NEWSLETTER
MAY 2025
From our
Technical Director
Happy Summer! A new announcement we are excited to highlight, that by joining the DPL for the 2025–26 season, Sporting Oklahoma enters a proven, merit-based pathway within the Girls Academy system (DPL → GA Aspire → GA). The DPL has a strong track record of promoting clubs based on performance,
reflecting the ecosystem's “earn it” philosophy.
Adding the DPL aligns with Sporting Oklahoma’s long-term vision to build a consistent, club-wide culture of excellence. It provides our female athletes access to a league that reflects our core values—competitive, development-focused, and player-first. As part of the GA ecosystem, the DPL strengthens our overall player pathway, complements our existing programming, and reinforces our commitment to aligning every aspect of the club with the high standards we are dedicated to upholding.
From our
Recreational Director
Dear Sporting Oklahoma Families,
As our recreational season wraps up, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being part of what turned out to be a truly fantastic season. It’s been a pleasure getting to know so many of you and watching your players grow, compete, and most importantly—enjoy the game.
Whether this was your first season or one of many, we’re incredibly grateful that you chose to be part of our community. The energy, enthusiasm, and support from our families, coaches, and volunteers helped create a positive environment where kids could develop their skills, have fun, and build lifelong memories.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer our Summer Recreational Camp, happening July 28–31 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Pinecrest Park. This is a great opportunity for players of all skill levels to stay active, improve their game, and have fun with friends during the off-season. You can find more information and register here: https://www.sportingok.com/Rec-Camp
As I mentioned at the start of the season, my goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at Sporting Oklahoma. This season was a big step in that direction, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. We’ll be using the off-season to reflect, improve, and plan for an even better experience in the seasons to come. To help us in that process, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out our brief parent survey—your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us continue to grow and improve. https://forms.gle/RsfjhHwP7o3jG6yB8
Stay tuned for information on future programs and registration details. In the meantime, if you have any feedback or suggestions,
please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to hear from you.
Thank you again for an amazing season, and I look forward to seeing you and your players back on the field soon!
SPORTING OKLAHOMA JOINS DEVELOPMENT PLAYER LEAGUE
LEARN MORE
I.D.E.A.L. PLACEMENT - ACADEMY
At Sporting Oklahoma, we are committed to providing a player-first environment that supports long-term development both on and off the field. As part of that commitment, we’re excited to introduce our new I.D.E.A.L. player placement process for the Academy Program!
To help illustrate the I.D.E.A.L. process, we've created the attached flyer detailing each phase.
Please take a moment to review it.
What is I.D.E.A.L.?
I.D.E.A.L. stands for Identify, Develop, Evaluate, Assign, and Loopback. It’s a dynamic, ongoing sequence, designed to ensure each player is placed in an environment that supports their individual growth, challenges their abilities, and reflects their current stage of development. The I.D.E.A.L. framework goes beyond a traditional approach to player placement and represents a commitment to continuous growth, with an emphasis on adapting to the evolving needs of each individual player, not only at the beginning of each season, but throughout the year.
Why I.D.E.A.L.?
The I.D.E.A.L. process reflects our belief that development isn’t a one-time event — it is a journey.
How is I.D.E.A.L. different than before?
Previously, players were not assessed for team placement, and teams were not formed, until the beginning of the fall season. With the I.D.E.A.L. process, we will begin assessing players in the spring and summer prior to the upcoming fall season, which will allow us to begin to register players and form teams earlier. Players interested in remaining with the Academy Program, or joining it as a new player, will participate in Player ID Sessions at the end of the spring season. After which, players will have the opportunity to register for the Academy Program for the upcoming season. Players who register for the Academy Program prior to June 1, 2025, will receive a discount for the Academy Camp. Players interested in participating in the Academy Program will also attend the Academy Camp as part of the I.D.E.A.L. process. Finally, for players who have registered for the Academy Program, Fall Placement Sessions will be utilized to finalize initial player placement and form teams.
SAVE THE DATE
2025-26 Sporting Oklahoma Competitive Program
Supplemental Tryout Sessions
Competitive
Boys & Girls U11-U19
(Birth Years 2007-2015)
GIRLS JUNE 3RD
5:45PM - 7:00PM
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
7:15PM - 8:30PM
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008/07
BOYS JUNE 4TH
5:45PM - 7:00PM
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
7:15PM - 8:30PM
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008/07
LOCATION
Pinecrest Park 514 NE 16th St. Newcastle, OK 73065
Registration Link: www.sportingok.com/tryout
2025 Summer Camp Information
Striker Keeper Camp
Date: June 9 - 12
Ages: Players Born 2007 - 2018
Time: 6pm-8pm
Cost: $145
Registration Link: www.sportingok.com/SGK
Attacking & Defending Camp
Date: July 21 - 24
Ages: Players Born 2007 - 2015
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $145
Registration Link: www.sportingok.com/AD-Camp
Academy Camp
Date: July 28 - 31
Ages: Players Born 2016 - 2019
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $95
Registration Link: www.sportingok.com/Academy-Camp
Recreational Camp
Date: July 28 - 31
Ages: Players Born 2013 - 2021
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $95
Registration Link:
www.sportingok.com/Rec-Camp
WELCOME ENZO CAMPS!
We’re thrilled to announce Enzo Camps as our new Director of Goalkeeping at Sporting Oklahoma!
A standout goalkeeper with experience at France’s National 2 level with GOAL FC, and most recently with OKC 1889 FC, Enzo brings an elite playing background and a proven track record in goalkeeper development. From coaching youth in France to leading keepers at the NPSL level, Enzo has a deep passion for developing goalkeepers—and we’re excited for the energy, experience, and expertise he brings to our club!
STAYING HEALTHY
DYNAMIC AND STATIC STRETCHING -
Why is it important when playing soccer.
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching involves active movements that mimic the motions used in soccer. It is typically performed before training sessions or games to prepare the muscles and joints for the specific demands of the sport. Here’s how dynamic stretching can benefit young soccer athletes:
Enhanced Performance: Dynamic stretching helps improve agility, speed, and quickness, which are essential for soccer players to maneuver on the field and react swiftly to game situations.
Injury Prevention: By gradually increasing the range of motion and activating the muscles, dynamic stretching reduces the risk of muscle strains and other common soccer-related injuries.
Warm-Up: Dynamic stretching increases blood flow and elevates body temperature, effectively preparing the body for the physical demands of soccer activities.
Static Stretching
Static stretching involves holding a stretch position for a prolonged period without movement. While its effectiveness as a pre-activity warm-up routine has been debated, static stretching can still play a role in a soccer athlete’s routine when performed after physical exertion. Here’s how static stretching can benefit young soccer athletes:
Flexibility Improvement: Static stretching after soccer activities can help improve overall flexibility, allowing players to achieve a greater range of motion in their joints.
Muscle Recovery: Performing static stretches post-activity can aid in reducing muscle soreness and promoting muscle recovery, helping young soccer players bounce back faster for their next training session or game.
Designing an Effective Soccer Stretching Routine:
To create an effective stretching routine for young soccer athletes, it is recommended to combine dynamic stretching as part of the warm-up and static stretching during the cooldown phase. Here’s a suggested approach:
Example of a Warm-Up Routine
Jogging or Skipping: Begin with light jogging or skipping for a few minutes to elevate the heart rate and increase body temperature.
Joggling with a ball: This is a great way to warm up especially for our younger athletes. This exercise combines the benefits of dynamic stretching with ball control skills, making it a fun and effective warm-up activity. Joggling with a ball should be a must in our soccer athletes for these reasons:
- Increased Body Awareness
- Dynamic Muscular Engagement
- Improved Ball Control
- Cardiovascular Warm-Up
Dynamic Stretches: Perform dynamic stretching exercises that target the lower body, such as high knees, butt kicks, walking lunges, and lateral leg swings. Include upper body movements like arm circles and shoulder rotations to ensure a comprehensive warm-up.
Soccer-Specific Movements: Incorporate dynamic movements that mimic soccer actions, such as dribbling with controlled movements, quick changes of direction, and short sprints.
Example of a Cooldown Routine
Light Jogging or Walking: Engage in a gentle jog or walk for a few minutes to gradually bring the heart rate down.
Static Stretches: Focus on stretching major muscle groups used in soccer, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, and groin. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds without bouncing or overexerting.
Deep Breathing or Relaxation Techniques: Encourage young athletes to engage in deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to promote mental and physical relaxation.
In summary, incorporating both dynamic and static stretching into the warm-up and cooldown routines for young soccer athletes is essential for maximizing performance and minimizing the risk of injuries. Dynamic stretching prepares the body for the specific movements required in soccer, while static stretching after activity promotes flexibility and aids in muscle recovery. By implementing a well-rounded stretching routine tailored to the demands of soccer, young athletes can enhance their soccer skills, stay injury-free, and enjoy the game to its fullest potential.
Find more information at:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
GET TO KNOW OUR COACHES
Gustavo Urbina
GUSTAVO, also known as “Tavo”, has been coaching for six years. He will coach the 2009 Red, 2010 Blue and Red teams in the 2025-26 season. One of his favorite Sporing Oklahoma coaching moments was when his team won the Midwest City Tournament.
Tavo said Evan Dressel has had the greatest impact on him as a player and coach. His favorite meal is chicken and rice and he loves Liverpool!
If he is not coaching soccer, you can catch him playing soccer in his free time. If he could be any animal it would be a lion because they are kings of the jungle. The superpower he would like to have would be having the ability to fly!
CULTURE CORNER
Our values are embedded in everything we do, shaping our culture both on and off the field. We believe an increased focus on our culture will lead to increased success for our players, both on and off the field. At the heart of our culture are our
S.P.O.R.T.I.N.G. Core Values and the
Five Pillars of Our Culture: Attitude & Effort, Enjoyment, Player Development, Collaboration and Accountability.
FEATURED CORE VALUE
OPTIMISM
We will prepare for and expect outstanding results by setting positive expectations for ourselves and the participants in our programs. We believe optimism is both contagious and inspirations. Our optimism will inspire others to share our positive attitude and our belief that together we can achieve anything.
PILLAR OF FOCUS
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
We believe long-term player development is achieved through a collective effort to focus on the process, not the outcome. We are devoted to the long-term development of our players technically, tactically, physically and mentally.
AROUND THE CLUB
We want to know what our players, teams and coaches are up to on and off the pitch. Share your photos at the link below and you might be featured in our next newsletter!
TEAM WINS
SPORTING 2009 BOYS BLUE CAP OFF SEASON WITH DOMINANT CHAMPIONSHIP RUN IN WICHITA
There’s no better way to end a season than by hoisting hardware—and the Sporting 2009 Boys Blue did just that this past weekend in Wichita. With four wins, zero losses, and not a single goal conceded, the boys in blue capped off their campaign with a statement: they are a team to watch.
Their final match wasn’t for the faint of heart, coming down to penalty kicks after a tightly contested draw. But cool heads and confident strikes saw them through with a 5-4 PK victory, bringing the championship home in dramatic fashion.
It’s been a season of growth and grit for this U-16 squad. They burst out of the gate strong in the fall and, despite being hit with a couple of key injuries mid-season, maintained their spot among the top contenders in the Silver Bracket of the OSA. That resilience paid off—and the chemistry they’ve built over the year was on full display in Wichita.
Under the guidance of Coach Juan Lucas, the team has fully embraced a Spanish-style possession game that’s turning heads everywhere they go. Coaches, opponents, and fans alike have taken notice—not just of the results, but of the beautiful way Sporting 09 Blue plays the game. Their precision passing and seamless movement have become their signature, setting them apart in every tournament they enter.
Looking ahead, there’s even more to be excited about. Coach Juan Lucas will once again lead the 2009 Boys Blue, but his impact is expanding. For the first time, he will also manage and coach both the 2009 MLS Next 2 and the Sporting 2010 MLS Next 2 teams. His commitment to technical, possession-based soccer will continue to shape and develop these young athletes, and we’re eager to see how this next chapter unfolds.
The foundation is strong, the style is sharp, and the future looks incredibly bright for this talented squad. If Wichita was the exclamation point to their season, next year could be the bold headline.
“What an incredible season these girls coached by Brock Gillham have had! They were champions of our 2nd and 3rd grade division and looked like they had a blast doing it!”
“The 2016 girls have had a busy spring. We were finalists in the Next Gen tournament in April and have been playing competing well in the 2016 boys division for league play. This is a team to watch!”
Jamie MacGregor, Director Academy Affiliates traveled to Norman to spend some time with our teams last month.
OSSO: Expert Orthopedic Care for Sporting Oklahoma Athletes
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
