Each year, CYSL holds two tournaments, the Crown City Classic (CCC), which is held in late summer, as well as the Coronado Holiday Cup (CHC), which is held in mid-December. If you remember noticing an excessive number of soccer players on the Island in 2011, you now know the reason why!

Due to the efforts of local Coronado resident and CYSL tournament director Deb Newman, both tournaments are growing each year in the number of teams and has seen heightened competition. The CCC had a total of a 170 teams visiting the Island, while the CHC had a total of 138 teams. Both tournaments brought in plenty of teams who had the full Coronado experience by staying on the Island, over 150+ rooms were booked at local hotels like Loews and the Coronado Marriott.

Success of these tournaments is the culmination of great soccer fields, amazing weather, surrounding beaches and bay, and Island itself as well as the organization and professionalism of Deb Newman, the CYSL Board of Directors, coaches, and volunteers. Teams come to the Island to experience that “small town feel” of Coronado, finding joy in playing soccer on beautiful fields, staying at great local hotels, and eating and shopping at the awesome local restaurants and shops Coronado has to offer.

Putting on these tournaments is a major feat and is crucial to the fundraising efforts of CYSL to provide quality soccer programs each year. The growth and success of these tournaments is also due to the team effort and personal touch that everyone at CYSL commits to provide. Everyone works with great pride and commitment, from the tournament director, CYSL BOD, coaches, volunteers, and even CYSL players and families to ensure that visiting teams not only get to play in a great competition, but really enjoy their time on the Island.

Preparing to accept so many guests on the Island is a group effort and to make sure the tournaments are a special experience requires the personal touch of CYSL. This includes the efforts of Director of Coaching Manny Neves and his staff who make certain that all fields are in tip-top condition. Board members like President Randy Nixon and Lori Turley, coaches like Kiko Medina and Jerry Ruiz, as well as CYSL volunteers like the Quiroz family along with the Berman, Bell, Fletes, Quinlan and Turley families spend their time and energy setting up and breaking down venues, scheduling, coordinating players and referees, and conducting awards ceremonies. Sharon Darr, CYSL’s bookkeeper, has her home/office always open to the CYSL BOD, players, parents, coaches and the tournament director. She goes above and beyond her duties as the CYSL bookkeeper. For tournaments, she’s at check-in assisting with registrations, but also provides food and drink for teams. She helps with pick up and distribution of the tournament programs and makes herself available for any little emergency, which inevitably pop-up at tournaments.

CYSL also gets the support of the Coronado community. Robin Nixon, the Athletic Director of Coronado High School, helps with scheduling and facilities. She makes sure everything is all set for the arrival and departure of teams at the venues each day. The Coronado Tourism Improvement District (CTID) provided CYSL with a grant and Todd Little, Executive Director of CTID, also regularly gives guidance and knowledge on everything “Coronado” guaranteeing that all guests have access to all the special treasures that Coronado has to offer. CYSL is thankful to all the efforts of its members as well as the Coronado community, who all put in their helping hand in the growing success of the CCC and CHC.

To learn more about CYSL tournaments, just visit crowncityclassic.com and coronadoholidaycup.com.

CYSL Fall Rec Program—The CYSL Recreational Program had another successful year in 2011, due in large part to the volunteers that contributed to the program and another record number of participants for Fall 2011. With 400 players placed on 36 recreational teams (ages 4-12) for Fall 2011, CYSL continued to provide a quality program for the community in 2011. This past year, CYSL provided coaches a free certification program for new coaches, giving coaches training in soccer instruction and administration to make a great volunteer soccer program. Each coach that had completed the course received a CalSouth coaching license, which is necessary to coach U10 players and below. CYSL is always committed to having fun on the field, giving the coaches the tools they needed to provide solid instruction that is both fun and beneficial for the players. The season was so enjoyable for the players and parents that six separate teams went on to play in All Star soccer tournaments in San Diego, including CYSL’s own Coronado Holiday Cup. CYSL is excited about the continued development of rec soccer in Coronado. CYSL is committed to its volunteers and will continue to provide resources to enhance the CYSL Rec program, including the annual coaches certification clinic.

Nado Select, CYSL Competitive Program—Nado Select participates in the Presidio Soccer League, which is known to be one of the most competitive soccer leagues in the United States. During the season, not to mention pre and post seasons, players had the chance to battle some great opponent soccer clubs spanning as far North as Carlsbad, as far East as Temecula, and also as far South as the South Bay.

BU18 and GU18 Premier Elite These teams both played in one of the most competitive brackets of the nation. The BU18 had a successful season, placing third (just missing second place by 2 points). They finished with 6 wins, 4 ties, and 4 losses. The GU18 had a difficult season, even though this is one of the best passing teams out there. From both the BU18 and GU18, some players will be moving on to play at the collegiate level. Katie Centeno of the GU18, who has been playing at Nado Select since U8s, will be playing for Lehigh University starting Fall of 2012. Other verbal commitments will be announced by Nado Select at a later date.

BU17 and BU15 Both teams had good seasons, each team with exceptional creative athletes. This year was a time for growth and both teams developed in their tactical understanding of the game. Big success is expected from both these teams in the next couple of years.

GU15 White and GU14 Both the GU15 White Premier and GU14 AAA, led by Coach Kiko Medina, won Presidio League. The GU15 White won league in their first year of playing in the Premier bracket, which is the highest level of competition available for the U15 age group in SoCal. Not only did they win league, but they clinched their number one spot with 2 weeks remaining in the season. They had a 9-1-4 record with 39 goals for and 12 against as well as a total of 8 shutouts. The GU14 had won the AA-A bracket over the 2010 season, solidifying their spot in the AAA bracket for the 2011 season. Like the GU15 White Premier, the GU14 in their first year playing in AAA won league with a 11-1-2 record, 39 goals for and 10 against.

GU15 Green This team led by Coach Brian Hiatt-Aleu really made some major strides in their development this past year. They placed third in league play and watching their development on the field has been a joy for the parents, players, and coaches. This team has progressed in their communication, passing, skill, and overall unity. We are looking forward to seeing what this team can accomplish in 2012.

BU12 Coach Manny Neves’ BU12 Premier soccer team remained undefeated in Presidio league play through to the 6th of November. Although locally based in Coronado, this very talented group of young men from around San Diego, Chula Vista/South Bay, and Coronado areas have combined their skills under Neves’ direction, making the leap to premier level for the first time in the club’s history for a team so young. They ended up placing second in league, but had one several tournaments throughout the season including being crowned champs in the Coronado Holiday Cup. They are now preparing for National Cup, a tournament they qualified for due to such a successful season.

GU13 and GU12 The GU12 were a mixture of U11 and U12 players, they had a difficult season but the physical aspect of the game really played a factor in many of the games. The GU13 played in their second year of a very competitive AAA bracket. They improved in their Presidio league standings in comparison to last year. The individual and team development for both teams has been apparent, both growing into teams that have finesse, creativity, and understand the passing aspects of the game. The teams did manage to finish the season on a positive note, making it to the finals of the Coronado Holiday Cup. GU13 placed first, while the GU12 came in second.

BU11 The team coached by Arturo Guerrero finished 4th in league play. A group of talented and athletic players finished the season strong by winning Presidio Cup. There are high expectations of this team in years to come.

U10s Nado Select had three U10 teams, BU10 White and Green along with the GU10. Although all three teams did not place in league play, all three teams saw improvement on positional play and awareness on the field. At times the physical aspects of the game made a noticeable difference on the field, but all three teams really grew in regard to their understanding of the game and are headed in the right direction in their development as true competitive soccer players.

U9s Both the BU9 and GU9 moved up a bracket for 2011 due to their success at the U8 level. With increased competition, both teams had a tough year in regard to the standings. Yet their level of play has truly grown, progressing in aspects such as passing and creativity. Both teams finished the season with a bang, with the BU9 being crowned champs of the Coronado Holiday Cup while the GU9 finished as finalists.

U8s All three U8 soccer teams, BU8 along with GU8 White and Green, topped the charts this season. The BU8 and GU8 White both came in second place, while the GU8 Green were Presidio league champions with a first place finish. In a total of 38 league games, all three teams combined only lost a total of 5 league games. Coaches whose experience with coaching youth, passion for soccer, and patience really made a difference in the success of these teams. The players truly responded to what they were taught and their success at such a young age leads for an exciting future for the club.

If you have any interest in playing or getting involved, you can learn more by visiting nadosoccer.com. Select Tryouts will be held February 2012 (nadosoccer.com/select-tryouts-2012/) and Spring Rec Registration has already begun and ends February 2011 (nadosoccer.com/spring-rec/).

GU17 – GU19 Premier 2 Bracket—Last year this team finished 6th in league play and participated in colleget showcase tournaments such as Slammers, West Coast, Nomads (semi-finalists), Las Vegas Players Showcase (undefeated). Quite a few players have already been offered college scholarships.

GU15 White Premier — Finished 4th in league play in the 2010 season and participated in top tournaments such as the Pegasus Cup (semi-finalists), Slammers (semi’s), Nomads (semi’s), Irvine Spring Classic (champions). The team’s quest to advance in the Premier bracket in 2011 was not only accomplished, but they were crowned champions of the 2011 Presidio League season. Player profiles are availble at Captain U (see below).

> Roster

> GU15 White Premier Team Page 

BU15 AA-B—The team finished 3rd in league play. This is a very successful group of boys, most of which were BU14 playing in the BU15 bracket (only 4 true U15 players).

Featured Team: GU15 White Premier pictured in their pink jerseys, observing and supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

• BU18 Premier
• GU13 AA-A
• BU9
• BU8

Presidio League Finalists

• GU11 AA-B

Presidio Cup Champions

• GU13 AA-A
• GU8

> Roster

Achievements

• 2011 Presidio League Champions
• 2011 Nomads Finalists
• 2010 Irvine Spring Classic Champions

If you missed any of the tryout dates listed below, then please contact Manny Neves at 619.985.3019 to set up an individual tryout. 

The season for the Youngers begins in June/July and runs until December, with the exception of teams participating in State Cup whose season would then end in February. As for the Olders, the season begins in May and runs until November, just before tryouts for High School soccer commences. > Download Tryout Information

Boys

U11-U14

• Friday, February 24th 4-6pm
• Saturday, February 25th 4-6pm

U9-U10

• Tuesday, February 21st 4-6pm
• Saturday, February 25th 12-2pm

U8

• Friday, March 16th 4-6pm
• Saturday, March 23rd 4-6pm

Girls

U11-U14

• Thursday, February 23rd 4-6pm
• Saturday, February 25th 2-4pm

U9-U10

In-person Registration

• February 15th – 6-8:30pm
• Wynn Room of the Coronado Library

Mail-in Registration: Send registration form, birth certificate (only for new players), and check (postmark by Feb. 15th) to:

In the finals the girls lost 1-0 to United FC White, a very tough team who were last year’s State Cup Presidents Champions and eventual National Champions in the Presidents Cup Division. As Coach Kiko described, “The girls unfortunately started off slow giving up a goal in a 3rd minute corner, which led to the only goal of the match. The girls responded well and took control for the remainder of the game and put their opponents under pressure, limiting a strong and physical United team. Our team had a few chances, but just couldn’t find the equalizer. Overall I was very impressed and proud of the way the girls played. It was an excellent weekend of soccer and a great way to break as the girls now focus on their high school seasons. I’m very excited for us to return and play in a very competitive Las Vegas Players Showcase facing top level teams as well as National Cup.”

GU15 won league in their first year of playing in the Premier bracket, which is the highest level of competition available for the U15 age group in SoCal. Not only did they win league, but they clinched their number one spot with 2 weeks remaining in the season. They had a 9-1-4 record with 39 goals for and 12 against as well as a total of 8 shutouts.

The majority of the girls on the team have been playing together at Nado Select since they were U8s, representing Nado’s philosophy of getting positive results due to player’s continued resilience and loyalty to the club as the team developed and grew over their years at Nado. For Coach Medina this was a major factor in the success of the team as he goes on to say, “This is an absolutely fun team to be a part of and it’s not only because of the players, but it’s also the parents. The club has guided these players individually and as a team, watching over their successes and challenges and fine tuning their development each year. There is just an awesome chemistry all-around, between the players, parents, and club. The players have an excellent work rate, individual discipline, and they truly want to better themselves every time they step on the field. This team has continued to impress since they were U8s and they have the ability to continue to represent the club like no team has done before through their future successes and continued beautiful play.”

Winning league means so much more for the GU15 as they move into next year. They will be placed in one of the three GU19 Premier brackets for the 2012 season. To be one of the top 24 teams in the Presidio League from U16-U19 really speaks to the team’s level of play. > GU15 Premier Team Page

GU14 had won the AA-A bracket over the 2010 season, solidifying their spot in the AAA bracket for the 2011 season. Like the GU15 Premier, the GU14 in their first year playing in AAA won league with a 11-1-2 record, 39 goals for and 10 against. During league play they had a total of six shutouts and played consistently well all season despite having to deal with injuries and illness, something every championship team must learn to do. Coach Medina commented, “The team is just beginning to realize their potential. The new players have added to an already strong core and I’m excited about the future of this team.” Next year this team will be moving up a level of competition, moving into the uber competitive Premier bracket. Nado Select is hoping the team will be able to replicate the same result going into next year.

For now, the season has ended for both teams and will start back up for State Cup in 2012.

Nado’s defense, anchored by goal-keeper Sebastian Hormaechea (Chula Vista), surrendered only six goals through the two-thirds point in the season. Nado’s keeper is supported by an exceptional group of fiercely stingy defenders led by the superior play of Max Ippolito (La Jolla), Alec Randolph (San Diego), Ian Hurlburt (Coronado), Auguste Melden (Coronado), and Kevin Sanchez (Chula Vista). Nado’s defense ranks 2nd in the league behind Surf, which has given up only five goals to date.

Coach Neves’ band of brothers also showcases a myriad of sure-footed strikers led by formidable forwards: Oscar Aguilar (Chula Vista), Avner Bohon (Imperial Beach), Brendan Murphy (Chula Vista), and Andres Mendoza (Chula Vista). Nado’s offense has buried the ball in the back of opponents’ nets a total of 28 times and ranks 2nd only to Surf with 32 total goals scored.

The team’s offensive and defensive lines are rounded out by an exceptionally fast, furious, and physically tough group of midfielders: Sergio Velazquez (Chula Vista), Joe Daluz (San Diego), Garrett Herrmann (Coronado), Ricardo Serrano (Bonita), Tomas Braniff (Coronado), and Aidan Osborn (Chula Vista).

Nado BU12 Premier began regular season play in September and compiled a 8-0-2 record, placing them in a dead heat with perennial league powerhouse and only other unbeaten team, San Diego Surf Soccer Club. These division leaders were scheduled to square-off in a doubleheader weekend on the 12th and 13th of November in two contests that will ultimately determine division dominance.

Due to the rain, only one of the two games were played.  Nado Select played Sunday at Surf’s San Diego Polo Grounds. They suffered their first defeat of the season in league play, losing 3-1 against Surf. This has placed Nado in 2nd place, but there is still one more match against Surf to be played. If you are a fan of quality soccer, then watching these two teams is a guarantee of competitive and hard-fought youth soccer contests that can be found in the greater San Diego and surrounding areas. An announcement of the date and time of the rescheduled game is still to be determined, but will be posted as soon as possible.

Additionally, Neves’ NADO Under-12 team has qualified for California’s National Cup competition in mid-February 2012, but these young men are going to need some help getting there. The team is actively seeking donations/sponsorship as they wrap up league play and begin to ready themselves for post season tournament competition as well as next season at the Under-13 Premier level. If interested in learning more about the benefits of an opportunity to financially assist this local team, please contact Team Manager, Jessica Herrmann, at 619.204.8297.