 and older divisions will practice once per week for an hour with the second day being reserved for games. Games will commence the second week of the season.
For more information on the CISC Fall 2023 Outdoor Recreational Soccer Season, presented by Kendall Auto Alaska, please visit HERE.
Additionally, you are interested in becoming involved with the Recreational program, please email staff. We are always on the lookout for coaches and referees.
CISC PRE-COMP ID CAMP
Over the last week of July, Cook Inlet Soccer Club will hold its annual Pre-Comp ID Camp, its purpose to offer those players playing in CISC’s Recreational Soccer League who were born in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and are considering transitioning to competitive soccer an opportunity to be assessed and prepare accordingly for competitive soccer by training with the CISC Competitive Coaching Staff over a four-day period prior to the 2023-2024 Competitive Soccer Season beginning.
The CISC Competitive Coaching Staff will focus its training on developing an individual player’s technical ability with the ball in a game-like environment at the level a player may experience playing competitive soccer.
The Pre-Comp ID Camp will take place July 24-27, 2023 from 6:00-7:15pm at Anchorage Gardens.
For more information on the 2023 Pre-Comp ID Camp, please visit HERE.
2023 FAR WEST REGIONALS
Six Cook Inlet SC teams – 06B, 07G Elite, 08G Elite, 09G Elite, 10G Elite & 10B – competed at the 2023 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships in Boise, ID between June 23-29, 2023. The Far West Regionals is a part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing approximately 185,000 players on over 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer State Associations the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. The US Youth Soccer National Championships is the culmination of a yearlong series of competitions for boys and girls teams in multiple age brackets as teams earn their way from the top teams in their state to the regional championship tournaments.
The Cook Inlet SC 10G Elite team advanced to the semifinals after finishing top of their group with a 2W 1L 0D record with 9GF 4GA. Unfortunately, their run ended in a 3-2 loss in the last two minutes of the game to CO Elevation FC 10G Summit Elite. Still ,the team played amazingly and left it all on the pitch!
The Cook Inlet SC 09G Elite team also advanced to the semifinals after finishing atop their group with a 2W 0L 1D record with 8GF 3GA. Unfortunately, their run also ended with a 1-0 loss to Colorado United 2009G White. Still, superbly done ladies for leaving it all on the field!
The Cook Inlet SC 07G Elite team advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing atop their group with a 3W 0L 0D record with 6GF 0GA. Well done ladies!
And the Cook Inlet SC 08G Elite team also advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing second in their group with a 2W 1L 0D record with 8GF 3GA. Job well done ladies!
Finally, the Cook Inlet SC 06B & 10B teams were unfortunate to not advance out of their respective groups, but each team played a prodigious brand of soccer over three games of play!! Well done boys!
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to all the Cook Inlet SC teams for playing inspiring soccer while at Far West Regionals and for representing Cook Inlet SC with honor during the competition.
2023 FAR WEST PRESIDENTS CUP
The Cook Inlet SC 07G Premier, 09G Premier, and 11G Reign teams all competed in the 2023 US Youth Soccer Far West Presidents Cup in Boise, ID between June 16-20, 2023. The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for those teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive experience to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community from the state to regional to national levels of US Youth Soccer.
The Cook Inlet SC 07G Premier team finished with a record of 0W 2L 1D with 3GF 8GA over three games of group play. The Cook Inlet SC 09G Premier finished with a record of 0W 3L 0D with 0GF 21GA over three games of group play. And finally, the 11G Reign, competing in their first US Youth Soccer regional event, finished with a record of 0W 2L 1D with 3GF 7GA over three games of group play.
Well done to all teams for playing exquisite soccer while representing Cook Inlet SC with distinction at the 2023 US Youth Soccer Far West Presidents Cup this year!
2023 ALASKA AIRLINES CUP
Cook Inlet SC showed well in the kick-off event of the Summer Season, the 2023 Alaska Airlines Cup, which was played June 1-4, 2023!
The Cook Inlet SC 12B Elite, 12B Premier, 11G Elite, 10B Elite, 10G Elite, and 09G Elite teams all won in their respective age groups, outscoring opponents for a combined 159 GF 17GA for a +142 goal differential. WOW!!!
Additionally, the 08G Premier, 09B, 09G Premier, 10G Premier, 11B Elite, 12G Elite, and 13B Blue teams all did Cook Inlet Soccer Club proud by playing remarkable soccer as well while earning a place to the finals of their respective age group.
Well done to all the Cook Inlet SC teams who participated in this event!
2023 ALASKA AIRLINES PREMIER COLLEGE ID CAMP
In collaboration with Alaska Rush SC, Cook Inlet SC co-hosted the 2023 Alaska Airlines Premier College ID Camp between June 5-6, 2023.
Coaches from Cal State University at Dominguez Hills,Christian Brothers University, Dominican University, George Mason University, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lees McRae College, Lewis & Clark College, Loyola Marymount University, Seton Hall University, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Utah State University, Utah Tech University, and Willamette University traveled to Alaska to train incoming freshman through senior high school aged players and afford them valuable exposure for their post club career. It was a great opportunity for campers overall.
Dates for the 2024 edition of the camp, which will be open to players born between 2010-2006, will be announced by the end of the year.
USSF D LICENSE
CONGRATULATIONS to the following Cook Inlet SC coaches for earning their U.S. Soccer D License this past April: Rich Bailey, Jason DeLozier, Dylan Faber, Christopher Garrett, Daniel Horowitz, Jonny Hughes, Hannah Olkjer, Tony Sadiku, and Rich Wooten.
Candidates on the U.S. D License learned more about: U.S. Soccer Style of Play; U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework (Ages and stages of development & Objectives for U6-U12); U.S. Soccer Coaching Process related to Training Environment (U.S. Soccer methodology & Activities within the session); U.S. Soccer Coaching Process related to the Game (Plan for a safe, fun and inclusive game day environment & Game analysis – observation and description of individual player actions).
Cook Inlet SC, as an organization, is a big proponent of coaching education and is proud to support its coaches as they further develop their craft in helping make Cook Inlet SC the premier youth soccer club in Alaska.
UPSL
Cook Inlet SC’s UPSL Men’s & Women’s teams, which play in Alaska’s premier soccer league for adults, kicked off their 2023 season in June and are showing why the competition is the top destination for CISC senior players lookin to elevate their game.
For more information regarding Cook Inlet SC’s UPSL team, to include trying out, please e-mail info@cookinletsc.com.
Send in your action shots!
Don’t forget to send your action shots to pr@cookinletsc.com along with details about the submission. Please limit submissions to three per event. Only clear videos and photos will be considered for posting.
Cook Inlet SC alumnus plays in World Cup
Cook Inlet SC alumnus Obed Vargas was selected for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina between May 20-June 11.
Obed played in all five of the U.S. U-20s games, starting three of them, before the team was knocked out of the tournament in the quarterfinals by eventual champions Uruguay.
Following the U.S. U-20’s exit from the World Cup, Obed stopped by the Cook Inlet SC office to say “Hi!” and donate to the club an authentic, game worn U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team Jersey from the FIFA U-20 World Cup before heading back to Seattle to rejoin his Major League Soccer team, Seattle Sounders FC.
Cook Inlet SC is grateful for Obed’s visit and generosity and looks forward to supporting him as he continues with his professional career, both with the Sounders and the U.S. Men’s National Team program.
CISC has sent more players to the next level than any other club in the state. Check out our club alumni currently playing, and click on their school to see their latest stats.
Did we forget about a Cook Inlet SC alumnus who is still playing? Send updates and photos to Tim Valesko.
Cook Inlet SC Board of Directors Meeting
The next Cook Inlet SC Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30pm at the Cook Inlet SC Offices.
In the meantime, for public comments or to send a message to the full Board, please e-mail board@cookinletsc.com.
Additionally, if you are interested in the affairs of the club and have a few hours to volunteer each month, Cook Inlet SC is actively recruiting board and committee members to help takes us to the next level.
Interested in sponsoring Alaska’s premier youth sports organization?
As a 501(c)(3) CISC is dependent on donors and sponsorships to continue delivering the best soccer programs in the state. We have tax-deductible sponsorship packages to meet every budget and are committed to making sure sponsorship are mutually beneficial. To discuss your tax-deductible sponsorship today, email pr@cookinletsc.com.
Cook Inlet Soccer Club (501)(c)(3) | 907-344-PLAY | Email