NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2025
Sporting Oklahoma
Vol. One | Jan. 2025
FROM OUR DOPD
FLASH CARTER, DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Sporting Family,
My name is Flash Carter, I'm beyond excited to kick off this new chapter as the Director of Player Development, where I'll be working with Sporting Kansas City to shape our club's curriculum, instilling our unique club culture, and most importantly, overseeing the development of each and every one of our players. This will come in way of Individual Development Plan’s, implementing our game model and having our players and families know and implement “The Sporting Way”.
I can't wait to see where this journey takes us.
As part of our commitment to keeping you all in the loop, this newsletter will be a regular feature to keep you updated on all club news and events.
Here's to the future and all the exciting things to come!
Cheers,
Flash
FROM OUR ACADEMY DOC
EVAN DRESEL,
ACADEMY DIRECTOR OF COACHING
Sporting Academy Family,
My name is Evan Dresel, Academy Director at Sporting Oklahoma. We are excited to keep you all updated through our newsletters and share club news, events, and achievements.
I am extremely excited to begin working with all of you to create an environment where players can learn about the game, play with freedom, and most importantly have fun.
I will be working alongside our club DOPD to ensure our players and families are being exposed to the clubs culture & curriculum to help every child succeed. I can’t wait to see the growth from each and every one of you as well as every team throughout the course of this year.
Thank you,
Evan
CLUB WINS!
LET’S CELEBRATE!
Over $15,000 was raised for the Sporting Oklahoma Scholarship Fund from the Family FUNday Raffle!
OPL CHAMPIONS
2006 Boys & 2006 Boys Blue sitting in 1st and Second (HS Boys D1)
2011 Girls (U14 D1)
2012 Girls (U13 D1)
2ND PLACE
2009 G (U19 D1)
FCL (USYS NL)
2006 Boys Sitting in 2nd
2011 Girls Tied for 2nd
FALL TOURNAMENTS
SKC Classic Champions - 2013 G
OEFC Winter Showcase Champions - 2013G & 2014B
SMU MEN’S SOCCER CAMP MVP
Jude Harrington
ODP
Marjorie Whitson and Nene Randolph were selected from the 2024 ODP South Intra-Regional Combine that took place in Murfreesboro, TN. They advanced to the South Region Combine that will took place in Charlotte, NC.
IN THE HEADLINES
2014 BOYS MAKE THE FINALS
OF THE MIDWEST CITY PATRIOT CUP!
The boys played the second half of the semi-final with only eight players, and still managed to walk away with the win.
Shortly after this, the final game was held. The boys came up a little short, but we are so proud of the grit and determination they showed in a thrilling 6-5 game.
This team has already developed so much in such a short period of time, and we cannot see what they achieve this year!
2016 GIRLS WIN THE MIDWEST CITY PATRIOT CUP!
The girls came out with a bang in the first three matches earning them a spot in the final on Sunday. They continued their dominance through the final game earning a first place finish in the tournament. It's fun to see all of their hard work paying off!"
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
NUTRITION FOR SOCCER PLAYERS: When is the best time to eat?
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, RICHIE BUZ
Richie’s journey with Sporting Oklahoma is a testament to his growth, both as a player and as a person. From the moment he joined the club, it was clear he was destined for great things in football. As a team captain for the 06 Boys, Richie was a natural leader, guiding the team to a 2nd place finish in his final season in the E64. His leadership extended beyond the field when the team traveled to England, where he put in standout performances against Cardiff AFC, Bridlington FC, and Salford City, leading to him earning an incredible opportunity to play for an up-and-coming professional set up in the North East of England, South Shields!
Richie said, “Sporting Oklahoma has helped me develop into the player and person I am today, Im very thankful for all the opportunities, experiences and lessons I've learned since joining the club.”
AROUND THE LEAGUES
RETURN TO THE FRONTIER CONFERENCE LEAGUE
The 2024-25 season marks a return for Sporting Oklahoma to the team-based division of the USYS National League, the Frontier Conference League (FCL). Some of our top teams will look to compete against the top qualifying teams from North Texas, South Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The FCL is one of 13 conferences within the USYS National League, which features 4,500+ teams from across the United States. Success in the FCL provides an opportunity for direct advancement into the top Regional and National Competitions of the USYS, and the only way to earn automatic qualification into the USYS National League Quarterfinals.
To learn more about the FCL, click here.
OKLAHOMA PREMIER LEAGUE
Sporting Oklahoma teams will continue to participate in multiple tiers of the Oklahoma Premier League (OPL). Teams will have the opportunity to promote to the division above their current placement, or face relegation to the lower division, as needed. Division I of the OPL is the highest state-level division available under USYS, and a top-tier finish will qualify teams for the USYS National League the following season. Division I of the OPL is the
only Oklahoma Premier League Division with a pathway to the USYS National League. OPL Divisions II, III and IV provide an opportunity for us to find the perfect fit for the development of all our players, which remains one of our top priorities.
YOUTH ACADEMY LEAGUE & SORL
The 2024-25 season marks the third year of the Youth Academy League (YAL), which provides our Academy teams the opportunity to compete against other USYS clubs in a fall and spring season format. The season is underway, and we look forward to updating you on the action our teams will see in the YAL!
The Sporting Oklahoma Recreational League (SORL) is in full swing at Pinecrest Park, with an eye on expanding operations into the Norman/Moore/South OKC area with the opening of the facility on W Indian Hills Road. The expansion will provide an improved experience for teams competing in both the Pinecrest Park and W Indian Hills leagues. We are also excited to announce Matt Ross as our new SORL Director. Look for more information from Matt regarding the SORL in the next newsletter.
GET TO KNOW OUR COACHES
JEREMY HYMEL
Jeremy grew up in Del City, and started playing soccer at age eight. He played competitive soccer during U12-U19 and coached competitively for twenty years. Jeremy has also coached collegiate level DII and NAIA for over ten years.
Favorite team: Manchester United
Favorite player: Arjen Robben
Favorite quote: "Make it happen."
Hobbies: Storm Chasing, Bass Fishing
Favorite Meal: Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes
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
SPORTSMANSHIP
We are passionate about sportsmanship and expect the members of our club to respect the rules, spirit and etiquette of the game. We will respect our teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators. We will be a positive reflection of ourselves, our team, our club and our community.
PILLAR OF FOCUS
ATTITUDE & EFFORT
Success is measured by our effort and attitude, not by wins and losses. We are committed to having a positive mindset and a relentless work ethic both on and off the field.
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!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Sporting Oklahoma may periodically add, change, improve and update the information and documents on this website. Sporting Oklahoma assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this website. Any information provided on this website is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Sporting Oklahoma makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of this website or the information, products, or services contained within this website. Any reliance on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk.